NBC ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAMMING

“The Bronx Zoo,” starring Ed Asner, and “Rags to Riches,” with Joseph Bologna, will join the NBC lineup in March, putting into action a two-stage midseason programming change announced Thursday by the network.

Asner plays the principal of an inner-city high school troubled with drugs and violence in “Bronx Zoo,” which will preview March 19 and then air 10-11 p.m. Wednesdays starting March 25. Kathryn Harrold, David Wilson, Kathleen Beller and Nicholas Pryor are others in the cast. The hourlong drama temporarily will replace “St. Elsewhere,” which will return in May with new episodes.

Bologna portrays a millionaire playboy who becomes the guardian of five orphan girls in the musical-drama “Rags to Riches.” Following a premiere on March 9, it will be seen 8-9 p.m. Sundays effective March 15.

In addition to these two hourlong drama series, NBC also will debut two comedies. “Nothing in Common,” based on the movie about the problems of communicating between a father and son (starring Bill Macy and Todd Waring), will air Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. starting March 26.

“Roomies,” about a retired Marine (Burt Young) who goes back to college and ends up with a 14-year-old whiz kid (Corey Haim) for a roommate, will air Fridays at 8 p.m. beginning March 27. It will have a preview on March 19.

NBC also said seven series will have new time slots: “Valerie” (Mondays at 8:30 p.m.), “Gimme a Break” (Tuesdays at 9 p.m.), “Easy Street” (Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m.), “Hill Street Blues” (Tuesdays at 10 p.m.), “Night Court” (Wednesdays at 9 p.m.), “Amazing Stories” (Fridays at 8:30 p.m.) and “Stingray” (Fridays at 10 p.m.).

“Crime Story” will have its final original telecast on March 13.

Phase two of the programming changes will arrive in April with the debut of three more series: “Sweet Surrender,” “The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd” and “Me and Mrs. C.” Details on these shows were not announced.

Looking to fall, NBC picked up “Our House” and “Night Court” for next season.