10 TV Shows That Are Black Family Heirlooms

 I saw a recent post on Instagram about song's that have been passed between generations like family treasures. Song's from the 60's on down that people instantly recognize and sing their heart out to, no matter how old they are.

So taking inspiration it got me thinking about TV shows that fall in the same category. The one's I use to watch my grandparents or my parents, or that they watched during their heyday and passed down. Or the TV shows that raised me giving me hints about life before I understood them. That I will pass down to my kids once their old enough.

Its a comprehensive list that I nailed down to 10. So before folks starting asking about this show or that show, I plan to do a few more. Without further ado here's 10 TV shows passed down like family heirlooms.

The Heat of the Night

If you ask most Millennials, they will share fond memories of watching In The Heat Of The Night during the middle of the day with a grandparents. The TV series based on the 1967 film of the same name and starring Archie Bunker himself. Debuted on NBC in 1988 running through 1992, before moving to CBS in '92 finishing out the series in 1995.

In the meantime it became a syndicated favorite that spanned generations.

Living Single 

The mid-90's Fox ensemble sitcom hit that actually inspired Friends. Living Single is known for its iconic theme song and the friendship and sisterhood the show was built around. Many Baby Boomers and Gen X'ers watched the show during its heyday, as they were living life relating to the characters.

Their millennial and Gen Z children watched as well, especially as we got older and understood some of the life stories. Now thanks to the power of streaming. Older Gen Alpha's are learning and loving this classic sitcom.

The Jeffersons

Well we're moving on up, everyone knows the opening words to the iconic theme song. This long-running 1970's sitcom produced by Norman Lear and was a spin-off from All In The Family. Was watched by my grandmother when it aired, and my mother as child/teenager.  There is not a time I do not remember this show being on air, whether through syndication on local or cable TV and now streaming.

The story of a successful Black family in their high rise apartment, and their interactions with other tenants in the building. Will continue to span generations.

Law & Order

The original Law & Order aired in 1990, and ran until 2010. 20 years for the children of day one viewers to grow up and watch the show, and then run it back and watch episodes they may have been too young for. The long-running spin-off series Law & Order: SVU is the real family heirloom.

Debuting in 1999 and still airing on NBC. SVU has become a rerun hallmark on cable TV especially the USA network. Giving the show opportunities to reach new generations.

My Wife & Kids

An updated new millennium version of The Cosby Show, My Wife and Kid's which turns 25 next month is a modern day classic. Starring Damon Wayans and Tisha Campbell, the sitcom followed a upper middle class family navigating parenthood in the early 2000s.

It ran for five seasons and was a favorite amongst many Boomers and X'ers raising the kids, and the millennials the same age as the kids. It became even more popular in syndication and when it premiered on Nick At Nite in the early 2010's. Streaming came along and it has gained even more fans.

Moesha

The mid 90's hit which was one of the first successful sitcoms for the fledging UPN network. Following a L.A. teenager played by r&b singer Brandy, the sitcom followed her adventures as a teenager navigating high school and college.

This is another sitcom with an iconic theme song , which I believe gained a resurgence and popularity through social media. Which in turn led a new generation towards the show and Millennial parents saying "I loved that show". Forging a newfound love for the sitcom.

A Different World

A spin-off of The Cosby Show, premiering in 1987 A Different World showcased life on a HBCU campus. Many members of Gen X and elder Millennials credit the sitcom for being their inspiration to attend a HBCU. Actually many Gen Z kids attend HBCU's today because of this sitcom.

It has been shown by parents who attended those schools to their kids. To give them an idea of the culture at HBCU's. In turn creating bonding moments, even the 2010s sitcom Grown-ish you can see the fingerprints of A Different World. 

With Netflix producing a legacy sequel series. A whole new generation will fall in love with Hillman College, and watch the OG sitcom with their older relatives.

Good Times

Another Norman Lear sitcom with a infectious theme song. This sitcom followed the Evans life as they navigated living in the Cabrini Green projects.  It ran for 6 seasons and left a legacy behind. Syndication has kept the Good Times train humming along for 50 years.

