'Will and Grace': In The Pink

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''I thought [NBC West Coast prez] Scott Sassa was making one of his goofy jokes, then I realized there were four of them and they all had dealer plates.'' — Eric McCormack

Soon after the Porsches were delivered, NBC gave W&G another gift: the prized Tuesday-at-9 slot. "We've moved so many times, but every time it's helped the show," says Messing, whose series was shifted three times last season. McCormack isn't feeling so secure: "I never used to worry about it, but then people constantly say, 'I love your show — when is it on?'"

In its new spot, W&G will face ABC's similarly skewing Dharma & Greg. "Despite the fact they both have a man and a woman's name in the title, they're completely different," contends Hayes. "There's room for both of us." Cocreator David Kohan, however, expresses concern: "It's going to be a battle. My hope is both shows don't suffer as a result." Mutchnick is more succinct: "I want to win."

''I literally lay down on the pavement and started shaking. It didn't register. They said, 'These are for you.' And I was like, 'What do you mean--those trees?''' — Sean Hayes

Only one question remains: As the show's profile rises, will its homocentric humor finally rankle right-wingers? "We're not agitators, but we want to do things that push a little bit," says Kohan. For now, adds McCormack, "we're under the conservative radar just enough that we don't bug them. Ellen was an easier target because she was one person, and she was very vocal." Mullally offers her own theory why W&G hasn't stirred up a fuss: "It helps that within the show, there's gay bashing. Will and Jack constantly insult each other, so it's built-in."

''The most meaningful thing about this gift is it makes me feel like the show has the chance for a life. We won't be canceled in the next six months. So that allows me for the first time to exhale and enjoy it and go for the ride.'' — Debra Messing

In a Porsche, what a nice ride it'll be.