Weekend TV : AIDS Stories Add a Somber Note Among Festive Series Premieres

Two stories about AIDS contrast sharply with the festive season premieres of several programs old and new this weekend.

A special episode of “3-2-1 Contact” tells the story of 16-year-old AIDS victim Ryan White tonight at 6:30 on Channel 28.

On Sunday, “SIDA Is AIDS” looks at how the fatal disease is affecting the local Hispanic community. This documentary airs at 7 p.m. on Channel 28 and will be simulcast in Spanish on Channel 34.

The more frivolous side of television takes over tonight at 8 as CBS (Channels 2 and 8) unveils its new series, “Dirty Dancing,” based on last year’s hit film. NBC counters with Fred Dryer as he kicks off a fifth season as “Hunter” at 10 p.m. (4)(36)(39).

“Family Ties” begins its final season Sunday on NBC at 8 p.m., while “Day by Day,” the network’s series set in a day care center, begins its second season at 8:30 p.m.

Two Fox staples also raise the curtain on new seasons Sunday, beginning with “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” at 9:30 p.m., followed by “Duet” at 10 p.m. on Channels 11 and 6.