CBS is stepping up its challenge to NBC on Thursday nights. It has decided to add David Milch's new police drama Big Apple to its lineup at 10:00 p.m. beginning March 1, replacing 48 Hours. The series from the former NYPD writer-producer stars Ed O'Neill (Married ... with Children) and Titus Welliver (Falcone). While it will be pitted against NBC's top-rated E.R. at 10:00 for most of the remainder of the season, it will have a chance against lesser competition on the Wednesday nights of March 7 and 14 when CBS telecasts the NCAA men's basketball championships on Thursdays.

Source: Studio Briefing