Fall Barriers and Breakthroughs

Welcome to the wonderful world of color.

Oh, but we jest.

After a summer of discontent among outraged minorities given short shrift by the four major networks, the 1999 fall season officially gets underway with what will be remembered by many as the year of the whitewash.

A total of 37 new series will be rolled out this autumn, many of them now adding ethnic characters to their mix, while also placing an unprecedented premium on youth.

CBS, which captured last season’s prime-time ratings crown, has its eye on another with a combination of comedy and drama. Runner-up NBC strives to bounce back by relying on tried-and-true producers.

ABC alters its lineup with newcomers on five of the seven nights. And for better or worse, fresh Fox fare bears the sharpest edge.

Meanwhile, the upstart WB expands to Fridays with wall-to-wall sitcoms as laggard UPN puts the accent on action and humor.

To help make sense of these synergistic strategies, here is a nightly overview presenting premises and prospects for each of the entries.

SUNDAY

“Third Watch”

8 p.m. NBC

Premieres Thursday at 10 p.m.

Moves to its regular slot Sept. 26

Producer John Wells scarcely gives us a chance to breathe during this breakneck drama dealing with New York police, paramedics and firefighters. Unfolding in the pulsating style of Wells’ “ER,” the frenetic pilot follows a foot chase, a car accident, a subway pregnancy, a peeping Tom, an apartment house blaze and a point-blank shooting. Whew! Along the way, we meet a brash cop (Jason Wiles), a rattled rookie (Anthony Michael Ruivivar), a weary veteran (Michael Beach) and two paramedics (Kim Raver and Bobby Cannavale) who had a thing for each other.

The prospects: NBC will watch this cop-rescue-paramedic hodgepodge closely. An educated guess says it could require resuscitation opposite “Touched by an Angel.”

*

“Snoops”

9 p.m. ABC

Premieres Sept. 26

After licking the law with varying degrees of whimsy (“Ally McBeal”) and realism (“The Practice”), the prolific David E. Kelley takes on sexy sleuths. Gina Gershon, best known for revealing roles in the saucy “Showgirls” and bracing “Bound,” stars as one of four high-tech private eyes in L.A. Paula Marshall, still seeking stardom after striking out in Fox’s “Wild Oats,” NBC’s “Chicago Sons” and ABC’s “Cupid,” co-stars with Paula Jai Parker and Danny Nucci.

The prospects: The quartet of investigators is almost as smug and smarmy as the suspects. Not a good quality for a show filling the slot of the successful “20/20.” If Kelley’s angels get their wings clipped, it could stall the momentum for his other “Practice” at 10 p.m.

*

“Jack & Jill”

9 p.m. WB

Premieres Sept. 26

No nursery rhyme here. Jack is a beguiling brunet (Amanda Peet) whose real name is Jacqueline Barrett. Jill is short for a tall toymaker (Ivan Sergei) named David Jillefsky. Jill meets Jack while deciding whether he should move in with his trusting girlfriend Elisa (Sarah Paulson). Elisa encounters Jack after helping her land a job as a TV newswriter, unaware that Jill is smitten with Jack. Confused? The resolution of this tricky triangle sparks the scripts for a romantic comedy set in New York.

The prospects: “Jack & Jill” went up a hill to fetch a pail of Nielsens. Ah, but will they tumble toward a happy ending? One consideration: Peet replaced the first actress to play Jack, who had a good thing going with Sergei.

MONDAY

“Time of Your Life”

8 p.m. Fox

Premieres Oct. 25

These times, they are a changin’ for Sarah Merrin (Jennifer Love Hewitt). After years as Bailey Salinger’s sensitive girlfriend on “Party of Five,” Sarah says so long to San Francisco and moves to New York.

The prospects: Producers overhauled the first pilot, in which Sarah was seeking her biological father, switching to a more realistic tone and adding Johnathon Schaech (“Houdini”) as her love interest. Since timing is everything (Hewitt will “Party” on three episodes to open the season), the delayed debut of this unpreviewed drama could turn into a blessing.

