FIRST SEINFELD, NOW SHANDLING DECIDES IT'S TIME TO WALK AWAY.

Byline: Keith Marder Daily News Television Writer

In his own neurotic style, Garry Shandling met the press Monday to announce the end of his fabulous ``Larry Sanders Show.'' Shandling, a brilliant comedian who often seems uncomfortable in his own skin, hemmed and hawed and didn't come right out and say this season will be his last on HBO.

But after his press conference at the Television Critics' Association Winter Press Tour, he finally straightened out his plans.

``I may not have made it clear in there,'' he said. ``This is the last season of the show, and it's being written that way.''

The show's sixth and final season will begin on March 15 and run 12 more episodes.

This, on the heels of Jerry Seinfeld's decision to end his show, marks the end for the two funniest shows on television.

Shandling even joked that he and Seinfeld had a pact to announce their finales at the same time as a negotiating ploy, but that Seinfeld jumped the gun and left him stranded.

``The Larry Sanders Show'' is a behind-the-scenes look at a late-night talk show. It is a form that has been, and continues to be, copied. Its ensemble cast - including Rip Torn as Artie, his crabby producer, and goofball sidekick Hank (Jeffrey Tambor) - is as good as television has to offer.

``I'm sure that I will miss it enormously,'' said Shandling, who is star and executive producer on the show. ``It has nothing to do with running out of ideas. It's a show that continues to explore human behavior and that's bottomless. I have a lot of (other acting) opportunities to explore.''

Although it would seem remote, Shandling would not rule out the possibility of the show going on without him. One story line has Jon Stewart, the substitute host on the fictional show, angling to replace Sanders.

Shandling said his decision to call it quits had nothing to do with a lawsuit he recently filed against his former manager Brad Grey, who is also an executive producer on the show. The $100 million suit claims that Grey had a conflict of interest because he was both producer of the show and manager of key talent on the show. Shandling also contends Grey used the comedian's name to secure clients and build his business without compensating Shandling.

Hour draws nearer: NBC executives spent the better part of two days at the press tour spouting confidence about life after ``Seinfeld'' - without getting too specific.

There were charts. There were graphics. All aimed at trying to show how, despite ``Seinfeld's'' retirement, these are the best of times for NBC.

Entertainment president Warren Littlefield said the best part of having to replace television's most popular comedy is the multitude of viable contenders shouting from the wings, ``Put me in, coach.''

Conventional wisdom and insider speculation would give the coveted slot to ``Frasier.'' But a move like that could unravel NBC's revitalized Tuesday night lineup, where the radio psychiatrist was the network's linchpin.

Other shows being bandied about for the time slot are the offbeat ``3rd Rock From the Sun,'' Thursday night's prime-time lead-off ``Friends,'' long-time hit and former Thursday night feature ``Mad About You,'' smart and funny ``NewsRadio'' and the emerging hit ``Just Shoot Me.''

One show that definitely won't be in the Thursday mix is ``Union Square,'' the Thursday night flop that NBC has canceled.

``Frasier'' star Kelsey Grammer has signaled he is ready to move his show again. Three years ago, the Emmy-winning actor and show went kicking and screaming from its Thursday night home, only to hold its position as a critical and commercial hit and solidify Tuesday nights for NBC.

``I haven't formed an opinion on 9 o'clock Thursdays,'' he said. ``I was in the Thursday at 9 o'clock (slot) for nine years (with ``Cheers''). I was not particularly happy when we moved to Tuesday, but we've done well there in that spot.''

Grammer said that there would be no added pressure moving to the most-watched sitcom spot on television.

``I don't anticipate we'd lose any audience at all,'' he said. ``I will be happy wherever we are. Who knows? Thursday is fine.''

As for ``Friends,'' pushing it an hour later makes sense. The comedy is often criticized for having excessively risque material for an 8 p.m. show. Its creators said they would welcome a move from 8 to 9 p.m.

``Who wouldn't want the `Seinfeld' time slot?'' executive producer Marta Kauffman said. ``Yeah, sure we'd love it. It would be great.''

NBC also announced that standout police drama ``Homicide'' has been renewed for next season.

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Photo

Photo: Garry Shandling

Leaving ``Larry Sanders''