Mary Stuart Masterson joins the stream of actresses who are trading occasional film work for a steady TV gig when her series, “Kate Brasher,” premieres at 9 tonight on CBS.

“Kate Brasher,” which does the viewing public a favor by replacing “Walker, Texas Ranger” for six weeks, is the latest in the growing number of female-led inspirational dramas, including, but not limited to, “Providence” and “Judging Amy.” While not as egregious a trend of comedies about mismatched buddies or self-obsessed twentysomethings, these dramas must be handled carefully so as to keep the amount of sap down (too many sweets can lead to diabetes, remember).

This new drama is less saccharine than either of the two previously mentioned shows. Masterson stars as the titular character, a too-young single mother who wants the best for her two teen-age boys but who is hard-pressed to make ends meet through a series of menial jobs.

After being stiffed for a nighttime cleaning job, she meets the driving forces behind Brothers Keepers, a local community advocacy center where she seeks help. They are feisty attorney Abbie Schaeffer (Rhea Perlman) and Joe Almedia (Hector Elizondo), the center’s tough, street-smart director. The naturally caring Kate is a natural fit amid the chaos at the center.

Masterson (“Fried Green Tomatoes”), an under-appreciated actress, is understated but winning as the well-meaning, big-hearted Kate. She’s ably aided by Emmy winners Perlman (back to supporting roles after the flop of “Pearl”) and Elizondo (“Chicago Hope”).

Still “Kate Brasher” may prove a little too quiet a drama for many. Although more true to life, trying to come up with the rent isn’t as gripping as a fight for life in a hospital operating room or a courtroom. Even its well-matched lead-in, the excellent “That’s Life,” offers its insights in a more colorful package. Although well-acted, the series may have to turn up the drama a notch for CBS to bring it back next fall.