CBS Places Its Bette

By Stephen M. Silverman

09/17/1998 at 12:00 AM EDT

CBS will announce its new fall schedule today, with much drumbeating expected for Bette Midler's new sitcom -- to be called "Bette" -- and a revival of "The Fugitive." Seven new series are expected from the network, which is said to be planning extensive retoolings of its current Friday and Saturday lineups. On Wednesdays at 8, Midler will play a Midler-like showbiz character who'll be seen in domestic situations. She'll be followed by another potential laugh-getter, from David Letterman's production company, "Welcome to New York," with Jim Gaffigan and Christine Baranski ("Cybill"). Tim Daly ("Wings") will star in "The Fugitive," based on the hit 60s ABC show, to run (literally) on Fridays. In a surprise move, CBS has decided to renew Steven Bochco's struggling medical drama "City of Angels," starring Blair Underwood. It is expected to air Thursdays at 8 -- opposite the NBC blockbuster "Friends."