Brian Keith, the former star of “Hardcastle...

Brian Keith, the former star of “Hardcastle & McCormick” and “Family Affair,” is starring in “Heartland,” a new series for CBS premiering March 20 at 8:30 p.m. He plays what the network describes as “an old and crusty but lovable small-town bigot who has something insulting to say about everyone.” Yes, this is a comedy, set on a farm in Nebraska.

People: Don Rickles and Ed McMahon make guest appearances on “Newhart” Monday. . . . Following in the footsteps of Stephanie Beacham, who transferred her character Sable from the late “Colbys” series to “Dynasty,” Tracy Scoggins joins the cast of the ABC soap on Thursday, again playing Monica Colby. . . . Rock singer Pat Benatar makes her acting debut in “Stepfather,” an “ABC Afterschool Special” due to air April 20.

The USA Network has lined up Keith Carradine, Stacy Keach and Steve Railsback for the first of its 24 original cable movies. The film is called “The Forgotten” and concerns six Green Berets who are finally released by the Vietnamese government, only to discover that their troubles aren’t over. It was written by Railsback and Keach’s brother, James, who also is directing.

“The New Card Sharks” has been handed its walking papers by CBS. It will be replaced April 3 by a new game show, “Now You See It,” in which contestants must find words hidden in a grid of letters. It will be hosted by Chuck Henry.

Reviving their former TV series in a two-hour TV movie are Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno, who will star in “The Trial of the Incredible Hulk” for NBC. Bixby is the movie’s director and executive producer too.