*

“Ladies Man”

8:30 p.m. CBS

Premieres Monday

Pity Jimmy Stiles (Alfred Molina), a patient, put-upon fellow outnumbered by the six ladies in his life. Facing an uphill battle, he tries to please his pregnant wife (Sharon Lawrence), ex-wife (Park Overall), meddling mothers (Betty White and Dixie Carter) and two daughters--one rebellious, the other precocious. What’s a guy gotta do to even the odds? For starters, it would be nice if his current spouse gave birth to a son. Otherwise, Jimmy will be spending even less time in front of that bathroom mirror.

The prospects: Lady Luck was quite kind to Molina (a veteran of Broadway and indie films), who’s sittin’ pretty between “The King of Queens” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

*

“The Parkers”

8:30 p.m. UPN

Already premiered

Man-hungry Kim Parker (Countess Vaughn) has a new schoolmate. No, it’s none of the buds from “Moesha.” Instead, it’s big, brassy mother Nikki (Mo’Nique), who’s joined her at Santa Monica Junior College, where the African American Kim pursues a class in black studies. Say what? Seems she wants to “take something I can pass.”

The prospects: They walk alike, they talk alike. At times, we wish they’d take a hike. They can blow your night.

*

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”

9 p.m. NBC

Premieres Monday

There are 8 million stories in the Naked City, and many have been told on the esteemed Emmy winner “Law & Order.” In this spinoff from producer Dick Wolf, elite NYPD detectives Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) probe a series of sex crimes. Dann Florek, who once called the shots on “L&O;” as low-key Capt. Donald Cragen, gives the marching orders to his team, which includes Richard Belzer reprising his “Homicide” role as conspiracy conscious detective John Munch.

The prospects: Speaking of victims, check out the competition on CBS (“Raymond”) and Fox (“Ally McBeal”). Will NBC do the smart thing and switch it to 10 p.m.? Not the worst idea under any circumstances; the pilot deals with the brutal murder of a cabbie whose genitals were sliced off after he was stabbed 37 times.

*

“Grown Ups”

9 p.m. UPN

Already premiered

Forget the waist-high pants. Jaleel White has discarded Steve Urkel’s nerdish specs and nasal harangue, thereby turning away from old family matters. In his first starring role, White plays J, the new V.P. for a corrugated box company. Not to fear, however. There’s nothing square about his silky character, an ambitious optimist with two friends (Dave Ruby and Marissa Ribisi), all making the awkward transition from college to adulthood.

The prospects: White comes of age, but his amiable comedy is likely to be beaten black and blue. In other words, too many foes yield tons of woes.

*

“Safe Harbor”

9 p.m. WB

Premieres Monday

Gregory Harrison returns to TV in this family fare from Brenda Hampton, creator of “7th Heaven,” the WB’s most popular drama. He plays John Loring, a widowed sheriff raising three sons in a Florida coastal town. Erstwhile golden girl Rue McClanahan supplies the ostensible comic relief as the good-natured granny, a gal who kills time reading potboilers by the pool.

The prospects: Both safe and bland, the teen-skewed “Harbor” gets a heavenly lead-in from Hampton’s first hit.

*

“Family Law”

10 p.m. CBS

Premieres Monday

Lynn Holt (Kathleen Quinlan) could use a good attorney. Her miserable husband has moved out, swiping their clients (yup, she is a lawyer) and opening a Century City law firm of his own. Left with bare offices, a compassionate colleague (Julie Warner) and an arrogant ambulance chaser (Christopher McDonald), the vulnerable Holt--friends call her Lennie--must persevere, pulling together new clients quickly, even if one of them happens to be a crack-addicted mother trying to reclaim custody of two sons.

The prospects: Sympathetic in her series debut, Quinlan (“I Never Promised You a Rose Garden,” “Apollo 13”), finally gives the small screen a shot, but producers Paul Haggis (“Due South”) and Anne Kenney (“L.A. Law”) need stronger storylines to sustain interest.

