Show Biz.

NBC which flubbed developing hit game shows like ABC's "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and reality shows like CBS's "Survivor," could have the magic touch when it tries to revive the prime-time soap genre with a new fall series, "Titans."

The dysfunctional-family drama centers around the Williams clan and is filled with steamy sex, corporate intrigue and plenty of money -- the kind of themes that made "Dallas" and "Dynasty" major hits during the 1980s.

The series also has one of the kings of prime-time soap success running the show, Aaron Spelling -- who had "Dynasty" crackling on ABC and "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place" steaming the Fox schedule.

The story centers on the return of a prodigal son, 26-year-old fighter pilot Chandler Williams (played by Casper Van Dien) to his Beverly Hills home. He finds his family divided. His father, played by Perry King, is a wealthy aviation company owner who lives across the street from his ex-wife, played by Victoria Principal. She runs a local nightclub.

The son quickly discovers that his father's new wife is one of his ex-girlfriends, played by Yasmine Bleeth, with whom he had an affair only months before his return.

To further spice up the saga, one of Chandler's sisters is an alcoholic. Another is a control freak. His jealous younger brother is trying to grab control of the business and cut him out of the airplane firm. In the final scene of the pilot for the series, Chandler learns that his soon-to-be new stepmother is pregnant and carrying his child.

Tim Spengler, a media buyer for Initiative Media, believes the new series could herald a revival of the prime-time soap and give NBC the lead in bringing back the genre, a programming niche its competitors have ignored.

"It could be hit or miss," he said. "It's scandalous, entertaining and sexy -- and has Yasmine Bleeth. NBC is the only one in this genre."

But there are serious problems, the first of which is its slated time slot, 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, which is more conducive to family viewing, especially with younger children.

Advertising sources and even NBC insiders believe the adult themes could be "too scandalous" for the time period. NBC programmers refused to move the show to a later time period because there were no slots available.

As a result, media buyers say some advertisers are shying away from the show.

There is also another issue. Unlike ABC and CBS, NBC has no record of success in turning out successful prime-time soap operas.

"NBC hasn't ever been able to develop the big, prime-time soap," an NBC executive said.

Spengler, however, doesn't think that should be a problem because there has been a creative turnover of NBC programming executives in recent years who can handle the returning format. If "Titans" clicks, he said, NBC's competitors would be quick to rush copycat soaps into production.