My parents watched it faithfully, I've watched it multiple times through the years. And my younger cousins love the sitcom as well. A testament to how much the show has been passed down through generations.

Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

Go to a Karaoke night and you just may hear someone rapping the intro to Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. The 90's sitcom was the catalyst for Will Smith becoming a Hollywood superstar. The six season sitcom has become a TV and in this age Phone/tablet favorite.

Whether you first watched it 1990 on NBC, caught it on your local station, or TBS and Nick At Nite when they ran it repeat every night. HBO Max or Hulu, the show is one for the ages.

Martin

There's always a debate about the funnier and more influential Black 90's sitcom Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air or Martin. While my money is on Martin, there's non denying the impact both had still to this day. My younger cousins who born after the sitcom had been off the air for more than 5 years love Martin and quote it likes it a current sitcom.

The memes, the fact its still talked about on podcasts, and the YouTube and social media clips still get thousands of likes and comments. Shows how much the sitcom is loved and how it transcends generations. Many father and sons and mom and daughters, sometimes grandparents and their grandchildren will sit in front of the TV and laugh at the sitcom. As if they've never heard the jokes before.

 

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TV Pilots That Didn't Make The Cut

 It's upfront week, which in the world of Hollywood is when networks and streamers announce new show lineups. They also announce what shows are not returning This is to entice sponsors to buy ad time and start building promotion for the coming shows. While it's still a pomp and circumstance week, it's nowhere near the spectacle it once was.

All the debuting shows that make it, were given the go ahead based on their respective pilots. A pilot is simply a prototype episode of a series, to gauge the potential of it attracting an audience and being a success. So I started thinking about all of the pilots filmed, and came up with ten you may not know existed. Or know it existed but didnt know the story behind it

10. Powerpuff Girls

This live action adaption of the Cartoon network classic, was set for a fall 2021 debut on the CW network. Chloe Bennett, Yana Perrault, Dove Cameron rounded out the trio. While Donald Faison and Robyn Lively also were members of the cast. 

The pilot received negative reviews, and after several attempts to rework it. The show was officially considered DOA in 2023. Clips of it have found their way to YouTube.

9. Sisqo/Bob Newhart Pilot

                                                      

Back in 2021, Sisqo was still kind of on top of the world. Still riding strong from his solo debut album Unleash The Dragon and it's hit song Thong Song. Around this time, if a network thought they could make some money off your star appeal they would try. So, a pilot was developed with Sisqo at NBC with Bob Newhart co-starring.

The two would star as an odd couple business partners. The show wasnt picked up, and internet lore says the pilot was honestly horrible. Which probably tracks since there is no trace of footage online anywhere.

8. Marvel's Most Wanted

A spin-off of Agents Of Shield, this 2015 pilot featured Adrianna Palicki and Nick Blood reprising their characters from the series. It would focus on two separated from the spy agency, and on the run from various parties. Presumably to clear their names from something, but details about the series other than they would be on the run are scant.

7. Wonder Woman 

Another Adrianna Palicki failed superhero pilot, 2011's Wonder Woman. Filmed for NBC, this pilot was supposed to bring Wonder Woman into the 21st century. Written by David E. Kelly who created and wrote beloved dramas like Doogie Howser, Picket Fences, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Boston Legal, The Practice and Chicago Hope to name a few. With Pedro Pascal who later starred in the 2020 Wonder Woman '84 movie, Cary Elwes, Elizabeth Hurley, Tracie Thoms, and Edward Herrman rounded out the cast.

Switching up Wonder Woman's origin story a bit, the pilot followed the typical superhero trope of being a public figure running a corporation and a superhero. Far cry from what Wonder Woman is, and apparently it did not go over well. Clips of the pilot can be found on YouTube, and you can quickly see why it was cancelled.

6. Problem Child

An adaptation of the 1990 film which spawned 2 sequels and a cartoon, this planned 2015 pilot was set to bring the story to the 2010's. 