TUESDAY

“Shasta McNasty”

8:30 p.m. UPN

Premieres Sept. 30

Moves to its regulat slot Oct. 5

Buddies since the first grade, Venice Beach band members Dennis (Jake Busey), Randy (Dale Godboldo) and Scott (Carmine Giovinazzo) discovered that singing gave them something deep and meaningful: access to women. And when the guys aren’t performing, they’re generally devouring pizza or eavesdropping on buxom babes.

The prospects: Think of this trio as “The Three Stooges” of hip-hop. Will they be a hit? Heck no. Hip-hip hooray!

*

“The Strip”

9 p.m. UPN

Premieres Oct. 12

Two former cops work as the security team for a Las Vegas casino owner. Elvis Ford (Sean Patrick Flanery) is cocky and casual. Jesse Weir (Guy Torry) is smooth and sharply dressed. “We’re not gonna break the law,” says Elvis, “we’re just gonna bend it.”

The prospects: Oodles of eye candy and “Analyze This” wise guy Joe Viterelli as the boss, but the annoying editing is no help. Where’s Robert Urich when you need him?

*

“Angel”

9 p.m. WB

Premieres Oct. 5

David Boreanaz brings his swagger and sensuality to this “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” spinoff, a dark, supernatural hour set in Los Angeles, where the brooding bloodsucker stalks the city’s “agents of evil” with chic, shallow Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and the enigmatic Doyle (Glenn Quinn, who played Becky’s husband on “Roseanne”).

The prospects: Looking for a stake in something worthwhile, “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon hopes to be touched by a, well, you know. Beware demons, Dharma and Greg, Will and Grace. (Unavailable for preview)

*

“The Mike O’Malley Show”

9:30 p.m. NBC

Premieres Tuesday

Mike is a self-deprecating slacker and hockey fan whose disheveled two-story home in New Haven, Conn., resembles a frat house. Like many of this fall’s new characters, Mike breaks the “fourth wall” by talking directly to viewers, making us privy to his thoughts and motivations. In the pilot, that includes concern for his best friend (Will Arnett), a doctor on the verge of marriage to his soulmate. Mike, meanwhile, tells us about the girl who got away. Perhaps she’ll give him a second chance, if he ever decides to grow up.

The prospects: O’Malley failed in his first show, a short-lived 1996 WB comedy called “Life With Roger.” This time, he has a better lead-in (“Will & Grace”), but the writing lacks bite, which opens the doors for the transplanted “Party of Five.”

*

“Once and Again”

10 p.m. ABC

Premieres Tuesday

High strung but lovely, Lily (Sela Ward), a mother of two daughters, has been separated for eight months. Boyish and modest, Rick (Billy Campbell), a father with children of his own, has been divorced for three years. After their first conversation in a principal’s office, there’s little doubt these two should grow old together. Getting their wary children to concur will test the fabric of both families.

The prospects: “thirtysomething” partners Edward Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz reclaim a familiar slot, anchoring the evening until November’s return of “NYPD Blue.” After that, a new home for their frisky, unabashedly romantic drama is up in the air.

*

“Judging Amy”

10 p.m. CBS

Premieres tonight at 8

Moves to its regular slot Tuesday

“NYPD Blue” alum Amy Brenneman stars in this tale of a New York attorney named juvenile court judge in her Connecticut hometown. Recently separated from her husband, Amy gets a fresh start by moving back to Hartford, where she and a 6-year-old daughter share a home with her opinionated mother (Tyne Daly), a retired social worker. Amy’s brother (Dan Futterman) is a free-spirited college grad who works for a local veterinarian.

The prospects: The surprising midseason success of “Providence” paved the way for this drama, which could court a sizable viewership with help from “60 Minutes II.”

WEDNESDAY

“Work With Me”

8:30 p.m. CBS

Premieres Sept. 29

Working hard means hardly seeing each other for married attorneys Jordan (Kevin Pollak) and Julie Better (Nancy Travis). That promptly changes when Jordan quits his high-powered Wall Street firm to join Julie’s small-scale practice. Just when you think harmony is on the horizon, jealousy gets the better of Jordan, who suspects that his wife’s biggest client wants to get in her, uh, briefs.

