Five Black 90's Sitcoms You Probably Forgot About

 

With so much content out there, some show's and movie's slip through the cracks of time and minds. For a variety of reasons, from show's not being given a chance to not being accessible anywhere in this digital age. Or honestly they weren't good enough to deserve to be remembered. With that in mind, I decided to focus on 5 sitcom's from the 90's with Black leads that no one remembers. 

Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer

A product of it's time, I remember the promo's for the show and some of the controversy surrounding it. Although I was too young to know why there was outrage, but not fully understand it. I just know I never watched the show when it aired for it's very short life. Chi McBride starred as Desmond Pfeiffer, a U.K. transplant who serves as Abraham Lincoln's butler in the white house during the civil war era. The show only lasted 4 episodes before being cancelled and quickly disappearing from the minds of many.

Goode Behavior

During UPN's early years they did what any upstart would do, throw things at the wall and see's what stick. That's exactly what Goode Behavior likely was, starting Sherman Helmsley and Dorien Wilson. Helmsley played a recently paroled con artist who moves in with his son and his family, Dorein plays his son a college professor who is on the path to being promoted to Dean. I honestly don't remember this show, so I can't say whether it was funny or not. It only lasted one season so I'm going to guess no.

The Preston Episodes

After leaving In Living Color with the Wayans Family, David Allen Grier decided to branch out into the sitcom world on his own.  His first shot was htis 1995 Fox network sitcom, The Preston Episodes a English college professor who moves to Manhattan after a divorce. He take's a job as a caption writer for a gossip magazine and experiences a bit of a culture clash with his coworkers. The show flew under the radar as I don't remember it one bit, and it only lasted 8 episodes with two unaired episodes in the can. Which means it probably did not showcase Grier's talent that well.

Damon

Before creating and starring in the classic 2000's sitcom My Wife and Kid's, and now starring alongside his son Damon Jr. in the CBS sitcom Poppa's House. Damon Wayans first foray as a sitcom lead was this 1998 Fox network sitcom. Wayan's starred as a Chicago undercover cop alongside his brother Bernard played by David Allen Grier who is a rent-a-cop who want's to join the force. The sitcom featured Damon navigating his home and work life. It only lasted 13 episodes which is surprising considering the comedic geniuses involved in the show.

Arsenio

After his stint as the host of the Arsenio Hall Show, Arsenio kind of disappeared from the limelight for a few years. He returned to TV in 1997 in his own ABC sitcom alongside Vivica A. Fox as his wife. The sitcom followed Arsenio as a local Atlanta sports newscaster named Michael Atwood (why he wasn't named Arsenio is very asinine). The sitcom is a traditional concept following his home and work life and how to navigate both. To be honest outside of his legendary late-night show, I've never found him to be actually funny. So I'm not shocked his sitcom was cancelled after 7 episodes never to be seen again.

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Roc Was A One Of A Kind Sitcom

 

Thanks to a page on IG called Baltimore History Channel, the page made a post of a few scenes from the early 90's sitcom Roc which sent me down a Roc rabbit hole. The sitcom debuted in 1991 on Fox during a time Black sitcoms were used to help the network gain footing against the big 3 networks. Looking back at clips and episodes it's clear Roc was a special sitcom and there has been nothing like it since.

The sitcom starred Baltimore native Charles Dutton as Roc Emerson, a Baltimore sanitation worker who lived in a traditional Baltimore rowhome with his family. His wife Eleanor (Ella Joyce) who was a nurse, his womanizing musician brother Joey (Rocky Carroll), and his retired widowed father Pops (Carl Gordon). Later on in the series Roc and family adopted a pre-teen girl named Sheila (Alexis Fields) and later the couple had a baby of their own. 

