LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - UPN is using a strategy similar to what The WB is doing with "Felicity" to premiere its two new comedies, "As If" and "The Random Years."

While "Roswell" is in repeats during March, UPN will put the drama on hiatus and use its "Buffy" lead-in to help give strong premiere to the two midseason comedies. "Roswell" will then return in late April/early May with new episodes.

Based on a British comedy of the same name, "As If" follows the adventures of six twentysomethings living in Los Angeles. The series stars Emily Corrie (from the British version), Robin Dunne ("Dawson's Creek"), Chris Engen ("Felicity"), Derek Hughes and Tracie Thomas.

"The Random Years" stars Will Friedle ("Boy Meets World"), Joshua Ackerman and Sean Murray ("JAG") as three twentysomething roommates living in New York who've known each other since grade school. Enter Natalia Cigliuiti ("Saved by the Bell") to stir up the pot.

If successful, the two comedies could spell trouble for "Roswell," which has been suffering in the ratings well since UPN rescued from cancellation by The WB. After a disappointing November sweeps performance, UPN scaled back its order of the series from 22 episodes to 20.

"As If" premieres Tuesday, March 5 at 9 p.m., followed by "The Random Years" debut at 9:30 p.m.