Abc Pulls Switch With ‘Sabrina’ Opener
ABC is getting good results from its two new “TGIF” comedies, “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” at 8:30, followed by “Clueless” at 9.
Even though the shows are outperforming the series that occupied their time slots a year ago, next week, the network tries to refine the evening by moving “Boy Meets World” to 8:30, followed by “Sabrina” at 9 and “Clueless” at 9:30.
Tonight, ABC was all set to air the entertaining “Clueless” series pilot - a half-hour guest-starring Bronson Pinchot as a substitute teacher that Cher (Rachel Blanchard) finds irresistible.
For whatever reason, the network has decided to hold it back, presumably to air in November’s ratings sweeps. It’s that funny.
Oddly enough, Pinchot appears in the replacement half-hour as an exclusive celebrity hair stylist who gives Cher the worst haircut of her life.
Did you think “Clueless” would be about anything important?
Highlights
“Baseball,” NBC at 5: The Yankees and Orioles meet in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series.
“Everybody Loves Raymond,” CBS at 8:30: Ray (Ray Romano) feels guilty about flirting with a waitress (Tina Arning). So, when she calls his house to say he left his wallet behind, he panics and denies knowing her - raising Debra’s (Patricia Heaton) suspicions.
“Sabrina,” ABC at 9: Singer Randy Travis guest stars when Sabrina (Melissa Joan Hart) accidentally turns the toddler she sits for into a grown man.
“The X-Files,” FOX at 9: This show finds so many ways to entertain. Mulder and Scully investigate an unspeakable crime in a small town. The grim story is contrasted by a humorous twist: The town sheriff’s name is Andy Taylor, and his deputy’s name is Barney.
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” CBS at 9: How many ways can this series rewrite the same premise? To protect a beautiful young singer (Angela Teek), Mr. Smith (Scott Bakula) poses as a pop singer. A jealous Mrs. Smith tags along, acting as a backup singer. Tony-winner Bakula (“Romance, Romance”) sings a tune by Billy Dean aptly titled “That Girl’s Been Spyin’ on Me.”
“Nash Bridges,” CBS at 10: Bridges (Don Johnson) is pitted against a former best friend (William Russ of “Boy Meets World”) who has gone from good to bad.
Here’s another one we’ve seen too many times. Nash’s pal is in town to assassinate a well-known heroin dealer. That puts Bridges in the position of protecting a drug dealer and possibly facing his old buddy in a deadly showdown.
Parents’ pick
“KABLAM!” NICK at 8: Here’s some wild stuff for older Nickelodeon fans. Each show, presented as a video comic book, features a collection of animated and stop-action shorts.
“Action League Now” is a hilarious send-up of the action-hero genre; “Sniz & Fondue” are a couple of crazy cats cut from the “Ren & Stimpy” mold. Give Nickelodeon credit for giving kids a show with sophisticated humor.
Cable Calls
“Masters of Fantasy: Rick Baker,” SCI at 8: One of Hollywood’s great magic-makers is profiled. Baker - who created special-effects makeup for his first feature when he was 17 - is the genius behind such films as “An American Werewolf in London,” “Harry and the Hendersons” and Eddie Murphy’s remake of “The Nutty Professor.”
“30-Minute Movie,” SHO at 9:30: The provocative short-film series continues with the compelling story of a space traveler (Steven Weber) who has second thoughts when he’s ordered to destroy his genetically engineered assistant.
“Not Necessarily the Elections,” HBO at 11:30: Emmy-winner Dennis Miller takes aim at the presidential candidates for the next four Friday nights. From the producers of “Not Necessarily the News,” this should be good for a lot of laughs - at the expense of Bill Clinton, Bob Dole and Ross Perot.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor-comedians Rodney Dangerfield and Adam Sandler and baseball spit collector Adam Bloom.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Boxer George Foreman, actor Tom Everett Scott and singer Shawn Colvin.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Actor Peter Gallagher, actor-comedian Eric Idle and musical guest Los Lobos.