HBO in the mood for 13 segs of 'Sex'

By RAY RICHMOND

HBO has ordered 13 episodes of the new comedy series "Sex in the City," based on Candace Bushnell's comic exploration of sex and dating in New York City.

Sarah Jessica Parker heads a cast that also features Kristin Davis ("Melrose Place," "Seinfeld"), Kim Cattrall ("The Heidi Chronicles") and Cynthia Nixon.

Production on the series is skedded to begin early next year, according to sources.