Midseason mellows

Webs show patience, make fewer charges

By JOSEF ADALIAN

NEW YORK -- The webs are taking a somewhat calmer approach to midseason shuffling this year, launching fewer shows and making fewer dramatic sked changes.

While there will be plenty of lineup adjustments over the next few weeks, as last fall's frosh failures are replaced with fresh hopefuls, the revamps won't be quite as drastic as in years past. In part, that's because nets are sticking by marginal shows longer, thus requiring less shuffling.

Some webheads are making a conscious effort to avoid confusing viewers any more than absolutely necessary. As the number of channel choices continues to explode, auds are taking longer to discover shows, making stability a virtue.

In other cases, radical changes have already been made. NBC and UPN, for example, have already made moves to shore up wobbly lineups.

Here's a net-by-net look at what's next as the webs enter the second half of the 1998-99 season:

CBS

The Eye's biggest hope is "60 Minutes II," which launches Jan. 13 in what has been one of the Eye's most troubled slots: 9 p.m. Wednesdays. Even modest ratings gains would be considered a success.

The drama "Turks" bows Thursdays at 9 later this month with little hype and modest expectations. It pushes "Diagnosis Murder" to 8 p.m., with "Promised Land" taking a breather until March.

"The Magnificent Seven" returns to the Eye's lineup Friday at 9, replacing the canceled "Buddy Faro."

NBC

The plucked Peacock has already revamped its Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday skeds; this week it tackles Friday nights with its lone newcomer slated so far: "Providence."

The hybrid medical-family drama is slated to bow Friday at 8, pushing "Dateline" to 9. Expectations are low -- though "Providence" will be the only femme-targeted Big Four drama in its slot.

A revamped "Lateline," featuring less Al Franken and more of the ensemble cast, returns Wednesday in the 9 p.m. slot to battle ABC's solid "Drew Carey" and the Eye's soon-to-launch "60 Minutes II."

Still no word on what NBC plans for Saturdays at 8; specs are filling the gap for now.

ABC

No new entertainment series have been slated yet, though announcements are expected soon.

ABC moves "Cupid" to Thursdays at 9 this week, hoping NBC's fading "Must-See TV" franchise will be vulnerable to a challenge. It will be followed by a rotating mix of ABC News specials at 10.

On Mondays, the web's post-pigskin plan calls for a fourth "20/20" at 8 (launching Feb. 1) and movies at 9. Saturdays at 8 will probably consist of reality programming, with younger-skewing movies at 9.

Fox

Eddie Murphy's foamation comedy "The PJs" settles in behind "King of the Hill" Tuesdays at 8:30 later this month, hopefully giving "King of the Hill" a much-needed suitable companion.

No other changes yet, though the Super Bowl will give Fox a chance to launch its much-hyped animated gem "Family Guy," which will probably join the schedule full-time in March.

WB

A revamped Sunday comedy lineup led by midseason laffer "Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane" bows this month -- the only sked change announced so far by the netlet.

On Mondays, however, "Hyperion Bay" is getting a revamp, with Carmen Electra joining the cast.

UPN

The animated "Dilbert" bows Mondays at 8 later this month, and "The Sentinel" returns on Mondays, while the failed Fox comedy "Between Brothers" has been picked up for a new Tuesday comedy lineup.

New reality shows will fill in other holes in the lineup as programmers regroup.