Once upon a time there was a broadcast network known as United Paramount Network (UPN), it was a mini network attempting along with The WB network attempting to compete with ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox. To do that they aimed to attract demographics that were undeserved. While the WB became known as the teen network with shows like Dawson's Creek, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and One Tree Hill. While UPN became the home of Star Trek Series, WWF Smackdown, and a string of successful Black sitcoms.
UPN use to spilt sitcoms across two nights in four hour blocks. Starting in 1999 they used Monday nights to pair the first successful sitcom on the network Moesha with its spin-off sitcom The Parkers, that is when Monday nights really took off. The four hour block did not have a catchy name like NBC's Must See TV or ABC's TGIF, but everyone in the Black community knew what channel to tune into. I remember I use to record UPN sitcoms on VHS incase I missed something important flipping back and forth between those shows and wrestling.
Alongside Moesha and The Parkers, there were highly regarded still to this day sitcoms like the now legendary Girlfriends. Exploring friendships and relationships for Black woman in the 21st century. Half and Half which I think is still very underrated about two half-sisters trying to build a relationship. One on One about a father and daughter adjusting to life together. All Of Us about a blended family and navigating that space. UPN even saved The Hughleys when it was cancelled by ABC, even though personally you can miss me with that show.
Malcolm & Eddie spent some time on Monday nights. Rapper Eve had her own sitcom Eve, even though her character's name was Shelley. One on One produced a spin-off Cutz that made it on Monday nights. And oft forgotten Jaleel White led sitcom Grown-ups.
While many of these sitcoms are still playing on cable or available to stream. It's often forgotten how important these shows were during the late 90's and early 2000's, when the major networks turned a blind eye to Black led sitcoms. These shows were unapologetically Black and for the culture, and it's a shame that 2 hour block on Monday nights is not given it's flowers more.
It was truly Must See TV for Black families.
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