Before reality shows dominated every network, some the best Black TV shows were centered around successful African-American families. During the 1990s, these sitcoms showed positive family structures that shed light on realistic characters.
MUST READ: Retro TV: 5 BET Shows That We Miss
We laughed with the Winslows, learned life lessons from the Huxtables and sang along with every word to the opening song of “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.”
So, just because we miss those feel-good shows and the days before reality-TV ratchetness, let’s take a look at some of our favorite Black TV families from ’90s.
1. “Family Matters”
TGIF Fridays, anyone?
How can anyone forget the Winslow family and their pesky neighbor Steve Urkel? For nine years fun years, “Family Matters” taught us about acceptance and the importance of family values. At the end of each episode, we were always left with a moral message and a new outlook on how to be there for your loved ones.
2. “The Cosby Show”
“The Cosby Show,” which aired for eight seasons on NBC, was the first sitcom to show America that Black families come from upper-middle class households, too. The Huxtables broke racial stereotypes and made us laugh every episode of the way.
3. “The Parent ‘Hood”
“The Parent ‘Hood” centered around college professor Robert Peterson, played by Robert Townsend, and his journey of writing a rule book for parenting. Although he never seemed to take his own advice, he and his family always used their imaginations to come up with nontraditional solutions to everyday family problems.
MUST READ: 5 Reasons We’re ‘Tempted’ To See Tyler Perry’s Latest
4. “Moesha”
Moesha Mitchell was TV’s “it” girl during the late ’90s. She came from a working-class family and we watch her deal with the stresses of adolescence, school and home life in a humorous — yet heathy — way. The Mitchells were there every step of her way.
5. “Hangin With Mr. Cooper”
On “Hangin With Mr. Cooper”, there was always a full house with plenty of laughter and chaos. Although no one in the household was blood related, they still lived, fought and loved like family. Mr. Cooper, played by Mark Curry, was an ex-NBA star turned couch who lived with his childhood friend and her best friend. Then, there was the best friend’s daughter, played by Raven-Symone, and her friend from next door, played by Marquise Wilson.
MUST READ: EXCLUSIVE: Behind The Scenes With Ava DuVernay’s ‘The Door’ (VIDEO)
6. “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air”
We’ve never seen a “Fresh Prince” rerun that didn’t make us laugh. This hit show from the 90’s centered around Will Smith, a teenager from Philadelphia, who takes refuge at his Uncle Phil’s house in an upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles. Although Will and the Banks family were like like night and day, it was the classic story of a blended family.
Now, you sound off. Tell us your favorite TV families in the comments below!
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Before reality shows dominated every network, some the best Black TV shows were centered around successful African-American families. During the 1990s, these sitcoms showed positive family structures that shed light on realistic characters.
MUST READ: Retro TV: 5 BET Shows That We Miss
We laughed with the Winslows, learned life lessons from the Huxtables and sang along with every word to the opening song of “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air.”
So, just because we miss those feel-good shows and the days before reality-TV ratchetness, let’s take a look at some of our favorite Black TV families from ’90s.
1. “Family Matters”
TGIF Fridays, anyone?
How can anyone forget the Winslow family and their pesky neighbor Steve Urkel? For nine years fun years, “Family Matters” taught us about acceptance and the importance of family values. At the end of each episode, we were always left with a moral message and a new outlook on how to be there for your loved ones.
2. “The Cosby Show”
“The Cosby Show,” which aired for eight seasons on NBC, was the first sitcom to show America that Black families come from upper-middle class households, too. The Huxtables broke racial stereotypes and made us laugh every episode of the way.
3. “The Parent ‘Hood”
“The Parent ‘Hood” centered around college professor Robert Peterson, played by Robert Townsend, and his journey of writing a rule book for parenting. Although he never seemed to take his own advice, he and his family always used their imaginations to come up with nontraditional solutions to everyday family problems.
MUST READ: 5 Reasons We’re ‘Tempted’ To See Tyler Perry’s Latest
4. “Moesha”
Moesha Mitchell was TV’s “it” girl during the late ’90s. She came from a working-class family and we watch her deal with the stresses of adolescence, school and home life in a humorous — yet heathy — way. The Mitchells were there every step of her way.
5. “Hangin With Mr. Cooper”
On “Hangin With Mr. Cooper”, there was always a full house with plenty of laughter and chaos. Although no one in the household was blood related, they still lived, fought and loved like family. Mr. Cooper, played by Mark Curry, was an ex-NBA star turned couch who lived with his childhood friend and her best friend. Then, there was the best friend’s daughter, played by Raven-Symone, and her friend from next door, played by Marquise Wilson.
MUST READ: EXCLUSIVE: Behind The Scenes With Ava DuVernay’s ‘The Door’ (VIDEO)
6. “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air”
We’ve never seen a “Fresh Prince” rerun that didn’t make us laugh. This hit show from the 90’s centered around Will Smith, a teenager from Philadelphia, who takes refuge at his Uncle Phil’s house in an upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles. Although Will and the Banks family were like like night and day, it was the classic story of a blended family.
Now, you sound off. Tell us your favorite TV families in the comments below!
RELATED STORIES:
5 Ways ‘Second Generation Wayans’ Could Be A Better TV Show
The Emmys Indicate Black Actors Have No Place In Fall TV Shows
Check Out This Gallery!
