WEEKEND TV : 2 Shows Document Trouble Ahead for American Family

Two documentaries that illuminate the plight of the American family in troubled times will highlight the first weekend of summer.

Today at 3 p.m., Channel 28’s “By the Year 2000” presents an episode entitled “We Are Family” that examines the decline of the traditional family unit. The program claims that the two-parent family is quickly becoming a minority in Southern California and also examines other types of families that have evolved to take its place.

Meanwhile, Fox presents “Los Altos Story,” Sunday at 7 p.m. (11)(6), an award-winning documentary that examines the impact AIDS has had on families in a suburban Northern California town. Originally screened last year on the Financial News Network, the program shows how AIDS is far more than a gay disease and has altered the lives of men, women and children who live in straight and middle-class suburbia as well. Fox will air the program without commercials.

For sheer entertainment, check out Part 1 of the “Rita Rudner Comedy Special,” airing on A&E; tonight at 7 and 11 p.m. The hourlong special features the stand-up comedian yukking it up with Jennifer Saunders and Martin Bergman. Part 2 airs Sunday at the same times.

And Showtime premieres an original cable movie, “Payoff,” tonight at 9. Keith Carradine and Harry Dean Stanton star in this psychological drama about murder and revenge.

Other weekend shows include: