TV Reviews : ‘Two Teens’ Lighter but Still Meaningful

A mother’s unexpected pregnancy throws her teen-age sons into a tizzy in “Two Teens and a Baby,” today’s surprisingly good-humored “CBS Schoolbreak Special” (3 p.m., Channels 2 and 8).

High schooler Brian is embarrassed and angry at the news that a baby is on the way; what will his friends say? Younger brother Chris on the other hand, is delighted; maybe they can name it Madonna--or Chris Jr. The resemblance to the film “Three Men and a Baby” is strictly intentional as Baby Katie arrives, requiring big brothers Brian (Jim Calvert) and Chris (Brice Beckham) to adjust to the inconvenience and, ugh, the diapers.

Writer Carol Starr Schneider, director David J. Eagle and the likable cast--including Sandy Faison and Robert Picardo as the harried parents--keep things light and easy. This is something of a departure for a series that usually tackles heavy issues such as incest and physical abuse.

There are lessons in the fun, however. Hearing of his mom’s accidental pregnancy makes Brian’s girlfriend (Maureen Flannigan) more resistant when Brian pressures her to have sex. Brian, meanwhile, must deal with his selfishness and Chris with his jealousy as they get a preview of parenthood, with all its attendant responsibilities and rewards.