The series was catergorized as a sitcom, but truthfully it was dramedy that realized early it had a voice and a responsibility to bring awareness to various issues affecting the Black community. Subjects covered throughout the sitcoms run included sexual assault, HIV, hospital billing teen violence, gangs, and drug dealers contributing to the decline of the Black community. A drug dealer named Andre played by Clifton Powell was the focal point of several episodes, which is another reason Roc was Special. There were many story arcs in the series, covering multiple episodes. 

Bullying and teen violence was another hot topic the series covered. Which is my favorite episode of the series, Terrance Got His Gun guest starring Brandon Adams. Speaking of guest stars, along with Brandon Adams and Clifton Powell, Roc pulled in several prominent Black entertainers during the show's run. Names like Loretta Devine, Garrett Morris, Debbi Morgan, Richard Roundtree Jamie Foxx, Heavy D, Eddie Griffin, Kadeem Hardison, Tone Loc, En Vogue (who also did the intro for season 3). Samuel L. Jackson, Tisha Campbell, Kim Fields, Jennifer Lewis,Salli Richardson, Sinbad, James Avery by now you get the point.

Another component that made Roc stand out and special was that for season 2, thee entire season all 25 episodes were aired Live on Fox. The core cast all had backgrounds in theater and were up for the challenge and succeeded. Going back and watching the episodes you may notice a flub here and there but nothing that took you out of the series. 

Roc was a special series and it's a shame it only lasted 3 seasons, but in those short 3 seasons it provided audiences with something to think about. A masterpiece of television, it is still underrated 30 plus years later for not being a typical sitcom. However, it truly was a one of a kind special sitcom that was needed. 

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Five Black 2000's Sitcoms You Forgot About

It's Black History Month, so I decided to kick it off by bringing to light some Black led Sitcoms from the 2000's you may not remember.

With all of the entertainment options out there it is easy for those that didn't make an impact to be forgotten as time goes on. As such here are 5 Black 2000's sitcoms you probably forget.

Meth & Red

In the summer of 2004 FOX came up with an idea that was ahead of its time. Year round first run programming. To help kick off that endeavor they gave rappers Method Man and Redman a show.

The single camera comedy followed the two rappers as fictional versions of themselves. They move into a mansion in a predominantly white neighborhood, and there goes the neighborhood. 

The shows tone was slapstick and zany and only lasted one season. Method and Red were unhappy with  how Fox presented the show and got into a heated feud with them. Making the show easily forgettable in the minds of many.

Tracy Morgan Show

Before his true star making role on 30 Rock, or his hilarious sitcom The Last O.G.. Tracy Morgan had a short lived sitcom on NBC after leaving Saturday Night Live.

The sitcom debuted in December of 2003 and ran for 18 years. It had a solid supporting cast with Tamala Jones, comedy legend John Witherspoon, and Heavy D. Katt Williams before his career really blew up was also a member of the cast.

Whole funny, the show sadly didn't catch on for some particular reason. Which is a shame as it slowly fading if the memory banks of people.

All About The Anderson's

Before he starred in the now classic sitcom Black-ish, Anthony Anderson was still a consistently working comedian and actor still looking for his big break. The WB network attempted to give him that with All About The Andersons.

Debuting in the fall of 2003, the sitcom followed Anderson as a struggling single dad who moves back in with his parents. He soon realizes that was a bad mistake. I honestly remember watching the show, but don't remember much about it. So it didn't leave an impact and it's easy to understand why it's not well-known.

The Big House

Katt Williams gave this sitcom some notoriety and refreshed some folks minds when he went on his Club Shay Shay spiel. In case that didn't refresh your memory I'll help you out.

Just before Kevin Hart's "star making" role in Soul Plane. He starred in a sitcom that only lasted for six complete episodes. It debuted on ABC in April of 2004. The sitcom was Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in reverse, Hart was a wealthy young man who due to some bad decisions by his parents. Basically was broke and forced to move to Philadelphia with his middle-class family.

The sitcom premise had potential, but I don't remember it being overly funny. It took Hart a few more years to become the rock star comedian he is today. Which means this blip of a sitcom in his career has been long forgotten.

