Reel 1327Q

Debut: This series moves comedically with gritty realism as it depicts life in Los Angeles's South Central neighborhood. Tisha Campbell plays Joan Mosley, a single mother who, in the opener, struggles to make ends meet after being laid off. Another concern surfaces when teenage son Andre (Larenz Tate) wants to carry a beeper to keep in touch with friends. But Joan, who has lost a son to gang violence, fears that a beeper will send the wrong message to police: namely that Andre is a gang member. Taishia, Tasha Scott, Sweati, Paula Kelly. Deon Keith Moulie.

CELEBRATE THE DREAM: 50 YEARS OF EBONY MAGAZINE (CC) THURS. 8PM Executive producer and director Jeff Margolis salutes a half century of 'African-American achievements in movies, television, music, sports, politics and social issues' on a show that combines film segments with performances. At press time, the entertainment lineup included Whitney Houston (singing a gospel medley); the Four Tops (a hits medley); Patti LaBelle ("Abraham, Martin and John"); All-4-One ("I Can Love You Like That"); Stevie Wonder ("If Love Ruled the World"); and Michael Bolton ("What's Goin' On!"). Also: rhythm-and-blues selections by Brandy, Toni Braxton, Lou Rawls, Smokey Robinson and Luther Vandross. Taped Nov. 17 at a gala in Los Angeles. (2:00)

Debut: This series mixes comedy with gritty realism as it depicts life in Los Angeles's South Central neighborhood. Tina Lifford plays Joan Mosley, a single mother who, in the opener, struggles to make ends meet after being laid off. Another concern surfaces when teenage son Andre (Larenz Tate) wants to carry a beeper to keep in touch with friends. But Joan, who has lost a son to gang violence, fears that a beeper will send the wrong message to police: namely that Andre is a gang member. Tasha: Tasha Scott. Sweets: Paula Kelly. Deion: Keith Mbulu.

(CC) THURS. 8 PM 4 Executive producer and director Jeff Margolis salutes a half century of "African-American achievements in movies, television, music, sports, politics and social issues" on a show that combines film segments with performances. At press time, the entertainment lineup included Whitney Houston (singing a gospel medley); the Four Tops (a hits medley); Patti LaBelle ("Abraham, Martin and John"); All-4-One ("I Can Love You Like That"); Stevie Wonder ("If Love Ruled the World"); and Michael Bolton ("What's Goin' On?"). Also: rhythm-and-blues selections by Brandy, Toni Braxton, Lou Rawls, Smokey Robinson and Luther Vandross. Taped Nov. 17 at a gala in Los Angeles. (2:00)