‘Baby Talk’ Is Out, ‘Head of Class’ Is In, as ABC Recasts Fall Lineup

Because of delays in recasting the lead of its new sitcom based on the hit movie “Look Who’s Talking,” ABC has replaced “Baby Talk” on its upcoming Tuesday night lineup with the veteran comedy series “Head of the Class,” Robert Iger, president of ABC Entertainment, said today.

Problems with “Baby Talk” erupted as the show was to begin production two weeks ago when Columbia Pictures Television abruptly declared that star Connie Sellecca was off the show. Sellecca subsequently filed a $1.5-million lawsuit against Columbia and Ed. Weinberger, executive producer of the series, claiming she was wrongfully forced off the show.

Columbia initially announced that it intended to recast Sellecca’s part within a week and resume production. Though Julia Duffy, formerly of “Newhart,” is reportedly the leading candidate, no deal has been finalized.

“Head of the Class,” which lost its star last spring when Howard Hesseman decided to call it quits after four seasons, had previously been designated by ABC as a mid-season replacement. Billy Connolly, a stand-up comedian from Scotland who has appeared frequently on “Late Night With David Letterman,” will replace Hesseman as the teacher in charge of a class of honor students.