Wanda At Large

In my opinion Wanda Skyes is funny, but her style of humor is acquired taste funny. You have to enjoy a certain type of comedy or be in the mood for it. She learned her style doesn't work for everyone with her TV show Wanda At Large.

The sitcom debuted on Fox in spring of 2003, with its episodes spilt in half to create two seasons before being canceled in the fall of 2003.

Skyes played a former D.C. government employee who becomes a local political commentator on a station, while becoming a stand up comedian. Like I said her style just isn't for everyone, and it shows which is why most don't remember this show.

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Ten TV Shows Of The 2010's For The Culture

2019 is coming to an end and with that the 2010’s is ending as we push toward the 2020’s. The 2010’s bought some quality television shows to the masses, through traditional network and cable television and the new method of watching entertainment streaming media. For the culture these television shows were relatable, provided a voice when messages needed to be heard, and at times were just flat out entertaining. Here are ten TV shows of the 2010’s I think were the top of the heap for the culture.

 10. Carmichael Show

 Debuting in 2015 on NBC, this comedy starring Jerrod Carmichael, Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rel, Loretta Devine, and David Alan Grier. This comedy was unapologetically Black, funny, politically aware of the current climate in America. It also made comedic situations of life occurrences you may expect could have funny undertones. Episode topics such as confronting death, changing eating habits as you grow older, religion, Black lives matter, gentrification, even touched on cancel culture with an episode around still supporting Bill Cosby or not. The show ended in 2017 after a few disputes between Jerrod and NBC, sadly there were a couple more seasons left in the tank. Underrated and honestly slept on by many, if you’ve never seen the Carmichael Show it’s available on Hulu.

9. Greenleaf

“Greenleaf” debuted in 2016 on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). The series follows the leaders of a Megachurch, Bishop James Greenleaf played by a ninja that always looks like he’s up to something Keith David, and his first lady Mae Greenleaf played by the always classy Lynn Whitfield. Their family and church congregation contain a lot of secrets and scandals that unfold over the series 4 seasons. Greenleaf touches upon a section of the Black community, many often talk about but don’t highlight much. The influence of megachurch’s, “celebrity” preachers, and the issues that exist within the confines of those walls. If you enjoy a good drama with some scandal thrown in check out Greenleaf.  A fifth season will premiere sometime next year.

8.Empire

  Created by Lee Daniels and starring Terrence Howard, Tariji P. Henson, Bryshere Gray, and Jussie Smollet. This Fox drama debuted in 2015, and was an instant hit. A combination of soap opera and musical drama this series followed music mogul Lucious Lyon (Terrance Howard), and the exploits of his family and record label. The series fired on all cylinders in the first few seasons, having guest appearances from various musical artists, and a hit soundtrack to boot. The series is now in it’s sixth season and has jumped the shark as far as content, in addition to the Jussie Smollet scandal earlier this year. Empire has seen better days but it definitely left a mark on the culture this decade.

7. Atlanta

 The brainchild of Donald Glover, this series debuting in 2016 on FX is unlike any other series currently on television. It follows down on his luck Earn (Donald Glover) who goes about life just trying to make it, with his cousin local rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), and homeboy Darius (Lakeith Stanfield). The series has a very surreal vibe to it, including invisible cars and revolving nightclub doors. Had some very Black moments, such as an episode where Earn wiggles his way out of paying for a expensive dinner, and an episode featuring a barber that does everything but cut hair. It also had a genius episode in the first season satiring the medias portrayal of the Black community through the lens of a talk show, with accompanying commercials. Donald's a bit busy these days. The series third and fourth seasons are on the horizon, scheduled to begin filming in early 2020. 

