Networks Fine-Tuning Fall Lineups

More family sitcoms, crime series will join staged,
unscripted shows next season.

By BRIAN LOWRY, Times Staff Writer --

("snipped")

ABC's schedule was also taking shape Sunday, with the network expected to order three new dramas and a pair of new comedies.

The network has gone for star appeal in its new sitcoms, which are "Bob Patterson," starring "Seinfeld's" Jason Alexander as a motivational speaker whose own life is a mess; and a family sitcom starring Jim Belushi, with "Ally McBeal's" Courtney Thorne-Smith as his wife.

ABC's new dramas are "Philly," casting "NYPD Blue's" Kim Delaney as a defense attorney and single mom, from "Blue" producer Steven Bochco; "Alias," with Jennifer Garner playing a young spy, from the co-creator of "Felicity"; and "Thieves," which brings back John Stamos paired with Melissa George as high-tech thieves drafted by the government to retrieve stolen items.

After running four hours of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" this season--a decision many felt diluted the franchise--ABC is expected to scale back the Regis Philbin quiz show to three nights. * * *
The network has dropped two high-profile, first-year series, "Gideon's Crossing" and "The Geena Davis Show," but will renew a trio of comedy series that premiered in March: the Damon Wayans family sitcom "My Wife and Kids," which will be paired with Belushi's show on Wednesdays; "What About Joan," with Joan Cusack; and "The Job," starring Denis Leary.

ABC is also ordering a third season of the romantic drama "Once and Again" despite sluggish ratings. Sources say the renewal is in part because the program is produced by ABC parent Disney, which wants to extend its relationship with the show's producers, Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz.

At press time, industry sources indicated "Once and Again" may run Fridays at 10 p.m., prompting "20/20"--a longtime fixture in that hour--to find a home elsewhere, which would surely draw the wrath of anchor Barbara Walters. ABC officials could not be reached for comment.

(rest of the article "snipped")__L.A. Times (May 14, 2001)