The prospects: Not likely to work out for over-the-top Pollak and pragmatic partner Travis, whose chemistry is less than almost perfect.

*

“The West Wing”

9 p.m. NBC

Premieres Wednesday

What could be so threatening about the odd message “Potus was in a bicycle accident”? Once you realize that acronym refers to the president of the United States, it’s abundantly clear why the anxious members of his Democratic administration are in for another trying day. Aaron Sorkin, who wrote about the love life of the chief executive in “The American President,” and John Wells are executive producers of this political drama set at the White House. John Spencer, Rob Lowe, Brad Whitford, Richard Schiff, Allison Janney and Martin Sheen, as President Josiah Bartlet, head the ensemble.

The prospects: Tough slot opposite Drew Carey could mean “West” heads south in spite of crisp pacing, clever plotting and solid casting.

*

“Get Real”

9 p.m. Fox

Already premiered

Mary (Debrah Farentino) loves her husband, but that doesn’t preclude an occasional sex fantasy with a mystery man. Hubby Mitch (Jon Tenney) works 60 hours a week, leaving scant time for the family’s domestic travails. Daughter Meghan (Anne Hathaway) is senior class valedictorian and straight-A student, but she’s having second thoughts about college. Brother Cameron (Eric Christian Olsen) is reckless, selfish and sexually active, just brazen enough to sleep with his girlfriend under his parents’ roof. And younger bro Kenny (Jesse Eisenberg) has an imminent showdown with a menacing bully, prompting the irrational fear he will die before seeing his first breast.

The prospects: Wrong Zip code for this dysfunctional brood, despite compatibility with aging “90210.” Could be in “Real” trouble opposite the WB.

*

“Roswell”

9 p.m. WB

Premieres Oct. 6

Or “My So-Called Aliens.” When New Mexico waitress Liz Parker (Shiri Appleby) is killed by an errant bullet, smitten Max Evans (Jason Behr) miraculously heals her bloody wound. Is he some New Age surgeon? Not exactly. Max, his sister (Katherine Heigl) and best friend (Brendan Fehr) are a trio of teenage extraterrestrials posing as typical high school students. It’s an explosive secret that has raised the curiosity of a relentless sheriff (William Sadler) who suspects something is amiss in his small Southwestern town.

The prospects: If the lackluster “Charmed” could survive here, so can this sly, spirited and suspenseful sci-fi serial from Jason Katims (“Relativity,” “My So-Called Life”), which shapes up as the fall’s most entertaining freshman.

*

“Oh Grow Up”

9:30 p.m. ABC

Premieres Wednesday

A Peter Pan complex shadows this sitcom about three friends sharing digs in Brooklyn: Hunter (Stephen Dunham), a self-absorbed slob who can’t recall the names of the women he slept with; Norris (David Alan Basche), a struggling artist who pays the rent by peddling catheters, and Ford (John Ducey), a gay lawyer who moved in with the guys after moving out on his wife (Rena Sofer). Adulthood creeps up on Hunter when 18-year-old Chloe (Niesha Trout) knocks on the door, proclaiming to be his daughter.

The prospects: Oh, what luck, getting the plum slot after Carey. But even that couldn’t save “The Secret Lives of Men” last season.

THURSDAY

“WWF Smackdown!”

8 p.m. UPN

Already premiered

World Wrestling Federation grapplers Stone Cold Steve Austin, the Rock and the Undertaker hope to hammer the competition. The burning question for cellar-dwelling UPN is whether Vince McMahon’s brawny bone crushers can duplicate the resounding ratings they have pinned on cable.

The prospects: If UPN puts a headlock on the hard-to-reach male demo, the weblet may be able to raise its arm in victory.