6. Power

The series that put Starz original programs on HBO levels, Power debuted in 2014. Starring Omari Hardwick, Joseph Sikora, and Naturi Naughton. The series follows Omari Hardwick as James St. Patrick better known as Ghost. A drug dealer turned legitimate businessman who is constantly in conflict with which life he wants to live. Along the way he encounters numerous foes with his best friend/brother turned on again off again enemy Tommy (Joseph Sikora) and Kanan (50 Cent). Power was a highly anticipated show every season, and every week the previous episode was heavily discussed while looking forward to the next one. 2020 brings the last 5 episodes of the series and no matter which way it goes; it will be highly debated.

5. How To Get Away With Murder

I admit I have never watched a episode of “How To Get Away With Murder”, however the series starring Viola Davis and produced by Shonda Rhimes definitely left it’s mark on the culture. Debuting in 2014 on ABC, the series involves a lawyer Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) who’s involved in a murder and is always caught up in some shit related to the murder. The story involves a lot of twist and turns, when each episode airs you cannot escape the chatter around the show. It's talked about on social media and water coolers across the country. Now in it’s sixth and final season How To Get Away With Murder left it’s mark on the culture, just as the next series on the list.

4. Scandal

Starring Kerry Washington and created by Shonda Rhimes. “Scandal” debuted in 2012 on ABC and followed Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) as a high-powered Washington D.C. crisis manager. She fixes a lot of crises that arise in political circles in D.C., while being involved in quite a few herself namely her affair with the President of the United States Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn). The show ran for seven seasons ending in 2018, and despite creating “Greys Anatomy” really was the series that raised Shonda Rhimes status. Many aspired to be like Olivia Pope and through reruns, she will likely inspire generations to come to hop into the crisis’s management field.  

3. Insecure

Issa Rae started the decade on YouTube with her web series “Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” and ended the decade a bonafide star. Starring in films, being a creative mastermind, and being included on numerous “one’s to watch” list, all of the praise she received was amplified by her 2016 HBO series “Insecure”. Starring Issa as a 30 something LA resident who life hasn’t quite gone to plan, whether in her work life or personal life. The show is very relatable to members of the Millennial generation male or female with the current landscape of life. Being a Millennial I feel like it’s one the first television series that accurately addressed some of the issues Millennials face. Like “Atlanta”, “Insecure” has been renewed for a fourth season but due to Issa’s hectic schedule has not yet commenced filming.

2. Snowfall

Created by the late John Singleton this FX series debuted in 2017 and chronicled the origins of the crack epidemic in 1980’s Los Angeles. The series follows main character Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) and his rise through the drug business from a naïve small-time dealer to a kingpin. The series also covers how crack destroyed families and neighborhoods, drug distributors and their role and federal agents assigned to fight the war on drugs, and the games they play. Snowfall will be returning for a fourth season and after the ending of season 3, I’m looking forward to where Franklins story heads next.

1.     1. Blackish

Debuting in 2014 on ABC, Blackish was originally perceived as a Cosby show for the 2010’s. Mannn the series has turned out to be even more then that. Starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis-Ross, Blackish follows the Johnson Family Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Rainbow (Tracee Ellis-Ross). A highly successful upper middle-class Black couple raising their four later five children in a life of privilege, while still ensuring they appreciate their “blackness”. Blackness has had educational episodes and has not shied away from controversial topics on the series, having episodes focus on the “N” word, police brutality, being biracial, the existence of God, and Juneteeth. It also famously had a episode pulled due to a controversal topic that caused a rift between ABC and series creator Kenya Barris The series has spawned two spin-off series “Grownish” and “Mixed-ish” and now in it’s sixth season has created it’s own legacy and will be enjoyed by many for years to come. 

