Behold the tangled web that ensnared Neil Patrick Harris and Ted Danson into being "American Idol" seatmates

David Burtka, Neil Patrick Harris, Ted Danson, and half of Mary Steenburgen

So American Idol had its first live shows this week, and the big news (other than the fact that the season's most "theatrical" competitor made it to the Top 36) was that the show would be eliminating all but the top three from the first 12 performers.

At least, the show wishes that was the big news. Because what the boards were really buzzing about after Monday's show was the fact that none other than Hollywood Alpha Gay Neil Patrick Harris and Ted "don't call me Sam Malone" Danson were seated side-by-side in the front row of the audience.

A lot of speculation has been flying around as to what, if any, connection there is between the two men. 

Allow us to demystify...

Yes, NPH and Ted are connected through Billy Dee Williams, Denise Richards, Mark Hamill, Mitchell Anderson, Michael Caine, Kirstie Alley, Dianne Wiest, Christopher Reeve, and Mary Steenburgen via Doogie Howser, MD, Undercover Brother, Starship Troopers, Jaws: The Revenge, Deathtrap, Village of the Damned, Hannah and Her Sisters, Cheers, Parenthood, Becker, and Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Or, if you're more into the whole "brevity" thing: