ABC Tops List of Humanitas Nominees

Episodes from “thirtysomething,” “China Beach,” “The Wonder Years” and “Doogie Howser, M.D.” are among the 17 finalists for the 1991 Humanitas Prizes which honor television writers whose work enriches human values. Chosen from more than 575 entries, eight shows are from ABC, three from CBS, three from NBC, two from cable and one from PBS.

A total of $95,000 will be awarded in six categories by the Human Family Educational and Cultural Institute. Winners will be announced at a luncheon July 9 at the Century Plaza.

Here are the category finalists:

* 30 Minute ($10,000 award): Bob Brush, “The Wonder Years: “Goodbye,” ABC. Mark B. Perry, “The Wonder Years: The Ties That Bind.” Nat Bernstein and Mitchel Lee Katlin, “Doogie Howser, M.D.: To Live and Die in Brentwood,” ABC.

* 60 Minute ($15,000 award): Joseph Dougherty, “thirtysomething: Fighting the Cold,” ABC. John Wells, “China Beach: One Small Step,” ABC. Ann Lewis Hamilton, “thirtysomething: Second Look.”

* 90 Minute or Longer ($25,000 award): Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, “Extreme Closeup,” NBC. John Axness and Jennifer Miller, “Lucky Day,” ABC. George Stevens, “Separate but Equal,” Part I, ABC.

* PBS/Cable (new category, $25,000 award): Jon Robin Baitz, “Three Hotels,” PBS. Sara Flanigan and Ken Koser, “Sudie and Simpson,” Lifetime.

* Children’s Live Action ($10,000 award): Paul W. Cooper, “CBS Schoolbreak: Abby, My Love.” Barra Grant, “CBS Schoolbreak: Lies of the Heart.” Bob Gookin, “CBS Schoolbreak: Malcolm Takes a Shot.”

* Children’s Animation ($10,000 award): Stephan Martiniere and Peter Landecker, “Madeline: Madeline’s Christmas,” Family Channel. Betty Birney, “Camp Candy: Wish Upon a Fish,” NBC. Steven J. Fisher, “Super Mario Brothers: True Colors,” NBC.