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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A Rant: Iconic Theme Songs, Bring Them Back

 It's September which means it's time for a new fall TV season. While fall TV is not a big of a deal as it once was. It is a staple in the media and living room landscape. Giving new television shows a chance to reach audiences, while old favorites return to the air for new stories to tell. 

While we gear up for this season, I wanted to touch on an issue Hollywood has had for the last 15 years or so. TV shows today especially sitcoms, do not have noticeable theme songs that one can instantly associate with the show.

I know the economics of the industry likely played a part in this. As a 30 second to minute and some change intro, cuts into time available for an ad. So today you get cold opens that go right into the show, or if you do get a theme song it's a little instrumental jingle. That's all we get. However it is detrimental to the shows branding and particularly for new shows, the ability to grab an audience attention and draw them into the series.

It's time Hollywood, streamers, broadcast  and cable networks get's it's head out its ass. Hire some damn composers to make music with lyrics, spend a couple hours filming intro's and slap them on the beginning of series. Even show's that may not necessarily be considered classics, are still revered today because they had catching theme songs.

Even classic shows the Fresh Prince, Golden Girls, Friends, Martin, Family Matters, Full House, and Living Singles of the world. While they were great shows, the theme songs that were catchy and instantly associated with them. Gives them additional life, making people who weren't even born during these shows original run. Feel connected to them and enamored with them.

Hollywood, bring back TV theme songs. It's way overdue, the industry needs it. Creators and producers need them if they ever want their shows to have longevity decades down the road. And the fans need them, we need some new tunes to hum and sing to.

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Ten Random Funny Halloween episodes

 Just like spooky season brings great films, it also brings forth some great episodes of sitcoms. So I spent some time digging through various crates and crafted a list of ten funny Halloween episodes. Let's begin!

Everybody Hates Chris-Everybody Hates Halloween

This season 1 episode has all the hallmarks of a classic Halloween sitcom you can relate to. Rochelle ever the overprotective exaggeration mother lets the kids know they can't eat the candy without her inspecting it. Julius needs to make the candy stretch, and Chris feels he is too old for Halloween. That is until he get's invited to a party, and askes Rochelle to make him a costume. In this episode all the characters are true themselves through the spirit of Halloween.

Everybody Hates Chris is available on Peacock, Paramount +, Disney + and Hulu, and Tubi.

Modern Family-Halloween

This season 2 episode of Modern Family, is a delightful episode. It shows how OCD Claire is about Halloween. Her house is top notch decorated for Halloween and she has the entire family involved in her holiday shenanigans. All she wants is a perfect Halloween and to scare trick or treaters while her family deals with work issues, and in the case of Gloria accent issues. 

Modern Family is available on Peacock and Hulu. TBS and USA wear reruns out of this show.

Bernie Mac Show-Night Of Terror

This season 5 episode goes by two titles Night Of Terror and 13 going on 9. It's not a  Halloween themed episode per say, but fits into spooky season. The episode involves Jordan just turning 13 wanting to stay up late and watch a Horror movie. When he goes against the grain and does, his nerves get the best of him and he must become a "man" as the forces are coming to get him. Meanwhile Wanda has her own bad luck at a church auction when she has a wardrobe malfunction.

Bernie Mac Show is available on Hulu and Disney + and Tubi.

Freaks And Geeks-Tricks And Treats

The third episode of the cult classic Freaks And Geeks is funny and has a lot of messages about growing up and life. This was the episode that drew me into the show and I backtracked and followed it from there until it's cancellation. Anyway it's Halloween night, and the freaks in the story decide they are gonna to cause mischief and chaos smashing pumpkins and mailboxes. Meanwhile the Geeks all deal with some kind of insecurities and uneasiness about growing up, as they have different opinions on costumes, Halloween, and is it "cool" to trick or treat anymore.

Freaks and Geeks is available on Hulu and Disney +, and Paramount +.

Black-ish-The Purge

This season 3 episode brilliantly spoofs Halloween and the film franchise The Purge, and all the wackiness that comes with spooky season. The neighborhood decides to have mischief night on Halloween. Ruby's all in while Rainbow is not. Diane and Jack decide to venture out and Rainbow has to save the night.

Meanwhile Dre and Charlie decide to play a Halloween appropriate prank on Jr. After Jr. Embarrasses Dre on the court and it goes viral.

Black-ish is available on Hulu and Disney +.

Malcolm In The Middle-Halloween

This season 7 episode of Malcolm In The Middle has the family on edge. During a guided death tour around town, Malcolm, Reese, and Dewey get startled when their house is one of the tour stops. With the story being a grisly murder occurred there years ago. When they share the news with Hal, he can't handle it and borderline has a nervous breakdown. Meanwhile Lois has a day with a shoplifter at work and her coworkers could care less. While Dewey and Reese have a run-in with a elderly neighbor. 

