Television

By Jeanne McDowell/Los Angeles

When MICHAEL J. FOX announced his departure from Spin City to battle Parkinson's disease, many thought it meant the end of the four-year-old City Hall sitcom. Not necessarily. Actor CHARLIE SHEEN is in serious discussions with ABC and DreamWorks, which produces Spin City, to join the cast. Spin City creator Gary David Goldberg--who had worked with Sheen on a pilot, Sugar Hill--would return to reshape the comedy in its fifth season next year. Producers toyed with the idea of introducing Sheen's character before the show goes on its summer break in May, but decided that Fox should not have to share the spotlight. There are still some kinks in the deal. The show, filmed in New York City to accommodate Fox, would have to move to Los Angeles. That means relocating cast members like Heather Locklear, who recently moved to New York from L.A. to co-star. The show is rated top in its new time slot among 18-to-49-year-olds; whether they'll watch Sheen remains to be seen.

--By Jeanne McDowell/Los Angeles