*

“Wasteland”

9 p.m. ABC

Premieres Oct. 7

New York City provides the setting for this ensemble drama from Kevin Williamson, whose close-knit, post-collegian characters are as attractive and articulate as those of his WB hit “Dawson’s Creek.” Grad student Dawnie (Maris Coughlan) speculates that the late 20s bring a second coming of age; Vandy (Eddie Mills) is a recovering alcoholic and aspiring musician; Sam (Rebecca Gayheart) is a chatty Southern belle and object of Vandy’s affection; Russell (Dan Montgomery) is a closeted gay soap star fearful of exposure, and Jesse (Sasha Alexander) is the well-meaning meddler fond of three-way calls. Stirring the pot is Tyler (Brad Rowe), a hunky heartbreaker who once slept with everyone but his ex-girlfriend, the virginal Dawnie.

The prospects: Just what we need--more striking, superficial people taking a bite out of the Big Apple. Nevertheless, the wily Williamson should scream over this time slot opposite “must-see” TV.

*

“Stark Raving Mad”

9:30 p.m. NBC

Premieres Thursday

Doogie Howser meets Stephen King. Meticulous book editor Henry McNeely (Neil Patrick Harris) is as neurotic as they come. He not only hates germs and battles vertigo, but being frightened is not his notion of a good time. Unfortunately, he is assigned to Ian Stark (Tony Shalhoub), a best-selling horror novelist beset by a scary case of writer’s block. Stark, who resides in a New York loft, will do almost anything for research--from hanging himself to freezing his extremities. Brilliant as he is, Stark may well be a raving lunatic, and the only person who can draw him out is the humble Henry, who recognizes the author’s fear of being a one-book wonder.

The prospects: Creator Steven Levitan (“Just Shoot Me”) has every reason to be glad, not mad, that he follows “Frasier.” In any other slot, his labored comedy would be shot and put out of its ... misery.

*

“Action”

9:30 p.m. Fox

Already premiered

Bleeped-out profanities are plentiful in this rude, crude satire about an abrasive Hollywood producer (“Jerry Maguire’s” Jay Mohr) who churns out mega-budget blockbusters with titles like “Slow Torture.” Mohr makes the most of his breakthrough role as Peter Dragon, the brash big-shot who runs roughshod over the little people standing in the way of his next million. He’s also a shrewd operator who knows when to back down from those with even bigger egos--or bigger “equipment”--such as burly boss Bobby G, a gay billionaire whose manhood stands out in the pilot’s most eye-opening scene.

The prospects: Outrageous. Offensive. Unbridled. And that’s just the opening. However, watercooler word-of-mouth could keep “Action” rolling. Its “mature audience” rating is not to be taken lightly.

FRIDAY

“The Badland”

8 p.m. Fox

Premieres Oct. 15

Wide-eyed and wet behind the ears, Philadelphia rookie beat cop Ryan Caulfield (Sean Maher) joined the force because he likes “setting things right.” All of 19, he’s old enough to carry a gun but too young to patronize a bar. He has a partner (Michael Rispoli) who favors disco in the squad car and a streetwise superior (Clifton Powell) who plays politics as well as basketball. Struggling with his newfound status, he’s not shy about flirting with a fetching fellow rookie (Roselyn Sanchez) at the precinct.

The prospects: Ironic title, considering that Fridays are the least-watched night of the week. “Providence” proved there’s an untapped audience, but will women be enamored of this cute cop from the City of Brotherly Love?

*

“Love & Money”

8:30 p.m. CBS

Premieres Oct. 8

More to the point, will it be love or money for Allison (Paget Brewster), a cute, confused heiress locked away in the bathroom on her wedding day. Enter Eamon (Brian Van Holt), the swanky New York apartment building’s basement-dwelling super with whom she had a brief fling a few summers ago. Facing a dull yet lucrative life with her financially secure fiance, Allison must decide whether to tie the knot or pry her tongue from that silver spoon.

The prospects: We don’t love its chances, but three pros in supporting roles--Swoosie Kurtz, David Ogden Stiers and Brian Doyle Murray--are worth the money in this class-conscious comedy.

