Thinking about all the black sitcoms we had back in the day, before sisterhood and relationship dramas on television showcased “Insecure”
With the girls, we had
“Living Single”
Taking us through all of the drama that comes with being single and finding your way as a person of color in America.
We had shows that showcased true black excellence that lives on through generations, helping us find ourselves in each character on our TV screen. There are TV shows that don’t get all the accolades that they deserve.
New sitcoms have emerged with a modern style of storytelling that will be a reference for years to come, redefining black culture in mainstream media. Here are some black classic sitcoms that have defined the true excellence of black culture.
1. “Sister Sister”
After watching Sister Sister and seeing all the love that is shared between twins, I definitely want twins so I can dress them up together and experience all the sisterly love.
“Sister Sister”
Is played by real-life twin sisters Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell (Tia and Tamera Mowry). With this series, there’s definitely a twist, with each sister thinking they are only children until they come across each other. When I think of “Sister Sister,” I remember
“It Takes Two”
With each living apart from the other. This sitcom aired on television in 1994 and has been a reference in many black homes when listing out classic sitcoms created with the black community in mind.
2. “Girlfriends”
Can I be your girlfriend if you promise to be mine? This one is all about sisterhood, I’ll say a spin-off of
“Living Single.”
With this show, it has its own style and mood of storytelling, with just minor changes to the stories but the same pilot and characters. The series stars Joan, Toni, Lynn, and Maya (Jill Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross, Golden Brooks, and Persia White) as they face and stand strong through all of life’s hilarious and incredibly challenging circumstances that could either mold or break their bond.
3. “A Different World”
This sitcom definitely outdid itself on the day of its release, a classic that portrays all the intricacies of black culture. This show came as a spin-off from
“The Cosby Show,”
Taking the audience all the way to the fictitious HBCU Hillman College as Denise Huxtable starts her freshman year. The show ranked number one on television back in the ’90s among many black viewers, a story that’s relatable, fun, engaging, and filled with love. Whitley, Dwayne, Jaleesa, and Freddie are easily some of the most memorable characters in black entertainment culture.
4. “The Proud Family”
This is one of the most popular television series back in the day.
“The Proud Family”
Aired on Disney, making it one of the first animated sitcoms to feature a black family on television. The Proud Family theme song is one that is sung in every black family today. This show continues to live on for ages as new generation parents introduce their children to this sitcom. During Halloween, it’s one of the most fun family costumes, even Beyonce and Jay-Z think so too. Disney+ announced it will be releasing a continuation of the show,
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,”
Available to stream on Disney+.
5. “The Parkers”
Dang, people, this definitely takes us all the way back when TV shows came up with their own funny and memorable quotes that we can always throw into a conversation. If you don’t remember
“Dang, Mama”
Anytime a conversation comes up about
“The Parkers,”
You don’t know what you missed in the early days. “The Parkers” highlighted a major topic that still circles around the black community and the world in general. When you think about Kim Parker, the first thing that comes to mind is
“fatphobia,”
A nauseating thought that makes you remember all the two cents that were centered around her. This sitcom shows the stereotypes that surround single women and all they have had to deal with in reference to their bodies.
6. “Living Single”
My favorite quote from this sitcom is,
“You see, a good man is like fine wine. They all start out like grapes. Our job is to stomp on them! And then keep them in the dark until they mature into something we wouldn’t mind having dinner with.”
Just like
“Friends,”
I remember this show when it came out and everyone had it on their lips. It was informative, relatable, black, and had the ’90s alte style that a lot of kids recreate today. This television show is definitely one for the books, bringing to light all the struggles of the dating world, especially as a black woman living in America. These four single friends go through all of life’s ups and downs together, life’s crazy detours, and joy, holding on to a bond that they see as unbreakable. This show is still one that is talked about generations later, one for the millennials, Gen Z, and the rising Gen X.
#Clique, what are your thoughts on these sitcoms? Which one are you watching over the weekend?
