Things to watch
Innovative approaches and a proliferation of big stars aren't the only trends emerging from the steady stream of new original programs premiering on cable this winter. Along with these, several others bear watching.

Short, sweet, edgy
No matter whether they're working in drama, comedy, reality or non-fiction, cable programmers show a growing tendency to greenlight series of short duration. USA Network's six-hour drama, "Traffic," about the illegal world of trafficking in drugs, weapons and people; TLC's eight-episode "Wedding Secrets," about the challenges of the wedding planner; and Tr!o's six-part documentary, "Parking Lot," about fanatical fans, are typical of this trend.

For programmers and advertisers alike, these little series have several advantages. First, networks get more bang for their promotional buck when they draw viewers in for several episodes instead of a one-time event such as a movie or special. Short-run series also allow for lots of experimentation. If a concept works, the network can always order more episodes but isn't stuck with 13 if a show falls flat. Perhaps best of all, short-run series may attract big-name actors, writers, directors and producers, who know they can get in and out of a project relatively quickly, says Paul Lee, chief operating officer of BBC America. A perfect example, he says, is BBC America's premiere this winter of "State of Play," a six-part drama written by Paul Abbott, one of the U.K.'s most recognized screenwriters and starring David Morrissey and John Simm.

Kids' shows diversify
Cable networks that program for children and families continue to significantly expand their original offerings. "Last year we aired more original programming than ever before, and this year, we'll more than double that amount," says Cartoon Network General Manager Jim Samples.

Animation remains a big draw, according to Cyma Zarghami, named president of Nickelodeon in January. Even young teens are tuning in animated shows more often than they used to, she says. "Since 9/11, kids aren't in as big a hurry to grow up as they once were."

New animated series this winter include Nickelodeon's "Danny Phantom," about a boy with a razor-sharp wit and ghostlike superpowers, and Cartoon Network's "Megas XLR," about a slacker who finds a spaceship, converts it to a hot rod and then must keep it from falling into the hands of nefarious aliens.

On the live-action front, which Ms. Zarghami says is important for attracting the "tweens" audience, Nickelodeon premieres "Drake & Josh," about a pair of very different boys who become brothers after their unattached parents marry.

Original movie premieres include Disney Channel's "Going to the Mat," about a blind boy who joins the high school wrestling team as a way of fitting in after his family moves from New York to the rural Midwest, and "Party Wagon," a Cartoon Network film about a group of misfits who keep getting waylaid during the westward travels of a pioneer wagon train.

Shades of politics
With the Democratic Party's effort to nominate a presidential candidate in high gear this winter, cable networks will cover the race from a variety of angles. CNN's team of political correspondents has taken to the road in a bus that will travel to primary states and other points of interest, providing viewers with updates and interviews. Fox News, MSNBC, CNBC and other news outlets will also cover the race, while MTV will again provide reports as part of its "Choose or Lose" public service campaign urging young people to vote.

For a humorous take on key events, Comedy Central's "Daily Show With Jon Stewart" will return its popular "Indecision 2004," a tongue-in-cheek review of election season news.

High definition on the rise
The number of cable networks telecasting in high definition TV continues to rise. The most recent addition, TNT , will launch a high definition version of itself in May, kicking it off with coverage of the National Basketball Association's Western Conference finals. In the meantime, TNT will again telecast its coverage of the NBA All-Star Game in HDTV.

The new TNT-HD brings the number of cable networks offering HDTV services to at least 16. Cable systems deliver HDTV capabilities to more than 70 million U.S. households.