In new sitcom, Jenna Elfman's keeping her baby

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By Karen Goldberg Goff

It may be "Knocked Up" with fewer F-bombs, but "Accidentally on Purpose" (CBS, Mondays at 8:30 p.m., premieres Monday) is kind of cute.

Jenna Elfman plays Billie, a 37-year-old San Francisco film critic who has lots going for her: She's adorable, has a wardrobe to die for, a fun job, witty blonde sidekick and one of the those fab apartments journalists only seem to have on film.

On the rebound from a going-nowhere relationship with her boss (Grant Show, formerly of "Melrose Place"), Billie knocks back a few and winds up in bed with Zach, a chef who is about 12 years her junior. As she does the walk of shame in the light of day — through Zach's crummy apartment, past his video-game playing roomies, Billie seems to come to her senses … and then the pregnancy test turns positive a month later.

"Is it possible you kind of accidentally got pregnant on purpose?" is the question Billie's sister asks. "Maybe somewhere, deep down, you wanted this."

Says Billie: "The truth is … maybe you're right."

As luck would have it, Zach may be underemployed and temporarily living in his van, but he's a pretty nice guy and intends to be there for Billie and baby.

Despite the brief pot smoking scene (by the slackers, not by the mom-to-be) and the casual take on casual sex, "Accidentally on Purpose" has an underlying family values message. There is an unplanned pregnancy, but there is no mention of abortion. Baby Daddy seems really interested in sticking around, too, going out of his way to do caring things for Billie, who welcomes the nurturing.

She may have the yuppie accouterments, but Billie's got some growing to do, too.