Logo Cast of "Noah's Arc," from left, Doug Spearman, Rodney Chester, Darryl Stephens, Christian Vincent. Click photo for larger image. "Noah's Arc" When: 10 tonight on Logo. Starring: Darryl Stephens

"Noah's Arc" is a black, gay, male "Sex and the City" with a "Soul Food" aesthetic.

Forget Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda.

Make way for Noah, Alex, Ricky and Chance, respectively.

The half-hour comedy-drama premieres with an hourlong episode tonight at 10 on Logo (Comcast Channel 163, Adelphia Channel 161) -- the new MTV Networks' channel that features programming with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender themes.

"Noah's Arc" is based on the 2004 film of the same name with several of the actors reprising their roles. Like the film, "Noah's Arc" the television show focuses on the daily lives and loves of four best friends in West Hollywood:

The Screenwriter, Noah (Darryl Stephens), is struggling in his career and dating a newly out man.

The Diva, Alex (Rodney Chester), is an HIV/AIDS counselor, the "crazy Mama Bear" of the group and in a committed seven-year relationship that's starting to develop an itch and needs a little excitement.

The Player, Ricky (Christian Vincent), is a Melrose Avenue clothing boutique owner who believes in conquests more than commitments and doesn't mind fraternizing on the job.

The Ivy Leaguer, Chance (Doug Spearman), is a prim-and-proper conservative college professor trying not to feel smothered in his new domestic life with his boyfriend and stepdaughter.

In the premiere episode, we meet the foursome Rollerblading on Venice Beach when Noah runs into Wade (Jensen Atwood), an ostensibly heterosexual screenwriter friend to whom he obviously is attracted. His friends warn him about falling for a straight man. In fact, whenever Noah is in a quandary, he often calls one or more of his friends for advice.

"Noah's Arc" is amusing but doesn't rise above the ever-growing list of mediocre gay-themed shows that are high on production values but medium to low on writing quality. It's entertaining nonetheless in a soap opera-nighttime drama sort of way. Think of the now-defunct "Queer as Folk" and the slick-but-oft-over-the-top-and-silly "L Word."

Although stereotypes abound, "Noah's Arc" is racy, mindless fun and great eye candy -- in the tradition of "The O.C" or "Melrose Place" -- that's sure to spawn weekly viewing parties in homes and bars nationwide.