From 2002 to 2003 Cortese also starred in The WB television series "What I Like About You" in a recurring role as Val's boss, Vic Maledeo. He reprised the role as a series regular from 2005 to 2006 during the fourth and final season. He also directed the episode "The Other Woman" that same season. In 2004 he appeared in two episodes of "8 Simple Rules", playing Bridget's (Kaley Cuoco) tennis coach. Also in 2004 he starred in the Sci-Fi film "" for SyFy.