In recent years, African-American TV shows have revolutionized the industry. From comedy to drama, African-American performers-led casts and storylines have become household favorites.
Here are the top 6 African-American TV shows of all time that have captured our hearts:
The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American sitcom series starring Will Smith as a teenage street kid from West Philadelphia who moves in with his wealthy aunt and uncle in their Bel Air mansion.
NPR / The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990 to 1996) is one of the top African-American shows of all time.
However, the show ran for six seasons from 1990 to 1996, and its lighthearted humor has made it a timeless classic.
A Different World
"A Different World" was a spin-off of The Cosby Show that focused on African-American college life, airing from 1987 to 1993. It was praised for its diverse cast and portrayal of African-American characters in a positive light.
Black-ish
"Black-ish" is an American sitcom starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross as a married couple desperately trying to raise their children with a sense of cultural identity in today's world.
BBC / Black-ish (2014 to date) is one of the blockbuster African-American TV shows of our time.
The show has been running since 2014 and is currently in its seventh season.
Girlfriends
Another blockbuster TV show is "Girlfriends." It aired from 2000 to 2008 and follows the lives of four African-American women living and working in Los Angeles as they navigate relationships, careers, and family life.
Thus, the TV show was praised for its clever writing, unique storylines, and its portrayal of African-American women.
Living Single
"Living Single" aired from 1993 to 1998 and follows a group of African-American friends living in Brooklyn, New York, as they navigate love, career, and life.
Thus, the show was praised for its realistic representation of African-American culture and the characters’ witty banter.
Insecure
"Insecure" is an HBO series starring Issa Rae as an African-American woman struggling to find success in her professional and personal life while dealing with issues of race, class, gender, and friendship in Los Angeles.
However, it is essential to note that it has been running since 2016 and is currently in its fourth season.
Elle / Living Single (1993 to 1998) is one of the blockbuster African-American TV shows of all time.
The Jefferson
"The Jefferson" was an African-American sitcom that aired from 1975 to 1985. The show starred Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson, an African American entrepreneur from Queens, New York. She moves his family into a ritzy apartment in Manhattan. The show tackled issues of African-American identity and Black life in America with wit and humor.
Nonetheless, many of the show's storylines dealt with economic issues such as unemployment, racism, and police brutality. Similarly, the show also focused on themes of African-American pride, African-American entrepreneurship, and their family values.
Likewise, it has become classic for its iconic characters and ability to mix comedy with social commentary. Though it is largely forgotten today, the show was revolutionary in its time for showcasing African-American characters in an affluent setting and speaking to broader issues of race in America.
Thus, these African-American TV shows have revolutionized the industry by leaving their mark on viewers around the world through their impactful storylines and characters. From comedy to drama, African-American actor-led casts and storylines have become household favorites that will be remembered for years to come.