The Cosby Show was the best and worst thing to happen to black sitcoms. It was the best because it helped to bring about a resurgence of black sitcoms, many of which had positive images. However, it was also the worst because it created unrealistic expectations for other black shows to follow. No black sitcom since The Cosby Show has had nearly the same sort of impact on television audiences. Even though there have been some hits post-Cosby (The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, for example), many more black sitcoms have flown under the radar. Some of these shows lasted only one or two seasons while others managed to last long enough to go into syndication. What all of these shows have in common is that they never received the ratings and/or the praise they should have when they were on the air. While not all of them were “classics,” they did deserve to be seen and enjoyed by more people.
Here are my picks for the most underrated black sitcoms post-The Cosby Show in no particular order:
Sparks (UPN): This show revolved around the family-run law firm of Sparks, Sparks, and Sparks. Alonzo Sparks (James Avery), head of the firm and patriarch of the family, practices law with his two sons. Maxey (Miguel A. Nunez, Jr.) is flashy, sneaky, and a little crude. Maxey's brother Greg (Terrence Howard) is his complete opposite, a hard-working, honest man. Their world is shaken up by the arrival of lawyer Wilma Cuthbert (Robin Givens). The brothers' sibling rivalry, competing affections for Wilma, and the love/hate relationship with their father complicate the running of their law firm. With a great cast that worked well together, solid writing, and a theme song by the late, great Billy Preston, it's a shame that it only lasted two seasons on UPN. It was one of the first major roles for Terrence Howard, who would later find his mainstream breakout role in the movie Hustle & Flow.
Roc (FOX): The closest any show came to capturing the spirit of black theater on television was Roc. With a cast of stage veterans, Roc dealt with the everyday life of working class African-Americans with a class that is rarely seen. Roc Emerson (Charles S. Dutton) is a city garbage collector who lives with his wife Eleanor (Ella Joyce) and his father Andrew (Carl Gordon). His somewhat irresponsible younger brother Joey (Rocky Carroll) also added to the festivities. While the plot may sound somewhat bland, the execution most certainly wasn't. Critically praised when it was on the air, it never got good ratings. In an attempt to increase its ratings, every episode of its final season was done live. As far as I know, no sitcom since has ever attempted something like that. It showed off the cast's theater training and highlighted the show's playlike feel. It only lasted three seasons on FOX but it left a mark as one of the most truly unique black sitcoms to ever air on television. Reruns of this show can be seen on the cable channel TV One.
Article comments
1 - Brent
My impression of "A Diffent World" is that it got significantly better once the nominal star, Lisa Bonet, departed. Cosby created the show as a vehicle for her (reportedly a vehicle away from him) but once it stopped being about Bonet's character and focussed on the trials and relationships of the other characters it became much richer.
2 - Al Barger
Bernie Mac was one of the best sitcoms ever made, black or otherwise. The audience was dwindling, what with being switched around and not promoted, but it was great. They had a pretty good long run, plenty long enough for good syndication. This one will be remembered as a classic and popular on DVD years from now when mediocre crapola that was more popular at the time like Will and Grace is long forgotten.
3 - chantal
I agree that Roc was a truly unique and wonderful show, showcasing the acting talents of four very superb actors. It's a shame the show never got the credit and ratings it deserved. It was funny, smart, socially conscious without being preachy, and it portrayed a slice of Black life without playing into the hands of stereotype.
4 - Rebecca
Living Single was always a fave of mine. Kim Fields, Queen Latifah, Kim Coles all on the same show. That's a pretty good group of folks. As I recall, the show was biting and funny.
As for A Different World, the show got much better once Lisa Bonetr got off the ship. I always felt she couldn't act and seemed disinterested.
5 - Son of Jor-El
Good article, very well written. I guess you were not trying to include some of the over top comedy.... I thought Martin was pretty funny, and witty in its early seasons. But I can understand why you may have left Martin off of the list.
6 - Baronius
When Roc worked, it worked really well. It was inconsistent though. In season three, it quickly used up whatever benefits the live format provided, and just became flat.
Roc's dad was a really funny character, and the actor who played him sure knew what he was doing.
7 - Nancy
Puh-leeze.
Frank's Place.