\nWhen \"My Name is Earl\" claims its new Thursday night timeslot next week, he might be bringing a few guests along for what NBC is hoping to be a must-see ride.\n\nOK -- maybe it's not next week, unless you count the fact that they are bringing along their sidekicks at \"The Office.\" However, TV Guide is reporting that creator Greg Garcia says that even though they don't want to get out of control with the special guest stars, a few familiar faces will be popping up before the end of the season.\n\nExpect Giovanni Ribisi to return as Earl's ex-con buddy Ralph, and actor/director Jon Favreau (\"Elf\") and Christine Taylor (\"Dodgeball\") will also be dropping by the trailer park to say hello. \n\nThat's all that Garcia has planned for now. \"Right now, our cast size of five regulars seems to be ideal,\" he says. \"What's been exciting is to find characters like Giovanni's, who we're able to use four to five times a season. We want to make it feel like a small town, so we want to keep revisiting those characters.\"\n\nHey -- it seems to be working. \"My Name is Earl\" returns with new episodes on Thursday, January 5 at 9:00 p.m. (EST) on NBC. -- Rachel Cericola\n