CBS to Try Out Seven New Series This Summer

CBS, which has seen a one-time summer show turn into a major hit with “Northern Exposure,” said Wednesday that it will give seven new series an opportunity to make lightning strike again this summer.

Making their debuts on CBS in June, July and August (with most dates to be announced later) will be:

* “Grapevine,” a comedy about relationships. Created by David Frankel (“Doctor, Doctor”), it stars Jonathan Penner, Lynn Clark and Steven Eckholdt as three friends in Miami who each week talk about and interact with a couple they know. Six episodes have been ordered.

* “Cutters,” a comedy about father-and-son barbers (Dakin Matthews, Robert Hays) who are forced into business with the operators of a beauty salon (Margaret Whitton, Julia Campbell). Five episodes have been ordered from executive producers Allan Burns (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”), Burt Metcalf (“MASH”) and Howard M. Gould.

* “The Hollywood Game,” a game show based on movie and television trivia, hosted by Bob Goen. It will air Fridays at 8 p.m., beginning June 19.

* “2000 Malibu Road,” about four women who share a beachfront home. It was created by Terry Louise Fisher (co-creator of “L.A. Law”) and will star Lisa Hartman and Drew Barrymore. Six episodes have been ordered.

* “Bodies of Evidence,” a drama starring Lee Horsley, George Clooney and Kate McNeil as homicide detectives in Los Angeles. Eight installments have been ordered from executive producers David Jacobs (“Knots Landing”) and James L. Conway.

* “Raven,” a drama about an American martial arts master (Jeffrey Meek) who is “on the run from the murderous world of the ninja assassins that he once infiltrated and then betrayed.” The show, which is set in Hawaii and co-stars Lee Majors, has a seven-episode order.

* “Middle Ages,” an hour ensemble series about a group of people in Chicago dealing with personal and professional problems. The cast includes Peter Riegert, William Russ, James Gammon, Ruby Dee, Kyle Secor, Ashley Crow and Amy Brenneman. Six episodes are planned.