Malcolm In The Middle is available on Hulu and Disney +.

Boy Meets World-Then There Was Shawn

While this episode technically did not air during spooky season, it 100 % is a Halloween episode. Inspired by the slasher genre that gained popularity in the late 90's, this season 5 episode is one of the sitcoms best.

After the group is stuck in detention and Mr. Feeney leaves the room, things start going awry. One by one folks are picked up and nothings adding up. It's a really fun and entertaining episode.

Boy Meets World is available on Disney +.

Abbott Elementary-Candy Zombies

This season 2 episode of Abbott is kind of like a caper crime episode. A bag of candy is stolen by a student at Abbott and dispersed to other students (even babies). Soon all the kids are on a sugar high, and the staff must stop them from overrunning the school like zombies, find the culprit and a loose baby. Meanwhile Janine starts rethinking her personal life and work/life balances after being invited to a Halloween party by a old friend. 

Abbot Elementary is available on Hulu, Disney +, and Max.

Family Matters-Stevil

At this point in Season 8 of Family Matters, the show had reached jump the shark levels. Regardless of how iffy that season was, this episode is a bonafide Halloween classic. Stevil was a ventriloquist doll Steve Urkel acquired, one night as Steve fell asleep and left the bedroom window open. A lightening bolt struck the doll and bought him to life. Stevil wastes no time making Urkel think he is crazy and terrorizing the rest of the Winslow family. 

Family Matters is available on Max, Disney + and Hulu.

Martin-The Night He Came Home

One of the funniest Halloween episodes ever, now I'm a bit bias because of how much I love the sitcom Martin but it is top tier. This season 1 episode features the gang congregating on Halloween night to enjoy the night. They decide to perform a seance to call on Old Man Ackerman, Martin ever the cynic doesn't believe in it. He's in a rough Halloween night.  

Martin is available on BET +, Netflix, and Peacock.

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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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TV Thanksgiving episodes

 Thanksgiving that holiday the middle of Halloween and Christmas/New Years. A day of giving thanks for what you have, although we love our spread, big plates, and football it doesn't get a ton of love. Some folks find the holiday boring, others are just waiting to fully kickoff the Christmas season, then there are those that try to educate you on why you shouldn't celebrate the holiday as you try to enjoy your meal in peace.

For reasons like that, there aren't many movies considered Thanksgiving classics, but there are several TV shows that have produced classic Thanksgiving episodes. 

Thanksgiving is covered a bit more in TV land as opposed to film. Likely because in the TV landscape, November is also sweeps month. A big money making time for networks. Since the actor's strike just ended a couple weeks and there won't be any  Thanksgiving episodes this year. I figured I'd share some good depisodes. 

This article covers some of  to me the best Thanksgiving episodes in TV. So there are likely damn good episodes of sitcoms or dramas I've never seen that's not on this list.

5. Boy Meets World-Turkey Day

Everyone's favorite 90's teen sitcom Boy Meets World taught us some important life lesson's in this season 4 episode. It provided some insight into Cory and Shawn's friendship that for as long as they have been friends, their families likely never meet before this day. 

Cory and Shawn win a turkey and stuffing as a reward for donating the most cans in their class. They decide to have their families come as one for Thanksgiving and break bread together. Problem is the social class difference between the two sides may derail that plan. With a lot of bickering over small differences in taste occurring between the families. 

Eventually the adults get it together when Cory and Shawn have their own moment discussing what they are thankful for. A light episode with laughs, it also has a strong message.

4. Living Single-Thanks For Giving

This season 2 episode of Living Single features a Friendsgiving dinner before that was a thing as the focal point of the episode. Highlights include the debut of Heavy D as a frequent guest star on the series, as a love interest of Regine. The rest of the episode focuses on Khadijah being on edge wondering if her beau Scooter will propose to her, while also getting jitters about him taking a job in Tokyo.

This episode is hilarious and touching at the same time, and is a shining example of why the show is a 90's sitcom classic.

3. Fresh Off The Boat-Huangsgiving

The season 2, episode 8 of Fresh Off The Boat focused on the Huang family hosting Thanksgiving after Jessica's overbearing mom decided who was hosting that year. Determined to outdo her sister Connie who hosted in previous years, Jessica and Louis devise a plan for Huangsgiving to make it the best holiday dinner yet.

With ideas like switching up the menu (I personally am never opposed to that). The Huang's plan to serve individual cornish hens as opposed to Duck, which they serve instead of Turkey. To me that is interested as I'm always curious what Thanksgiving meals look like for other cultures. Of course nothing goes as planned, and it's revealed Connie and her husband Rick are divorcing. Throwing some plans out the window, and Rick and Louis to get pissy drunk. In the end it all come's together and proves the holidays are all about family.