Matthew Lillard and Erinn Hayes were attached to star in the pilot. Playing the roles made famous by John Ritter and his wife Amy Yasbeck. The series was intended to be a single camera comedy (filmed like other comedies such as Modern Family, Bernie Mac Show etc.) The plot would of course feature the couple trying to prevent their mischievous son from getting into trouble. This actually could have worked and it's a shame it was not picked up.

5. Cruel Intentions 

Before Prime Video bought Cruel Intentions to the screen as a TV series last year. NBC filmed a pilot back in 2016 that was an continuation of the original film. Set 17 years after the film, Sarah Michelle Gellar reprised her role as Kathryn Mertueil. She would have the villain in the series trying to wrest control of the family company, from her step-nephew Sebastian and Annette's son Bash. Bash find's his father's old journal which introduces him into a strange world as he learns more about his father he never knew.

This was the second attempt at a series for Cruel Intentions, Fox tried in 2000. Just like that one, this series was not picked up. The actually had a good foundation to be an engaging series continuing the legacy of the original film.

4. Bow Wow Pilot

Many may see him as a clown, but at one time Bow Wow was one of the biggest stars walking the planet.  He had conquered the music demographic of teenage girls and stepped into the movie world already. So it only seemed right that in 2005 he tried to follow in the foot steps of Will Smith and Eve, and star in his own comedy series. He filmed a pilot for the WB network simply titled Bow, with Hollywood veterans like Kim Fields and Joey Lawrence joining the cast. The series followed Bow Wow as he was transitioning from a child star to an adult, which mirrored his life at the time.

The pilot is available on YouTube and actually had potential. With a lot of viewers leaving comments that they would have watched the show had it aired.

3. Supernatural: Bloodlines

The CW's long running and successful show Supernatural was planned to start a franchise. In 2014 the network conducted a "backdoor pilot" which is an episode of the original series, meant to introduce the characters for a new series. That episode occurred in season 9, episode 20 featured two characters Ennis Ross and Freddie Costa who are in the world of hunters and monsters in Chicago. It wasn't well received when it aired, likely because the Dean brothers weren't the focus of the series. Thus CW decided against making it a TV series and passed on the pilot.

2. Beverly Hills Cop TV series

In 2013 CBS network decided to revive The Beverly Hills Cop franchise. Brandon T. Jackson was tapped to lead the show as the son of Axel Foley. Unable to make a name for himself in the Detroit Police department, he decides to move to Beverly Hills where he still lives in his dad's shadow. The pilot featured Judge Rheinhold returning to the franchise, and Eddie Murphy himself passing the torch. Fortunately I think everyone realized a network TV show was not the right platform for this series, and without Eddie Murphy regularly appearing no one would likely tune in. 

The pilot is available on YouTube, while it had potential it was wisely passed over.

1. Aquaman

In the mid-2000's before the MCU kicked off and the Arrowverse ruled the CW network, the WB network aired Smallville. The origin story of Superman which was highly successful, the network decided to try the formula again and in 2006 produced Aquaman for a pilot. Starring Justin Hartley who later played Green Arrow in Smallville and became famous for This Is Us as Arthur Curry/Aquaman. Ving Rhames and Lou Diamond Phillips provided the veteran steady hands for the pilot. It took the Smallville formula, updating the source material and applying the "good looking" lead to bring in female fans. 

The pilot was not picked up but was offered through itunes to purchase, which was a huge deal back in 2006. The pilot shows that the series actually had potential and you could tell money was put into it to really sell the show. The pilot was on YouTube for years but seems to be taken down, however the trailer which got you looking forward to the series is still available.

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Top Ten TV Mom Crushes

Here we are folk's its Mother's Day weekend. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms reading this. We return with the subject of crushes, and for now my last blog on the crush topic (unless I can think of another one.) We cover ten TV mom's it seems everyone had a crush on from multiple generations. So let's get to it.

Beth Pearson

One of my favorite shows from the late 2010's, This Is Us graced us with no only engaging television for 6 seasons. It also blessed us with Beth Pearson, played by Susan Keleci Watson. Beth was soft spoken, but firm especially when it came to her husband Randall. She also had a sense of humor and very intelligent. Beth Pearson was very fine, elegant and snappy.

