In an effort to flag waning interest, NBC medical drama 'ER' is attempting to resuscitate itself with stunt casting and gimmicks. The show will feature a real-time taped episode (an ER first) with Ray Liotta as a guest star. The episode, which will air November 11th features Liotta as an alcoholic ex-con who shakes things up when he comes into the emergency room suffering from hallucinations.

'He is a guy who, in some ways, has been very self-destructive in terms of criminal behavior and his health,' executive producer David Zabel, explained to The Hollywood Reporter. Zabel, who wrote the script, went on to say that the episode will consist of 44 consecutive minutes of this man’s treatment and his interactions with the staff.

'ER' first experimented with real-time action in 1997 when the fourth-season premiere aired live on both the East and West coasts. This year’s stunt will be part of sweeps week. Casting continues to shift on “ER” with Alex Kingston leaving her role as Dr. Corday and Shane Alexander and Madchen Amick joining the cast.

Liotta is famous for hard-boiled performances in movies like “Good Fellas,” 'Identity,' and 'Narc.'