NBC has learned the value of the philosophy K.I.S.S. (“Keep it simple, stupid”).

“Trinity,” a muddle of Irish-American stereotypes, earned a quick yank from the Friday schedule after viewers were unable to peg the multilayered series (was it a cop show, a soap opera, a family drama, or what?).

Taking its place at 9 p.m., starting Jan. 8, is the kinder, gentler family drama “Providence.” The series tells the story of a disillusioned but altruistic plastic surgeon returning to her hometown of Providence, R.I., to start over in family practice and to look after her quirky family.

“Providence” stars Melina Kanakaredes, who plays Dr. Sydney Hansen. Sydney is getting tired of performing nose jobs and collagen injections for spoiled rich kids in Los Angeles. She returns home for the wedding of her younger sister, Joanie (played by Paula Cale). A family tragedy cancels the wedding and puts Sydney at a crossroads. After a falling-out with her agent boyfriend, Sydney leaves behind her Malibu beach house and goes home.

She ends up taking care of Joanie and her newborn daughter; her veterinarian father, Jim (Mike Farrell of “M*A*S*H”), who relates better to animals than to people, and her scheming baby brother, Robbie (Seth Peterson). Sydney also receives brusque dream-time visits from her late mother, Linda (Concetta Tomei), who provides unwanted advice.

Kanakaredes, a former “Guiding Light” star, has appeared in such forgettable, short-lived series as “New York News” and “Leaving L.A.” The expressive actress deserves a hit, but bracketed between “Dateline” and a fading “Homicide,” “Providence” isn’t likely to be it.

“Providence” is the brainchild of John Masius, the creator of “Touched By an Angel.” Fortunately, the new series keeps a good degree of the sweet family feeling without the sappiness of the CBS hit.

“Providence” is a good choice for those who like their escapism nonchallenging, especially when compared to such time-slot alternatives as the returning Western “The Magnificent Seven” and the harrowing “Millennium.” Each episode offers a medical crisis, a family crisis and a little flirting with her high school crush (played by Tom Verica, “Central Park West.”) “Providence” keeps it very simple.