No more Mr. Nice Guys Television: In announcing its new fall lineup, ABC renounces any claim to being the 'family network.'

ABC unveiled a new lineup of prime-time shows yesterday, but the big news was not about any of the shows.

It was, instead, an announcement by ABC Entertainment president Jamie Tarses that the Disney-owned network wants to change its family image.

"In setting ABC's schedule for the first time, I was faced with several challenges, first and foremost being the repositioning and rebranding of ABC," Tarses told advertisers yesterday in New York.

"Over the years, many have tried to define us as the 'family network,' and we have resisted. Not because that's necessarily a bad thing, but because as broadcasters we felt this definition would be too narrow.

"So, we have decided to expand our definition. A couple watching 'Drew Carey'; kids watching 'Home Improvement'; guys at a neighborhood bar watching 'Monday Night Football.' These are all different examples of families ABC wants to reach," Tarses said.

The fact is, ABC is in a ratings free fall and hopes to accommodate more adult-oriented programs, like the new "Ellen," with such traditional family fare as "The Disney Family Movie," with Disney Chairman Michael Eisner as the host on Sunday nights at 7. Thus, the rebranding announced yesterday.

In terms of shows, the biggest news is the return of "Ellen," with Ellen Morgan (Ellen DeGeneres) as a lesbian. The episode two weeks ago in which Morgan acknowledged being gay was the most-watched program of the television season.

The series will air Wednesdays at 9: 30 in a night of adult shows programmed to counter NBC's family fare.

"The Practice" won a regular time slot Saturday at 10; "Grace Under Fire" didn't make the fall schedule, but new episodes have been ordered, so the series can be used as a midseason replacement.

Of the 10 new shows announced yesterday, none is likely to have advertisers or potential viewers holding their breath:

"Cracker": A remake of A&E's Brit mystery series with Robert Pastorelli ("Murphy Brown") in the role played by Robbie Coltrane. But it is hard to imagine "Cracker" without Coltrane.

"Timecop": based on a Jean-Claude Van Damme film with T. W. King in the lead.

"Nothing Sacred": about an unorthodox priest.

"C-16: FBI": Eric Roberts and D. B. Sweeney are crime-busting agents.

"Total Security": Jim Belushi and Debrah Farentino play high-tech security experts in the Steven Bochco drama.

"Hiller and Diller": Kevin Nealon and Richard Lewis are a comedy writing team.

"Dharma and Greg": Jenna Elfman and Thomas Gibson star as mismatched newlyweds.

"Genie": a single mom finds a male genie to do her bidding.

"Teen Angel": a 15-year-old finds a teen angel to help him.

"Over the Top": Tim Curry is an out-of-work actor who takes up residence at a country inn owned by his ex-wife (Annie Potts).

Canceled shows are: "Relativity," "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" and "Murder One."

Pub Date: 5/20/97