Cheech <i> or</i> Chong

Richard (Cheech) Marin and Tommy Chong are splitting even wider--with separate TV deals. Cheech has inked a deal with MGM for a series that has a six-segment order from NBC--but no staff, producer or even concept at this writing. And Chong has just wrapped taping on eight installments of “Trial and Error,” a half-hour comedy that could make it to CBS’ airwaves by spring.

Chong will be seen only in the closing credits as co-creator and exec producer of the Embassy series about two Latino roomies--one a straight-laced aspiring lawyer (Eddie Velez) and the other a wily T-shirt entrepreneur (Paul Rodriguez). Chong doesn’t appear in any of the segments.

As for the Cheech project, said an MGM spokesman, “what NBC bought was the crazy, zany humor of Cheech Marin--the exact vehicle is unknown.” Marin will star and may produce or be a creative consultant--that will be determined after MGM topper David Gerber names a production team.