David Boreanaz

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) A number of female-centered comedy projects have emerged as contenders at ABC and CBS heading into next week’s upfronts.

FOX is also reportedly narrowed its drama hopefuls to a few, including projects starring "Angel’s" David Boreanaz and "The O.C.’s" Amanda Righetti, while UPN appears to like a comedy produced by Chris Rock.

According to the Hollywood trade papers, ABC is eyeing as many as five comedies for potential pickups, including "Emily’s Reasons Why Not," which stars Heather Graham as an advice columnist, and "Freddie," toplined by Freddie Prinze Jr. Other possibilities include "Crumbs," about two estranged brothers; "Hot Properties," an ensemble piece about a real-estate office; and "Sons & Daughters," a partly improvised show about siblings and their families. A 1952 military coup forced the abdication of Farouk I, the last king of this African country. Uganda Egypt Ethiopia On the drama side, all three pilots executive produced by J.J. Abrams — "The Catch," "Pros and Cons" and "What About Brian" — could find a home, either in the fall or at midseason. The updated "Night Stalker" has also emerged as a possibility.

CBS, meanwhile, is said to like comedies starring Emmy winners Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("Old Christine") and Stockard Channing ("Flesh & Blood") and multi-time nominee Jenna Elfman ("Everything I Know About Men"). The soon-to-be "Raymond"-free network also has its eye on "How I Met Your Mother," which features Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan.

Elsewhere:

# FOX is close to picking up "Bones," a drama about a forensic anthropologist that stars Emily Deschanel ("Cold Mountain," "The Alamo") and Boreanaz. The form-breaking drama "Reunion," with Righetti, Will Estes ("American Dreams") and Chyler Leigh ("girls club") in its cast, also looks like a strong contender, as does the crazy-lawyer drama "Head Cases" and comedies "The War at Home" and "Kitchen Confidential."

# UPN has given the go-ahead to start staffing "Everybody Hates Chris," which is executive produced by Chris Rock and loosely based on his life as a teenager. "Wingwoman," which stars Shannen Doherty ("Charmed," "Beverly Hills, 90210"), also has some buzz.

# Comedies on The WB’s radar include "Modern Men," about three friends who hire a female life coach; "Twins," which stars Sara Gilbert ("Roseanne," "ER") and Molly Stanton ("Passions") as fraternal twin sisters; the female buddy comedy "Mindy and Brenda"; and "Misconception," about a young woman who meets her formerly anonymous biological father.