Choices And More Choices
Welcome to February Sweeps 1998. Here's what's in store.
On CBS
The XVIII Winter Olympic Games: (February 6-22) With 17 solid days of competition, CBS had little need to strategize further for Sweeps. The network figures the viewers just "nagano" go watch the competition. Of course, with the games ending before the sweeps, the network did throw in a few extras for later in the month.
The Closer: (February 23) Tom Selleck returns to the helm of his own network series, this time in a sitcom. Here he plays the head of his own advertising agency - a man who lives by the words, "Never let the client see you're human."
Four Corners: (February 24) Ann-Margret stars in the premiere of this series revolving around life on a New Mexico ranch.
The Long Way Home: (March 1) Jack Lemmon stars in this TV movie about an older man who reconnects with life's possibilities during a cross country journey with a spirited young woman.
On NBC
NBA All-Star Game: (February 8) One of the few sporting events that may tempt Americans to click away from Nagano.
Tommy Boy: (February 14) World broadcast premiere of the Chris Farley theatrical film. Booked, swears an NBC spokesperson, before the star's untimely death.
Law and Order and The Pretender three-hour marathons: (Law and Order: February 18; The Pretender: February 21) "The Peacock Network" donates an entire night of primetime to episodes of each show.
Braveheart: (March 1-2) Broadcast premiere of the Oscar-winning Mel Gibson epic.
Garth Brooks in Ireland (working title): (March 4): Combines a Garth concert performance with footage of his trip to the Emerald Isle.
On ABC
Taking Pelham 1, 2, 3: (February 2) Donnie Wahlberg stars in this contemporary retelling of the classic hostage thriller, The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3
Bad As I Want To Be: (February 8) Tells of the private Dennis Rodman behind the flamboyant NBA superstar.
Motown: (February 15, February 19) A two-night anthology tracking the house of rhythm and blues from its roots to present day.
The Wedding: (Febrary 11) Presented by Oprah Winfrey, it stars Halle Berry in an explosive drama set in a wealthy African-American community on Martha's Vineyard.
On Fox
The Simpsons and King Of The Hill on "Fox All-Star Night": (February 22) Guest voices Jay Leno, Janeane Garofalo, Bobcat Goldthwait and Steven Wright appear on The Simpsons, while Chris Rock and John Amoguest on King Of The Hill.
World Record Stunt Night Live: (February 8) Daredevil motorcyclist Robbie Knievel tries to follow in the footsteps of his dad, Evel, by setting a distance jumping record in Vegas.
The X-Files: (February 8) An episode written by none other than shockmeister Stephen (The Shining, Misery) King. Naturally, it's set in Maine.
Melrose Place: (February 9) In "a special two hour episode," Amanda and Kyle head for the alter. How special is it? Well, they will have to head for the alter again in the February 23 episode.
Bad Boys: (February 10) Broadcast premiere of the feature film starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.
Party Of Five: (February 11) Cancer-stricken Charlie gets his final medical test results in a cliffhanger episode.
Fox Cops-A-Thon: (February 7) From South Dakota to Las Vegas, to Texas, back to Vegas, it's nothin' but Cops all night long.
America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back: (February 28) The show celebrates its 10th anniversary and the recent capture of its 500th thug.