*

“Now and Again”

9 p.m. CBS

Premieres Friday

Glenn Gordon Caron, who created long-but-not-forgotten “Moonlighting,” resurfaces as the producer of this bizarre drama about the mind of a middle-aged man placed in a perfectly engineered body. Eric Close plays Michael Wiseman, a former insurance executive given a younger, stronger frame--so long as he agrees never to contact his wife (Margaret Colin). Dennis Haysbert co-stars as the dapper doctor behind this covert government experiment.

The prospects: Hands down, the season’s oddest duck--a potentially wry, rewarding variation of “The Six Million Dollar Man.” Whether anyone watches it now or ever again will determine if CBS spent its own millions wisely.

*

“Harsh Realm”

9 p.m. Fox

Premieres Oct. 8

Chris Carter delivers this “Matrix”-esque saga centering on the reluctant participant (Scott Bairstow) in a virtual reality war game developed by the Pentagon. Bairstow plays Lt. Tom Hobbes, a decorated soldier who suddenly and inexplicably leaves the real world behind to capture the game’s high scorer named Santiago (Terry O’Quinn). To his dismay, Hobbes soon discovers there is no escape from this dangerous universe in which others have tried--and failed--to complete their perilous mission.

The prospects: From the producer who has hit (“The X-Files”) and missed (“Millennium”) for Fox. Unlikely to attract a larger crowd than the equally grim “Millennium.” Better title: “Harsh Future.”

*

“Mission Hill”

8 p.m. WB

Premieres Tuesday at 9 p.m.

Moves to its regular slot Oct. 8

Think “Friends,” with animation. In this half-hour comedy, 25-year-old Andy (voiced by Wallace Langham of “Veronica’s Closet”) works as a salesman at Waterbed World and lives in a cool loft with the eccentric Jim (Brian Posehn) and whimsical Posey (Vicki Lewis). Andy’s new roommate is none other than his naive 17-year-old brother Kevin (Scott Menville), who moves in after his parents head for Wyoming.

The prospects: More like “Mission: Impossible” for creators Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein, formerly of “The Simpsons,” who land in tough territory against “Providence.” Ay, caramba! (Unavailable for preview)

*

“Odd Man Out”

9:30 p.m. ABC

Premieres Friday

High school freshman Andrew (Erik von Detten) supposedly knows more about women than the average guy because he lives with four femmes: a caring mother (Markie Post), a self-centered older sister (Natalia Cigliuti) and two younger sibs (Vicki Davis and Marina Malota) who occasionally barge into his room. For male companionship, Andrew turns to Keith (Trevor Fehrman), a meek buddy who quietly observes the opposite sex in its element, better known as the kitchen. “I’m like Jane Goodall,” he quips, “trying to earn their trust.”

The prospects: A more prophetic title than ABC probably cares to admit. Lots of estrogen, little humor.

*

“Cold Feet”

10 p.m. NBC

Premieres Friday

Three young couples test the boundaries of love and friendship in Portland. Single guy Adam (David Sutcliffe) and commitment-phobic Shelley (Jean Louisa Kelly) meet cute when he hits her with his Cadillac; Adam’s friend Pete (William Keane) copes with the aggressively amorous advances of his pregnant wife Jenny (Dina Spybey), and postpartum Karen (Alicia Coppola) needs a nanny her insensitive husband (Anthony Starke) hesitates to hire.

The prospects: Cold feet. Soft head. Based on a British series, this coy dramedy wants to woo the women watching “Providence.” Critics may cringe at the thought of it replacing the late, great “Homicide.”

SATURDAY

“Freaks and Geeks”

8 p.m. NBC

Premieres Saturday

“Un-Popular” could be the title for this coming-of-age comedy about the wieners and losers at a suburban high school in 1980. Lindsay (Linda Cardellini), a good student toying with the idea of being bad, stands ready to protect younger brother Sam (John Daley), an undersized freshman stalked by a bully. Classmates fall into the titular categories.

The prospects: High school’s darker days, as keenly observed by producer Judd Apatow (“The Larry Sanders Show”) and creator Paul Feig. Terrific casting (Samm Levine and Martin Starr are standouts as geeky underachievers) and realistic sequences (a dodgeball game is frighteningly funny), but its freakish slot could be a killer.