EVA LONGORIA is returning to broadcast.

    “The Desperate Housewives” and “Telenovela” grad has closed a deal to star in the Fox comedy pilot “Type-A.”

    Based on the Aaron James book “Assholes: A Theory,” the office comedy revolves around a group of consultants who are hand-picked to do the dirty work most professionals can’t handle, including layoffs, downsizing and generally delivering horrible news. To everyone else, they’re the enemy, but to each other, they’re family.

    Longoria, who fielded multiple pilot-season offers, will play Axler, the ambitious, brutally honest consultant who is at war with her inner “nice girl.” The actress is the first person cast in the pilot.

    Lesley Wake Webster (“Life in Pieces”) will pen the script and executive-produce alongside Jason Winer, who will direct the 20th Century Fox Television single-camera pilot.

    “Type-A” expands Longoria’s relationship with the network and studio as she next guest-stars on Fox’s “Empire” as Charlotte Frost, the formidable director of the all-powerful state gaming commission who has the power to make or break Lucious’ (Terrence Howard) dreams of expanding Empire’s reach to Las Vegas.

    Longoria’s TV credits include NBC’s short-lived “Telenovela” and exec-producing (in addition to directing and guest-starring on) Lifetime’s “Devious Maids” as well as a recurring role on Fox’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”(SD-Agencies)