IT'S STILL GARRY SHANDLING'S SHOW ...; BUT WITH `LARRY' WINDING DOWN, COMEDIAN LOOKS TO PRODUCTION, NOT ON-CAMERA PRESENCE.

Byline: Keith Marder Daily News Television Writer

At the beginning of the fourth call of a five-phone-call interview that lasted from dinnertime to prime time, Garry Shandling worried about being a good host.

``I was thinking about the interview,'' Shandling said.

The interview with Shandling, the star and creator of HBO's acclaimed ``The Larry Sanders Show,'' already had been interrupted several times - first as Shandling's cellular phone service was lost during a whirlwind trip through a California canyon, and then when he took an hour-and-a-half hiatus for an acting lesson.

``And I thought I should say some funny things,'' Shandling continued.

In its peculiar way, the conversation had begun to resemble an episode of ``The Larry Sanders Show,'' where Shandling plays an insecure talk-show host. The show is known for blurring reality, as major stars such as Winona Ryder, David Duchovny and Sharon Stone have guest-starred, playing fictional - and sometimes unflattering - versions of themselves.

``You want me to be funny, don't you?'' Shandling asked.

And then Shandling, who gained fame as a stand-up comedian, unleashed his wry wit.

``I don't mind the interviews. I consider the interview a very, very good relationship. It's well-defined and there is no confusion. You and I would never have to go to couples therapy. You interview me, and I'm talking about me.''

``I'm never in the TV Guide crossword puzzle,'' he began, ``except if I am, it's always 5-down, which I always take as some sort of sexual putdown. Why not 9-up? It would be nice to be referred to as 9-up. ...

``I was named a distinguished alumnus of the University of Arizona, which makes me think they are still grading on a curve. ...

``I'm really enthralled by human behavior - that's why I enjoy being a man.''

Stewart the target

In tonight's season premiere of the show, Sanders unleashes his quick tongue on comedian Jon Stewart. The show's plot revolves around the fact that the network is worried about Larry's ratings and is insisting on changes, threatening to replace Sanders with the edgier Stewart if he doesn't alter his style. So, when Stewart guest-stars, the insecure Sanders steps all over his lines with his own jokes.

Of course, it's interesting to note that not long ago it was rumored that Stewart was being groomed to replace Tom Snyder on his CBS late-night show. This all leads to the fact that there are just 11 more episodes of ``The Larry Sanders Show,'' which, during its previous five seasons has won numerous Cable Ace awards and garnered tons of Emmy nominations, though only winning one. (Rip Torn took home the Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy statuette for his portrayal of the cantankerous Artie.) And the fact that the show's plot mirrors its reality makes its strange mesh of fact and fiction even stranger.

``I believe the odd truth that it's overlapping, that this show is in its last season and it is the last season for `The Larry Sanders' talk show, and that all of the people are able to play the reality of it makes for a very charged and very funny season and a very meaningful season,'' Shandling said.

``It is the most rewarding of all of them, which is ironic because it is the last, which is very fitting for `Larry Sanders.' ''

For instance, after Larry announces that he will quit the show, Hank scrambles to find a new lot in life. He lands a guest spot on ``Caroline in the City,'' but blows that because he continues to blurt out his catch phrase ``Hey now.'' He then gets a tryout as a game-show host with Pat Sajack's company. Ultimately, Andy Williams talks him into opening up a theater in Branson, Mo.

Winding down

The season winds down as the threat of Stewart replacing Sanders becomes a reality. The hourlong finale will be a takeoff of Carson's final show. Big-name guests will come by to salute the host.

Securing big-name guest stars who are willing to play along has gone a long way in catapulting ``Larry Sanders'' to the top of television entertainment.

``Even celebrities and performers are, in reality, human and have a certain vulnerability, which may come as a shock to some people,'' Shandling said. ``It reflects my view of the human metaphor.''

The series-closing season will be metaphor-mania. Duchovny, Ryder, Bridget Fonda, Sean Penn, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Clint Black, Sharon Stone, Carol Burnett and Tom Petty have been booked for an episode.

``There will also be several other surprise guests in for the final hour,'' Shandling said.

Who knows? Maybe Jerry Seinfeld, who is also ending his series and has helped Shandling promote his series, will drop by. You can't rule out return engagements by Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, who gave the show a big boost in its first season. Perhaps Bette Midler will sit on the desk and sing ``Wind Beneath My Wings'' to Sanders, like she did for Carson.

``Well, if I told you,'' said Shandling, ``it wouldn't be a surprise.''

Shandling recently made headlines when he filed a $100 million lawsuit against Brad Grey, his manager and fellow executive producer on ``Larry Sanders.'' He claimed Grey built his successful Brillstein-Grey Enterprises management-production company on Shandling's talents but did not protect his financial interests.

Grey and Brillstein-Grey Enterprises filed a $10 million cross-complaint on March 4 against Shandling for breach of contract and fiduciary duty, including charges that Shandling's erratic behavior caused writers and producers to leave ``The Larry Sanders Show.''

Looking for something new

Shandling was as noncommittal about his future. Not because success is a question, but because, after six long years of doing everything on a show from starring to casting to editing, he wants to try something new.

``I have not been able to predict the future,'' he said. ``I know some psychics who can, and I'm not one of them.''

He recently wrapped the movie version of the stage play ``Hurlyburly'' along with Penn, Kevin Spacey and Chazz Palminteri, which will be released in the summer.

Shandling's fertile mind, which also was responsible for another of television's most irreverently funny series, ``It's Garry Shandling's Show,'' will try his hand at movie writing, as did successful comics Woody Allen and Albert Brooks.

As for series television, he may be done acting in front of the camera. He may form a production company, and is happy to work with HBO any time, but don't expect Shandling to jump right back into television.

``Hence, one of the biggest differences between me and Larry Sanders,'' Shandling said. ``When people ask me if I'm like Larry, the first thing I usually point out is that Larry's the host of a late-night talk show. I turned one down. He wants to be on TV every night. Once a year, that's a little much for me.''

THE FACTS

The show: ``The Larry Sanders Show.''

What: The first episode of the final season of the fictional series set in the world of late-night talk shows.

The stars: Garry Shandling, Rip Torn, Jeffrey Tambor.

Where: HBO.

When: 10 p.m. Sunday.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

Photo: Garry Shandling: ``When people ask me if I'm like Larry, the first thing I usually point out is that Larry's the host of a late-night talk show. I turned one down.''