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By Joseph Altman Jr. Catalyst

Send comments to: catalyst@wildcat.arizona.edu

Arizona Daily Wildcat "That '70s Show" is the newest addition to the Fox line-up, and airs Sundays at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 11.

With 36 new network television series this fall, navigating the prime-time lineup is becoming increasingly treacherous. One wrong move, and a bad flip of the channel could cause permanent neurological damage.

This season, the best bets are still the old favorites, but there are a few newcomers worth a look. Here's a quick peek at some of fall's best new offerings. Grab your TV Guide and remote control, and hang on.

Thursday

Thursday night doesn't have too many fresh faces besides NBC's (Channel 4) attempt to stop "Must See TV" from becoming "Please Watch TV."

"Jesse" (7:30 p.m.) is the new show filling the post-"Friends" time slot. Christina Applegate plays a single mom bombarded by suitors. While the show has hope, the cushy time slot won't be enough to save it should things go awry.

Friday

Your best option on Friday is to go out.

ABC (Channel 9) is pushing its two-hour "TGIF" chunk of pre-pubescent programs, featuring veteran "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" (8 p.m.). There also are two new shows - one featuring Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen ("Two of a Kind," 7 p.m.). Unless you have kids, spare yourself the embarrassment of having to admit you've watched this.

Saturday

ABC tries to take flight on Saturdays with "Cupid" at 9 p.m., in which the love gods send Jeremy Piven ("Ellen") to Earth as matchmaker.

Action fans might enjoy "Martial Law" on CBS (Channel 13) at 8, in which Sammo Hung fights for justice with roundhouse kicks and back flips.

Sunday

"That '70s Show" (Fox, Channel 11, 7:30 p.m.) is far from the cheese you might expect to find from a cast of bell-bottom-wearing, afro-sporting teen-agers. The combination of young semi-stoners, older siblings who are just "too cool" and parents who can keep viewers laughing with their hilariously exaggerated attitudes about the teen crisis du jour is a treat on Sunday nights notorious for prime-time boredom.

Monday

Monday nights are every network's futile attempt to get viewers to stop watching ABC's "Monday Night Football" (5:20 p.m.). Good luck.

NBC tries by flanking "Suddenly Susan" (7 p.m.) and "Caroline in the City" (8 p.m.) with "Conrad Bloom" (7:30 p.m.) and "Will & Grace" (8:30 p.m.), and does a good job as long as your television doesn't explode from an estrogen overdose.

UPN (Channel 18) makes a competitive Monday night effort with "Guys Like Us" (7 p.m.), in which two single guys get a third roommate - a 6-year-old sibling who actually attracts ladies instead of cramping the duo's style. And the History Channel meets Comedy Central in "The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer" (8 p.m.), the fictionalized chronicles of Abe Lincoln's butler and chief adviser during the Civil War.

Tuesday

"Sports Night" (8:30 p.m.) is one of my favorites this season, accentuating ABC's already strong Tuesday lineup, which includes another newbie - "The Hughleys" (7:30 p.m.), a promising sitcom about an African American family that addresses stereotypes as it settles into a mostly white, upscale suburban neighborhood.

"Sports Night" combines the antics of ESPN's SportsCenter with the drama of an anchor struggling with his own personal problems. The pilot episode brought out a well-balanced medley of comedy, drama and social commentary that should please sports nuts and occasional fans alike.

But don't forget the WB. "Felicity" (6 p.m.) is one of the fall season's most-anticipated newcomers. It features a high school senior (Keri Russell) who heads east to college to chase her high school crush.

If you have cable, WB is on Chicago's WGN. No cable? No WB.

Wednesday

While most hip Americans are deciding whether to watch "Beverly Hills 90210" (Fox, 7 p.m.) or "Dawson's Creek" (WB), which are opposite each other this season, Tucson's lack of affiliates eliminates that problem. Cable subscribers can catch "Dawson's Creek" at 5 p.m. on WGN.

ABC introduces an interesting, if not sappy, challenger to Fox's popular Wednesday lineup: "The Secret Lives of Men" - guys gabbing about relationships on the golf course like women do at the hair salon - at 8:30 p.m.

What's your favorite fall show? Joseph Altman Jr. can be reached via e-mail at Joseph.Altman.Jr@wildcat.arizona.edu.