ABC is importing a British series that drops a no-nonsense nanny into a home to fix discipline problems and change parenting styles.

And -- surprise -- it may already have a competitor at Fox.

"Supernanny," which was a hit for Britain's Channel 4 in a three-week run earlier this month, will go into production for ABC "immediately," the network says. It has ordered eight episodes of the show, which will feature Jo Frost, a nanny who starred in the U.K. version of the show and has worked for British and American families for 15 years.

A network spokeswoman says the show will be on the air sometime during the 2004-05 season.

Frost, described as a "tough-love Mary Poppins," will spend each episode with a different family, observing any problems and offering solutions to both children and their parents. Cameras will visit the families again after Frost leaves to see if her suggestions for improving the family dynamic took root.

Nick Powell, who created "Supernanny," will also oversee the American version. The show generated strong ratings for Channel 4, averaging more than 5 million viewers in its three-week run.

Variety reports that another British company, Granada, is developing a similar show called "Nanny 911" for Fox. (Both networks bid on the rights to "Supernanny.") Fox isn't saying when it started working with Granada on the project, which will feature a team of nannies helping families out, nor is it certain when Granada cooked up its format.

ABC and NBC have both accused Fox of swiping reality-show ideas, then getting its shows on first to steal its rivals' thunder. Fox executives have said the cutthroat competition is just part of doing business.

(Zap2it.com)

More Fox makeovers

No longer content to make over just one facet of life per show, Fox is throwing the whole self-, home- and life-improvement TV universe into one series.

The network has ordered a show called "Family Time" for the fall, in which author Jay McGraw -- son of Dr. Phil McGraw -- will take families through personal makeovers and life-improvement tips while their houses and cars undergo renovation at the same time.

Think "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" meets "The Swan" meets "Pimp My Ride" meets "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."

"This is the most comprehensive makeover show ever on television," Fox reality guru Mike Darnell says. "Leaving no stone unturned, this crew of experts will literally change people's lives, taking on every member of the family. They'll transform sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, dogs, cars and will even strip a house down to studs if they have to."

(Zap2it.com)

Channel surfing

Former WTAE reporter/anchor Susan Koeppen's first piece for CBS's "The Early Show" is expected to air tomorrow. ... Actress Sydney Tamiia Poitier ("Abby") has joined the cast of UPN's fall drama "Veronica Mars." ... Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie ("The Simple Life 2") will host the Teen Choice Awards Aug. 11 on Fox.

(Rob Owen, Post-Gazette TV editor)