PALEY PANELS TO FEATURE TV COPS, COMICS, HOUSEWIVES.

Byline: - David Kronke

For those who like to get the lowdown on the best in television, the 22nd annual William S. Paley Television Festival begins tonight.

Recently departed ``NYPD Blue'' is the first up, followed by such provocative fare as the Cartoon Network's ``Adult Swim'' lineup, Showtime's ``The L Word'' and HBO's foul-mouthed Western ``Deadwood.''

And there is one on this season's smash hit, ``Desperate Housewives.''

The festival, presented by the Museum of Television & Radio, is named for William S. Paley, founder of the museum and the man who turned CBS into a media giant. During these programs, the audiences will see episodes or highlights of the featured work and have the opportunity to ask questions of the cast and creative team or the individuals involved in its production.

Here is the lineup for the festival:

Tonight - ``NYPD Blue'': Creator Steven Bochco, star Dennis Franz and other cast members discuss the once-controversial series' dozen years of production.

Thursday - ``In Living Color'': Keenen Ivory Wayans' sketch-comedy show, which helped launch the careers of Jamie Foxx, Jim Carrey and Jennifer Lopez, is discussed by many Wayanses.

Friday - ``Adult Swim'': Seth Green and ``Mr. Show's'' Bob Odenkirk will be part of this tribute to the Cartoon Network's gleefully subversive lineup of original animation - from ``Aqua Teen Hunger Force'' to ``Robot Chicken'' - that is an after-hours bonanza for adults.

Saturday - ``Law & Order'': Creator Dick Wolf and other executive producers celebrate the franchise that has kept NBC viable during this past difficult season.

Tuesday - ``Desperate Housewives'': The season's - heck, the century's - biggest TV phenomenon is discussed by its stars and host Carrie Fisher.

March 9 - ``Jack & Bobby'': Christine Lahti and her husband, Thomas Schlamme, are among attendees discussing the WB's acclaimed, underviewed political drama.

March 10 - ``The L Word'': Showtime's underappreciated lesbian melodrama is finally appreciated - by its babe-heavy cast: Jennifer Beals, Erin Daniels, Pam Grier, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner and Sarah Shahi.

March 11 - An Evening With Michael Palin: One of Monty Python's most talented members discusses his work in the troupe and his whimsical video travelogues. Harry Shearer moderates.

March 12 - ``Lost'': Cast members (Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O'Quinn) and creator J.J. Abrams will artfully deflect questions of the series' most penetrating mysteries.

March 14 - ``Veronica Mars'': Kristen Bell, who plays the beauteous outcast, will explicate the charms behind one of UPN's rare engaging series.

March 15 - ``Boston Legal'': Creator David E. Kelley makes a final bid for his credibility as a showrunner as James Spader, William Shatner and Candice Bergen yuk it up and underplay their talents and allures.

March 16 - ``Deadwood'' David %#(at)$-ing Milch's $(at)#$-ing HBO Western receives its %

#$-ing dues, with a relative paucity of (at)#$

%-ing profanity from its key %$*%-ing cast members.

WILLIAM S. PALEY TELEVISION FESTIVAL

Where: Directors Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood.

When: 7 tonight (``NYPD Blue'' panel) through March 16.

Tickets: $29 for the general public. $25 for members. Call [phone] or visit www.ticketweb.com.