HBO ELABORATES ON MAHER SHOW, FINAL 'SEX' SEASON.

Byline: Valerie Kuklenski Staff Writer

Bill Maher is refreshed and ready for his return to late-night television, the ladies of ``Sex and the City'' are preparing for their final bow (or passionate tryst or zipless romp), and legal crusader Erin Brockovich has adopted a dignified look for her new TV series.

HBO chief Chris Albrecht announced to the Television Critics Association gathering in Hollywood that the final season of the Emmy-winning ``Sex and the City'' begins production March 31 and will run 20 episodes instead of its usual 13. The season, concluding the frisky adventures of four single New Yorkers, will air in two segments, with the first 12 playing in the summer and the remainder launching in January 2004. Albrecht said HBO has other original series in the pipeline, among them ``Good in Bed'' from ``City'' writer Jenny Bicks.

In the short term, HBO resumes its tradition of topical late-night humor with Maher taking over Dennis Miller's time slot of 11:30 p.m. Fridays, starting Feb. 21. ``Real Time With Bill Maher'' will air live back east and include a roundtable segment reminiscent of his canceled ``Politically Incorrect'' show. He also will have an opening monologue leading into a press-conference-style audience discussion, occasional newsmaker interviews and a closing showcase spot for an up-and-coming comic. Maher seemed pleased with the liberties he will enjoy working for a network known for minimal interference in productions.

``When you wind up on HBO I think you have to say that things worked out for the best,'' he said. ``This is the first time I'll be on a network that I actually watch.''

Brockovich brings her crusader persona, although not her tartish wardrobe, to Lifetime for ``Final Justice,'' debuting Jan. 17 at 8 p.m. The program looks at real women from across the country who have rebounded from terrible circumstances, such as the violent death of a child, by fighting to prevent others from suffering the same fate.

Brockovich was asked about the smart ``Hollywood uniform'' outfit she sported Wednesday - a black pantsuit with a black tank and black high heels.

``Lifetime made me dress this way,'' she said with a laugh. ``We certainly talked about my wardrobe. The first question I asked was, 'Now, before I agree to do this, can I wear a bustier?' ''

ABC Family offered a scant preview of its new series, ``My Life Is a Sitcom,'' which has families from across the country competing for TV fame in their own homes by virtue of their usual (they say) behavior, with the winners getting their real everyday lives constructed into a Hollywood sitcom pilot. Executive producer Bruce Nash (``Meet My Folks'') described it as a ``reality-scripted hybrid'' whose concept came to him after watching an old ``Ozzie and Harriet'' episode. ``It's not about winning a million dollars, it's not about falling in love on television,'' he said. ``It's about fulfilling a different dream.'' The show debuts at 8 p.m. Jan. 20.

Probably the best-received show pitched Wednesday was BBC America's ``The Office,'' a situation comedy shot documentary style with remarkably realistic dialogue and performances. There are no rim-shot moments or laugh tracks to prompt the viewers and none are needed. The award-winning series already is a hit with critics and viewers in Britain, and producer Ash Atalla revealed that a deal is nearing completion with Universal Television for a U.S. version, which has yet to be pitched to networks. BBC America begins running the original series, with Ricky Gervais as the pompous and wormy boss, at 7:20 p.m. Thursdays starting Jan. 23.

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3 photos

Photo:

(1) Bill Maher will take over Dennis Miller's HBO Friday night slot in February.

(2) The ``Sex and the City'' cast prepares for its final season.

(3) Erin Brockovich hosts ``Final Justice'' for Lifetime.