COSBY'S ANIMATED `FAT ALBERT' MAY RETURN FOR NEW GENERATION.

Bill Cosby is not only coming back to prime time in a new sitcom this coming season, but word is that he's talking to a variety of people about reviving his old ``Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids'' animated series as well. Insiders say that Cosby still holds that project very dear, and truly feels there is a place for it in today's children's TV environment, especially in light of current kid-programming guidelines set down by the federal government. The series, which ran from 1972-80, probably will return as a special, and if the network likes what it sees - and finds there to be a potential audience - there's an extremely good chance it will wind up as a Saturday morning series before too long. Insiders say that Cosby couldn't be happier at the prospect.

Happy returns: Fans of Alfonso Ribeiro, co-star of the late/great ``Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,'' will be thrilled to hear that the young actor will be returning to prime time this fall as one of the stars of ``In the House.'' The series debuted on NBC this past season but failed to make the scheduling cut. Then UPN decided to pick up the show and make a few changes.