Abc Announces Midseason Series Dates

ABC has announced midseason premiere dates for four new series.

“High Incident,” a police drama starring David Keith, begins March 4 at 9 p.m. The sitcom “Buddies,” starring Dave Chappelle and Christopher Gartin, previews March 5 at 9:30 before moving to Wednesdays at 9:30. “Muppets Tonight!” - in which Jim Henson’s crew takes over a TV station premieres at 8:30 on March 8, followed by “Aliens in the Family” at 9.

Of the series displaced by the new shows, only “Champs,” the new comedy starring Timothy Busfield, goes on hiatus. Wednesday night’s “The Naked Truth” will end its season before the debut of “Buddies,” and Friday’s “Boy Meets World” and “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” will return in May with original episodes, according to an ABC spokeswoman.

Silverstone to play Batgirl

Alicia Silverstone is set to star as Batgirl opposite Val Kilmer and Chris O’Donnell in the upcoming Warner Bros. picture “Batman and Robin,” it was announced.

It is also believed that Uma Thurman will join the cast as villainess Poison Ivy, who kills with her kiss. Sources said a deal is close to being concluded. Warner Bros. reps declined comment.

The new “Batman,” the fourth in the series, is set to start shooting this fall. Joel Schumacher directs, his second outing behind the Batwheel.

Silverstone has been a hot commodity since the success of Paramount’s “Clueless.” Since then, she has signed a two-picture deal with Columbia Pictures for a reported $10 million. The first of those pictures, “Excess Baggage,” shoots this year. Silverstone’s other credits include “The Crush,” “Hideaway,” “The Babysitter,” “Le Nouveau Monde” and “True Crime.”