Sometimes it's done for a good cause--Amanda Peet asking parents to inoculate their children.

FORBES: Stars Vs. Science

With Christopher Plummer, Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Peet, and many, many others.

NEWYORKER: Syriana

This year's pilot roster includes Ted Danson, Tina Fey, Calista Flockhart, Elton John, Spike Lee, John Lithgow, Amanda Peet, Matthew Perry and James Woods, none of whom come cheap.

FORBES: Pilots That Crash