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Renassiance of Black TV

    Last night HBO premiered the highly anticipated new seasons of “Ballers” and “Insecure”, along with a new episode of the Starz hit “Power” Sunday is a must-see tv night. While watching all three shows which cover different genres, characters, and stories. I sat back and thought to myself are we experiencing a Renaissance of majority good to great black tv shows?
   Think about it for decades we have asked for compelling tv shows that offer relatable characters that show the different nuances of black people in America and not just stereotypes. We all know about classics like Julia, Good Times, The Jeffersons, The Cosby Show, Martin, Living Single, A Different World, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, In Living Color, The Wire and Chapelle show. Or shows that may not be considered classics but are still universally loved Moesha, 227, Girlfriends, My Wife and Kids, Everybody hates Chris,What’s Happening, Steve Harvey show and more. If you noticed something I named mostly sitcoms and that's because for years that was the only genre given a chance on major networks.
   Within the past 3-4 years due to the rise of streaming channels, newly created networks targeted towards blacks, and more platforms for content creators to share their stories. It’s created more opportunities for more stories to be told that we can connect with and offers something for everyone.
    On the comedy and dramedy front “Insecure” definitely tackles what relationships and dating is like for black Millennials. Some of the situations in that show are so hilarious because you’ve been there or know someone who has. ABC’s “Blackish” which has DNA sprinkles of the “Cosby Show” as far as the family dynamic, and the “Hughley Show” and “My Wife and Kids” for the successful black man moving to the suburbs for a better life for his kids. Is very funny but also very socially conscious and the creators use interesting plots to teach the kids on the show relevant issues affecting our community. Give it a few years and “Blackish” will be a classic. Also on tying social commentary into humor the “Carmichael Show” tackled touchy subjects such as rape, spousal abuse, and death but the humor and care in the stories made it a one of a kind show. It’s a shame it was cancelled.
    I would be crazy if I didn't include “Atlanta” I love that show!! It tackles a guy and his friends just trying to get ahead and the mischief they get into. The story also has a dark humor that resides in a surreal reality opening up new avenues for comedy. Such as the invisible car nightclub episode, if you haven't seen an episode watch “B.A.N.” which is a satirical episode which shows the genius of this show. I’m personally disappointed we won't get season 2 until Fall 2018.
     Covering the soap opera drama front we have Scandal which I personally think started the black soap opera show format. Going into it’s final season it helped pave the way for “Being Mary Jane”,  “How to Get Away with Murder”, “Empire”, “Queen Sugar”, “Star”, and “Greenleaf”. The soap opera genre is one I don't watch so I don’t have much of an opinion on these shows.  From what I hear from folks that love these shows they are very engaging, drama filled and keep you coming back.
    Along with these heavy hitters we have shows that are new such as “Claws” starring Niecy Nash as a hairdresser mixed into some business with the Cajun mafia. “Dear White People” on Netflix based on the recent film about life race relations on a modern college campus, “Hood Adjacent with James Davis” which is a sketch comedy show like the “Chapelle Show” and “Key and Peele”. “Snowfall” on FX which covers the beginning of the crack epidemic in 1980s LA. Underrated shows like “Survivors Remorse”, and “Rebel” Mini series like “Shot’s Fired”, even recently cancelled shows that had more to offer like “Pitch” and “Underground”. Coming up we have Netflix’s “She’s Gotta have it” which is an adaptation of Spike Lee’s 1986 movie. The CW will be bring a black superhero to the fold in “Black Lightning” mid season 2018.
    All of these options we have available now are wonderful, as with anything we’ll have shows that just aren't good or don't stick for some reason. As we support more of the good shows and more shows are given opportunities it will only bring more good black tv shows to the forefront with higher standards Let’s embrace this renaissance that we’re living in and expect higher quality programming and more well rounded characters. Let’s thank our past content creators for kicking the door down(Bill Cosby, Wayans Family, Mara Brock Akil, Chris Rock, Spike Lee, Dave Chapelle, Russell Simmons, etc.) and opening these opportunities up for our current content creators such as Ava Duvernay, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, Kenya Barris, Tyler Perry, Issa Rae, Donald Glover, John Singleton, Lee Daniels and many many more. Thank You All!

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