The 25 Best Black Sitcoms of All Time - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 02-11-2013, 06:20 PM

http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2...black-sitcoms/

Quote:

The 25 Best Black Sitcoms of All Time
By Julian Kimble | Feb 11, 2013 | 9:37 am

Once upon a time, there was a phenomenon called black television.

There are now entire networks dedicated to black programming, but there was once a time when the boom of black TV was staggering. It was a triumph, because in the early days of television, black actors only found work in stereotypical roles. It wasn't until the 1950s that Amos 'n' Andy became the first situational comedy with an all-black cast. However, the show was removed from the air because of complaints that it continued to perpetuate stereotypes.

Black sitcoms were largely dormant until the '70s, then finally hitting a stride in the '80s. In the '90s, that stride became a sprint, with networks scrambling to reach black audiences. This coincided with a celebration of black culture, as Afrocentrism was embraced by hip-hop and it became commonplace to see Malcolm X hats and Howard University sweatshirts in music videos and in the streets. It felt like the perfect marriage of African-American culture and popular culture.

The number of black sitcoms has declined greatly since those glory days, but the most memorable shows have left an impressive legacy. For this reason, we recall the 25 best black sitcoms of all time.

Zoneboy · 02-11-2013, 06:24 PM

Too bad The Amos 'N Andy Show wasn't on the list but that was to be expected.

cleverfun3000 · 02-11-2013, 09:11 PM

Ha Ha Ha. Very Funny. There were ONLY 30 ever made!

Zoneboy · 02-11-2013, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleverfun3000

Ha Ha Ha. Very Funny. There were ONLY 30 ever made!

Only 30 black sitcoms? I thought there were more than that.

yankeesrj12 · 02-11-2013, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

Only 30 black sitcoms? I thought there were more than that.

You're correct. Way more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_sitcom

Zoneboy · 02-11-2013, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yankeesrj12

You're correct. Way more:

Thanks, I was sure it was a heck-of-a-lot more than 30.

USATVFAN · 02-11-2013, 11:20 PM

There were more then 30 Black sitcoms:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_sitcom

Zoneboy · 02-11-2013, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by USATVFAN

There were more then 30 Black sitcoms:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_sitcom

See above.

USATVFAN · 02-11-2013, 11:28 PM

Anyway I think the Jeffersons is the African American sitcom. I laughed much harder at the Jeffersons then the Cosby show. Of course it a matter of opinion and taste.

Jeffersons, Good Times, a Different World and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air should all be ahead of Cosby Show.

Mr. Television · 02-12-2013, 12:02 AM

Anything that puts the Wayans Bros. On the list, I can't take seriously.

Zoneboy · 02-12-2013, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuck In The '70's

Anything that puts the Wayans Bros. On the list, I can't take seriously.

At least they didn't include Homeboys in Outer Space.

Regulus · 02-12-2013, 12:07 AM

No surprise The Cosby Show made it to No. 1. My personal favorite is Julia. I'd like to see someone put it out on DVD.

Mr. Television · 02-12-2013, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zoneboy

At least they didn't include Homeboys in Outer Space.

I'm embarrassed to admit I watched the first episode of that sitcom just out of curiosity. I'll never get those 30 minutes back again.

Mr. Television · 02-12-2013, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regulus

No surprise The Cosby Show made it to No. 1. My personal favorite is Julia. I'd like to see someone put it out on DVD.

I wish Julia would at least come on TV. I've only seen one episode of it and I liked it.

tvfan25 · 02-12-2013, 09:09 AM

Where was "AMEN"?????? That was a great show!

02-11-2013, 06:24 PM	#2
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,352	Too bad The Amos 'N Andy Show wasn't on the list but that was to be expected.
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02-11-2013, 11:20 PM	#7
USATVFAN Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 31, 2007 Location: Kalispell, USA Posts: 1,742	There were more then 30 Black sitcoms:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_sitcom
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02-12-2013, 12:02 AM	#10
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	Anything that puts the Wayans Bros. On the list, I can't take seriously.
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02-12-2013, 12:07 AM	#12
Regulus Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 07, 2011 Location: Port Orange, Florida Avatar - Poiuyt Posts: 3,374	No surprise *The Cosby Show* made it to No. 1. My personal favorite is *Julia*. I'd like to see someone put it out on DVD.
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02-11-2013, 09:11 PM	#3
cleverfun3000 Member Senior Member Join Date: Sep 18, 2008 Location: Manhattan Posts: 1,685	Ha Ha Ha. Very Funny. There were ONLY 30 ever made!

02-11-2013, 11:28 PM	#9
USATVFAN Member Senior Member Join Date: Jan 31, 2007 Location: Kalispell, USA Posts: 1,742	Anyway I think the Jeffersons is the African American sitcom. I laughed much harder at the Jeffersons then the Cosby show. Of course it a matter of opinion and taste. Jeffersons, Good Times, a Different World and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air should all be ahead of Cosby Show.

02-12-2013, 09:09 AM	#15
tvfan25 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 10, 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 634	Where was "AMEN"?????? That was a great show!