Cbs Changes Lineup To Challenge Abc
CBS tinkers a bit with its Friday schedule, trying to come up with a combination that effectively counters ABC’s “T.G.I.F.” lineup.
Starting tonight, Bill Cosby’s “Kids Say the Darndest Things” makes its regular-season debut at 8. “The Gregory Hines Show” moves to 8:30. “Family Matters” slides into the 9 o’clock spot, and “Step By Step” stays put at 9:30.
It makes good sense. “Family Matters,” now in its ninth season, has become more of a teen series that older kids can stay up to watch at 9.
Cosby’s show is a natural for 8; it’s a family show that young children and their parents can share. And it’s good to see CBS giving family-friendly “Hines” the shot it deserves.
“Kids Say the Darndest Things,” which has aired twice as a special, will include a classic clip from “Art Linkletter’s House Party” as a regular feature. Tonight’s topics include the burial of a dead goldfish and a chat with a boy who found a love letter hidden in dad’s dresser.
The “Gregory Hines” episode features a guest appearance by Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, who comes to Ben’s (Hines) rescue when he volunteers to run a celebrity auction for Matty’s (Brandon Hammond) school.
Highlights
“Sabrina, The Teenage Witch,” ABC at 8: When Kraft (Martin Mull) insists on chaperoning a class ski trip, Sabrina (Melissa Joan Hart) decides to loosen things up by casting a spell that gives him a teenage point of view.
But the lesson learned is that you don’t want a teenager in charge of a ski trip. It’s up to Sabrina to save the day.
A “Sabrina” repeat, guest-starring Robby Benson, airs at 9.
“Millennium,” FOX at 9: The investigation into a series of assisted suicides reveals that they are the work of a serial killer. The perpetrator is a mysterious nurse who has assumed the name Steve Kiley - the name of James Brolin’s character on “Marcus Welby, M.D.”
“Teen Angel,” ABC at 9:30: Steve (Corbin Allred) finds home life unbearable when his dad (Tommy Hinkley) moves back home, as well as his grandfather (Jerry Van Dyke). Even his angel buddy Marty (Mike Damus) can’t bring peace.
Hinkley and Van Dyke become regular cast members as Disney-owned ABC tries to liven up this series. It probably would have been gone by now but for the fact it’s produced by Disney’s Touchstone Television.
“Homicide: Life on the Street,” NBC at 10: In an explosive episode, Lewis (Clark Johnson) and Falsone (Jon Seda) work the case of a white man found hanged in Baltimore. Evidence leads to the possibility the death was a lynching.
Cable Calls
“Joe’s Apartment” (1996), SHOW at 8:30: Joe’s (Jerry O’Connell) infested with cockroaches - but not ordinary cockroaches. These sing, dance and talk and generally drive Joe and his landlord (Don Ho) crazy.
This is not for the squeamish or anyone who has a real roach problem. But the special effects are entertaining and the movie full of wicked good laughs.
“20th Century,” A&E at 7 and 11: Veteran news reporters and military chiefs are interviewed in “Uneasy Partners: The Press and the Military.”
The hour contrasts the different positions of those who run the wars and those who report on them. Particular attention is paid to the difference between World War II and 1990’s Persian Gulf War.
“Dennis Miller Live,” HBO at 11:30: Television’s smartest late-night talk show launches a fifth season with guest Whoopi Goldberg.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Denzel Washington and Calista Flockhart (“Ally McBeal”).
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Penelope Ann Miller, $1 Million Touchdown Challenge winner Terry Pledger and musical guest Collective Soul.
“Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher,” ABC at 12:05 a.m.: Donnie Wahlberg, author Les Brown and MSNBC contributor Jennifer Grossman.
“The Late Late Show With Tom Snyder,” CBS at 12:35 a.m.: Dennis Miller (“Dennis Miller Live”).
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actress Minnie Driver and musical guest B.B. King.