Lorelai Gilmore

Lorelai Gilmore was a witty firecracker on the WB's Gilmore Girls. Played by Lauren Graham, Lorelai was a quick thinker and very witty. She also loved her coffee, and referencing pop culture every chance she get's (something I love). Her icy blue eyes stole guys hearts on the show, and I'm sure several viewers.

Aunt Becky

When Full House was on the air during it's heyday, Uncle Jesse was famous for saying Have Mercy. With Aunt Becky by his side, who can blame him? Played by Lori Loughlin, she joined the cast in season 2 and went on to become one of the top TV mom crushes ever. Known for her various haircut styles that always complemented her, and her smile. She was one of the top crushes of many young men in the late 80's and early 90's. Besides her beauty, she was very sensible and level headed helping keep everyone else in the family sane, while maintaining her composure.

Neesee James

Neesee James was a mom the 2000's UPN show All Of Us, which was one of the first TV shows I recall that explored co-parenting and blended families. Now Neesee was a favorite of many, because Lisa Raye is gorgeous. That in itself was enough for most people to have a crush on Neesee. However in the confines of the show, she showed maturity and poise 99% of the time when it involved co-parenting. She however was not afraid to put her foot in someone's behind if needed. She also was a fierce protector of her son, and despite her strong demeanor was actually a big softie. 

Angie Lopez

The leading lady of the George Lopez Show, Angie Lopez was played by Constance Marie. One of the favorite TV mom's of the 2000's, Angie was a steady hand in the Lopez family. She always saw the best in people throughout the show's run and was very loving and caring for her husband and children. She also knew when to put George in his place, and it was usually at the right time. Angie always knew when to have fun and spice up her life, which some of her outfits surely drew in new fans.

Gabrielle Solis

When Desperate Housewives debuted in 2004, many eyes were set on the relatively unknown actress Eva Longoria who played Gabrielle Solis. Honestly, who didn't want to know more about her? Gabrielle was a trophy wife on the series, young, full of life and bored. She seduced a younger man which at the time the series aired. A bit high-maintenance she also had a pure heart and yearned for nothing more than to be a mom. Which she finally achieved becoming a mom, Gabrielle was one of the best most loving TV moms ever.

Wanda Mac

Aunt Wanda on The Bernie Mac Show is one of my favorite TV mom's. I personally have a big crush on Kellita Smith, and apparently a lot of others do too. The surrogate mother of Bernie Mac's nieces and nephews, it takes a special person to raise other people's kid's. And Ms. Wanda Mac did it effortlessly and without hesitation. While making moves in her executive role with AT&T and keeping Bernie from getting too wild. An underrated TV mom, but a top TV mom crush.

Rainbow Johnson

Dr. Rainbow Johnson played by Tracee Ellis Ross from one of the 2010's best comedies Black-ish. A tad quirky but very loving towards her family. She also was more than enough for her husband Dre keeping him in line. Rainbow became a favorite TV mom's for her personality and her derriere. Which was a natural progression from Ross's time on the sitcom Girlfriends.

Gloria Delgado-pritchett

Another favorite TV mom from a 2010's classic. Gloria Delgado-Pritchett played by Sofia Vegara in Modern Family. Another trophy wife from the TV world, married to the much older Jay played by Ed O'Neil. An aggressive firecracker, Gloria was snappy, fiery, and very outspoken. She was also proud of her heritage and made sure it was incorporated in the families daily lives. Not one to keep quiet to show she was more than a pretty face and shapely body. Which probably made her even more attractive to many.

Clair Huxtable

The personification of a classy TV Mom. Clair Huxtable played by Phylicia Rashad in old school words, had it going on. A successful lawyer she was loving but a disciplinarian to her five children. She displayed how to balance a successful demanding career and being a present wife and mother. A natural beauty requiring little makeup, people fell in love with Clair Huxtable. To this day she is held in high regard when it comes to TV moms, and even new generations blush when she's on TV. Lamenting if she was around in her time, they may have shot their shot. 

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