The Golden Era of Black Sitcoms: Comedy, Culture and Legacy

By: Sahra Mohamed

There are so many beloved Black comedy shows from the ‘90s and 2000s that have left a lasting impact on pop culture. One of the first that comes to mind is Moesha, which featured artists and talent such as Golden Globe winner Sheryl Lee Ralph, Grammy winning R&B stars Usher and Ginuwine, basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and one of the top comedians of all time, Bernie Mac. The show was a cultural staple, and we can’t forget the star of the show, Grammy Award winner and actress Brandy, who played the lead role. Brandy also made history starring as Cinderella alongside the late Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother in the beloved TV film.

Following Moesha, the spin-off The Parkers, starring comedy legend Mo’Nique and actress/singer Countess Vaughn, was another massive hit. The Parkers delivered not only comedic brilliance but also a rare gift, a proper series finale. In the world of sitcoms, especially Black sitcoms, this is a rarity. Many shows leave storylines hanging due to network issues. The Parkers managed to tie up loose ends in a way that provided the audience with the closure they deserved.

Another show that made a cultural imprint was Girlfriends, created by the legendary writer, producer, and director Mara Brock Akil. This standout show, starring the incredibly talented Tracee Ellis Ross, Persia White, Golden Brooks, and Jill Marie Jones, followed the lives of four women from different walks of life: a lawyer, a legal assistant, a free spirit, and a real estate agent. It was groundbreaking because it showcased Black women in a multifaceted light, representing our strengths, vulnerabilities, and unique personalities in a way that had rarely been done before. It was also one of the few shows to depict women of color in such a realistic way, breaking away from stereotypical representations. Sadly, the show ended in 2007 due to the WGA strike and budget constraints at The CW, but its legacy continues to be felt.

Speaking of beloved Black sitcoms, One on One, starring the talented Kyla Pratt and Flex Alexander, also stands out. Its humor is unmatched, and the show shed light on Black fatherhood and single Black fathers. Kyla Pratt’s extensive career, which includes roles in The Proud Family (Solange Knowles and Destiny’s Child sang the theme song), Doctor Dolittle with Eddie Murphy and the iconic film Love and Basketball, proves that she’s a versatile talent. One on One is a family favorite, delivering hilarious moments that keep viewers glued to their screens.

Another show that deserves mention is That’s So Raven. Raven’s journey from being a star on The Cosby Show at age 3 to her successful solo career by age 13 was a testament to her talent. That’s So Raven made history (see here) by having millions of viewers for its highest rated episodes and it remains one of Disney Channel’s most popular shows. Raven Symoné was not just a teen star; she was a trailblazer, and her influence continues to be felt across various platforms.

Let’s not forget My Wife and Kids, created by Damon Wayans and Don Reo. The show starred the immensely talented Tisha Campbell, who also won an NAACP Image Award for her role. Tisha’s comedic timing and acting proved why she deserved the recognition. The chemistry between Campbell and Damon Wayans was magic, and the show’s success only proved how much audiences loved it.

If you’re looking for more TV shows to watch, here’s our list:

1. The Hughleys – A sitcom about a successful Black family who adjust to life in a predominantly white suburb, starring D.L. Hughley.
2. Half & Half – A comedy about two half sisters, played by Rachel True and Essence Atkins, who have opposite personalities but share a bond that grows over time
3. All of Us – A sitcom about a blended family starring Duane Martin and LisaRaye McCoy, addressing the challenges of co-parenting and navigating relationships.
4. A Different World – A spin off of The Cosby Show, following college students at Hillman University, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of young Black adults.
5. Smart Guy – A family comedy about a young genius (Tahj Mowry) navigating life as a high school student and dealing with the challenges of being advanced for his age.
6. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air – Will Smith’s breakthrough role as a street smart teen from West Philadelphia who moves in with his wealthy relatives in Bel-Air.
7. Living Single – A sitcom that follows the lives and relationships of a group of friends living in Brooklyn, providing a unique view of Black women’s friendships and careers.
8. Boondocks – An animated series that uses satire to address race relations, politics, and Black identity in modern America, created by Aaron McGruder.
9. The Bernie Mac Show – The late Bernie Mac stars in this sitcom about a comedian who must care for his sister’s three children, using humor to deal with parenting and family life.
10. Everybody Hates Chris – A sitcom loosely based on comedian Chris Rock’s childhood, focusing on his experiences growing up in Brooklyn during the 1980s.

There are many more amazing Black sitcoms out there, each with their own unique charm and cultural impact. Black sitcoms have made a significant cultural imprint, but they often don’t receive the same mainstream recognition as others. In 2020, during the Black Lives Matter movement, Netflix began including a special “Black Lives Matter” section, featuring a range of films and TV shows, including Girlfriends. Disney also followed suit, adding That’s So Raven and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to its streaming platform. However, more work is still needed to bring these Black sitcoms to wider audiences. By having these shows available on streaming platforms, we can continue to celebrate the beauty, humor, and diversity of Black storytelling as told by Black filmmakers and television writers.