2. This is Us-Pilgrim Rick

First thing's first, damn I really miss this show and this episode is a big reason why. Tugging at our heart strings in this season one episode. It follows the big three getting prepared for turkey day while reminiscing about how they're annual tradition of watching Police Academy 3 and the Pilgrim Rick hat for Thanksgiving came to be.

Per usual it's because Jack saved the day one year when holiday plans were derailed and he had to make the best out of a tough situation. Besides the feel good moments of family traditions, Randall also learns in this episode that Rebecca and William had met previously...the show wasted no time bringing out the heavy hitters.

The episode is about traditions, which many people consider Thanksgiving and most holidays in general to be about. Now that I have a child of my own I look forward to finding something that can be our yearly tradition for the holidays.

1. Martin-Feast or Famine

In this season 3 Thanksgiving epsiode, Martin ever the over confident big mouth boasts that he and the fellas could make a better dinner than the ladies. Gina and pam take them up on the challenge and a battle of the sexes for Thanksgiving dinner ensues. Martin, Cole, and Tommy have some unconventional  methods for they cook the dinner. Leading to a hilarious scene featuring some underwear.

Meanwhile Gina and Pam are aided by Mama Payne and her friend Florine (Millie Jackson) who take a liking to Pam over Gina. Who is still trying to get on Mama Payne's good side, they end up doing a rendition of Pass The Peas . The episode ends with a faceoff dinner, but everyone suspecting some fraudulent activity.

Leave it up to Bruh Man to end the episode on a high note lol.

Welp here's my 5 favorite Turkey Day episodes. Hope everyone eat's good, enjoys time with friends and family and relaxs. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

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Top Twenty Black Sitcom Theme Songs

 Sitcom theme songs we as fans love them. It helps set the tone for the show and often gives a brief synopsis of the show's overall story.

There are some undeniable classic sitcom theme songs in the world. The ones you will hum out of nowhere or sing just cause it popped in your head. Within the Black culture we love our classic sitcom themes, in my opinion here are the top ten Black sitcom theme songs.

20. Thea

The show itself only lasted for a season and wasn't very popular, but the theme song to the 90's sitcom Thea deserves to be in the conversation of best Black Sitcom themes. Thea Vidale herself sang the theme song and she bought the soul out of her to perform it.

The sister also starred Brandy and Jason Weaver who both could have contributed to make the theme song even better.

19. Sister, Sister

Debuting in 1994 and starring twin sisters Tia and Tamara Mowry, along with sitcom legends Jackée Harry and Tim Reid. Sister Sister is a true 90's sitcom and the theme song is a representation of the time period, colorful and upbeat. You'll be singing it and not even realize it, as the characters aged the show updated the theme song with a slowed down R&B edge to remind audience these were now young woman. 

I Prefer the original theme but they are both good intro's and worthy of the top twenty list.

18. Smart Guy

Following right behind the Mowry Sister's is their younger brother Tahj Mowry and his show WB show Smart Guy. Sung  by Kristian Rex the theme song is light hearted and catchy enough to have audience members singing the jingle while the show is airing and afterwards.

17. Amen

The theme song to Amen could get you ready for Sunday service or get you through a rough day with a little inspiration. Sung by Gospel singer Vanessa Bell Armstrong she put her whole soul into this song, thus you feel "Shine On Me" soon as the beat drops.

16. Kenan & Kel

For 90's kid's Saturday Night's were reserved SNICK on Nickelodeon. Along with All That and Are You Afraid Of The Dark? a major reason for the popularity of Snick was Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, and their show Kenan & Kel. Their theme song rapped by Coolio (probably the safest rapper from a content perspective they could find.) is infectious and while follows the same rap melody as other Coolio joint's. Make's you rock your head back and forth as you wait for the laughs to begin.

15. Sanford & Son

Probably the only theme song on this list that doesn't have any lyrics. The intro to the 1970's sitcom Sanford and Son is that infectious. Produced by Quincy Jones you hear the jazz influence all over the track and it plays nicely over images of Fred and Lamont Sanford, their junkyard and their red truck.

50 Year's later hum Sanford & Son and someone will join along.

14. Family Matters

To be honest I kind of was on the fence about adding this one. I had to relisten to it several times and realized it absolutely belonged on this list. Family Matters was a staple of ABC's TGIF lineup (man I miss those days) and  in many Black families home's. The theme song "Day's Go By" sang by Jesse Frederick makes even more sense the older you get. It 100 % is a top twenty them for Black Sitcoms.

