ABC, which has seen its fortunes take a turn for the better in the past season, is adding only six new series to its fall schedule -- the fewest for the network in a decade.
However, in addition to three new dramas and six new sitcoms, ABC is moving 10 returning shows to new nights and/or times. Most notably, "Monday Night Football" moves from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; "Dharma & Greg" moves from Wednesdays to Tuesdays; and one of four editions of "20/20" moves to Thursdays;And one of ABC's new shows, "Once and Again," has only a temporary time slot. It will air on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. in September and October, before the season premiere of "NYPD Blue."
None of which appears to achieve the network's goal of providing less confusion for viewers.
ABC is also, at least for the moment, scheduling a three-hour movie block on Saturdays. And, in time zones other than Mountain, a weekly edition of "20/20" will either precede or follow "Monday Night Football." (The newsmagazine may air locally the following weekend at a time to be announced.)
ABC's new comedies are:
"Oh Grow Up" (Wednesdays, 8:30 p.m.) is an ensemble comedy about a group of friends who share a house and become a make-shift family.
"Then Came You" (Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.) is a romantic comedy about a 34-year-old divorcee who falls in love with a man 10 years her junior.
"Odd Man Out" (Fridays, 8:30 p.m.), from the co-writers of "There's Something About Mary," is about a teenage boy living with his mother, aunt and three sisters.
And ABC's new dramas are:
"Once and Again" (Tuesdays at 9 p.m., before the "NYPD Blue" season premiere), from the producers of "thirtysomething," is a romantic drama about two divorced parents (Sela Ward of "Sisters" and Bill Campbell of "The Rocketeer") trying to build a relationship.
"Wasteland" (Thursdays), 8 p.m.), from the producer of "Dawson's Creek," follows the angst-riddled lives of six college pals who graduate and set out to build lives for themselves in New York City.
"Snoops" (Sundays, 8 p.m.), from the producer of "Ally McBeal" and "The Practice," is about four high-tech private detectives in Los Angeles.
Among the shows ABC canceled are "America's Funniest Home Videos," "Brother's Keeper," "Cupid," "Fantasy Island," "Two of a Kind" and "Vengeance Unlimited."
"Home Improvement" is retiring after eight seasons.