13. Girlfriends

This Theme song is perfect because it get's right to the point of the show. If the title wasn't enough of a hint one of UPN's rare classics, Girlfriends focuses on a quartet of friends and the bond they have through their up's and down's in life. I had no idea Angie Stone sang the theme song, listening back I definitely hear her voice and it fit into the neo-soul vibe that was popular during the show's run.

12. Martin

Honestly Martin is my favorite sitcom of all-time and there's not much to the theme song. Damnit if it isn't catchy though.

11. 227

"Well There's No Place Like Home". 227 followed the tight-knit residents of a apartment complex in Washington D.C. The theme song was sang by none other than Marla Gibbs and it give's off a welcoming vibe. I feel like 227 often get's lost in the conversation of top tier but not quite classic Black sitcoms and the theme song is right up there with it deserving more flowers.

10. One on One

One on One is a good but not great sitcom, it's typical early 2000's UPN fare. Not a bad show but not a great show, a little cheesy but you were going to watch the whole half hour. That theme song however is top notch in my opinion. I don't know what it is but it just hits and is very catchy.

9. In Living Color

We owe the Wayans Family so many flowers for how they've entertained us over the year's. The classic 90's sketch show is not only hell of funny to this day, that theme song by Heavy D is a classic as well. You could play that joint at a party and I'm sure the dance floor will fill up, the song is more than a show intro it's a vibe.

8. Good Times

Good Times, ain't we lucky we got them? This sitcom is still relevant today as it was in the 1970's when it aired. When you hit road bumps you think about the Good Times you've had which is what Good Times is all about. The song is catchy with a message and is a top ten theme song.

7. Half & Half 

Another UPN sitcom theme Half & Half intro simply HIT'S, maybe more so than other UPN shows and one I've yet to mention. This theme has R&B and Gospel blended very well in this intro, and the video help's cause it looks like the cast were having the time of their lives performing it. 

I've heard conflicting stories on who actually performed the intro, some sources say Melodie Daniels others say Shanice (I love Your Smile fame). Either way this song deserved to be longer than 40 seconds. We need a full 3 minute's of this song.

6. Diff'rent Strokes

"Now the world don't move to the beat of just one stroke." even if you've never seen Diff'rent Strokes you have heard that opening line. You may or may not be shocked to learn that Alan Thicke (Dad on Growing Pains, Robin Thicke's father) actually sang the theme song. The lyrics are simple, the melody is simple and it get's to the point. Which makes it one of the top theme song intro's ever.

5. A Different World 

A Different World the show itself is a classic, but on matter how you slice it A Different World the theme song may be more popular than the show. Longtime fans of the show randomly sing the lyrics and the beat can be infectious enough to get you to dance. Now the question often becomes which version of the theme song is more beloved? There were three versions throughout the six season series all performed by legends. Season 1 was sung by Phoebe Snow, Seasons 2-5 were sung by the Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin. Then the last season got a New Jack Swing infused intro sung by Boyz II Men. Truth of the matter is you can't go wrong with any of them. 

4.  Moesha

Mo-to the E to the..Moesha. Probably UPN's first hit Moesha debuted in 1996 and ran for 5 season's. Since Brandy is a real singer who else would perform the intro but her? Produced by Kurt Farquhar who also produced intros for other favorites on this list One on One, Sister Sister, Girlfriends. As well as some that didn't make the cut like Cousin Skeeter. 

Moesha is probably one of the biggest theme song's to come out of the 90's. It was remixed a few times throughout the show's run to coincide with Moesha getting older. Either way it is a bonafide hit.

3. The Jeffersons

The Jeffersons debuted January 18th, 1975 almost fifty years later it's theme song is still beloved. "Well we're moving on up" is one everyone says when they come across a come up in life. I never knew this but Janet Du'bois of Good Times fame actually sang the theme song. She put her whole soul into the song as well, and it show's because Decades later it is woven into pop culture.

2. Living Single 

This theme song hit's on absolutely all cylinders, the beat, the dancer, and of course a rap by show star Queen Latifah. Living Single is just as beloved today as it was back in the 90's, besides the good material the theme song has a lot to do with why it's still a staple on streaming services and cable TV. Go to a 90's party and the DJ is likely to blend it into their set, the intro is just that damn good. 

1. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Come on, could anything else be number one? If someone randomly yell's out "In West Philadelphia Born and Raised", there is surely going to be someone if not everyone who chimes in and finishes the rest. This theme song actually gets performed at karaoke bars that's how popular it is. Rapped by none other The Fresh Prince himself Will Smith, the intro gives you a quick run down of the show's plot and with it's upbeat demeanor let's fans know out the gate the show is lighthearted and funny.

There's an extended version that was obviously cut for time, but every and now then during a rerun it's played and the song slaps even more as the kids say. 

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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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