Black sitcoms, or rather sitcoms in general, have fallen by the wayside in the last decade. The reality TV craze that started with MTV’s The real world It caught on like wildfire and before the world knew it, the sitcom was basically dead.
But the 1980s were a golden age for Black sitcoms. What started in the ’70’s with the success of popular shows such as: Good Times, The Jefferons, and Sanford and Sons into the next decade, bringing family-friendly television entertainment that transcends racial barriers. The following shows are some of the decade’s best and most popular.
10 ‘Webster’ (1983-1987)
Since the premiere, viewers have fallen in love with Webster. (Emmanuel Lewis). Orphaned at just five years old, Webster was adopted by his father’s former NFL teammate, George Papadopolous. (Alex Karras) and his wife Katherine (Susan Clark) In this warm sitcom.
In addition to the death of Webster’s parentsWebster Covering many sensitive topics in more than 150 episodes. Issues such as divorce, adoption, and parental abduction, mature and lovely, Webster wise beyond his years. Although the agents are racially mixed, Webster Still considered one of the best black TV shows.
9 ‘Give Time to Rest’ (1981-1987)
Let’s rest Nell Carter stars as stepmother Nell Harper. Nell helps her boss, Police Chief Carl Kanisky raise his three daughters Katie (Kari Michaelsen)Julie ((Lauri Hendler)and Samantha (Lara Jill Miller) After the death of Carl’s wife.
The show received mixed reviews from critics but was well received by audiences. Acting as a surrogate mother to the Kanisky girls, Nell is often Katie, Julie and Samantha’s first choice for advice. Still grieving his wife’s death, Carl leans heavily on Nell. Joey Lawrence Joins the cast in Season 3 as 7-year-old Joey Donovan.
8 ‘Family Affair’ (1989-1998)
Neighbor Winslow Steve Urkel (Jaleel White), known for his trademark suspenders, high-waisted pants, and sweater, is the real star of. Family matters. Steve spends his time following his teenage Laura (Kelly Shanygne Williams) And make Carl’s father annoyed.
spinoff of perfect stranger, Family matters Jo Marie Payton co-stars as Harriet, the voice of reason for her husband Carl. By the end of the series, Steve was featured in several episodes of the show.
7 ‘227’ (1985-1990)
Marla Gibbs’s The Jeffersons Famous as the housewife Mary Jenkins in 227. Mary, husband of Mrs. Lester (Hal Williams) and daughter Brenda (Regina King) Share a place in Washington DC where Mary and her neighbor Rose (Alaina Reed Hall) Spend their days on the apartment building stoop to share gossip.
Mary’s funny interactions with Sandra, her only neighbor (Jackie Harry) is a running theme in the show. Although Mary could judge, 227 Balance hostile interactions with touch time.
6 ‘Amen’ (1986-1991)
Long time in the sitcom star Sherman Hemsley Scored another hit as deacon Earnest Frye in the all-black church drama Amen. A widower, Hemsley is a single father to his grown daughter Thelma (Anna Maria Horsford).
Most of Amen’s episodes revolve around Philadelphia’s First Community Church, where Earnest is constantly at odds with the church’s new young pastor, Reverend Ruben Gregory. (Clifton Davis). It doesn’t help that Thelma has a not-so-secret secret about Reverend Gregory.
5 ‘A Different Pace’ (1978-1986)
Orphan brother Arnold (Gary Coleman) and Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges)who is black, was arrested by the mother of the rich white ex-employer Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain) After Arnold and Willis’ mother died unexpectedly. A common storyline among black sitcoms at that time.
Different strokes Dealing with conflicting issues such as racism, drugs and Phillip’s daughter Kimberly (Dana Plato) Eating disorders. Although technically a sitcom, Different strokes Often there is a feeling of a special look after studying.
4 A Different World (1987-1993)
A different world Follow the lives of African-American college students as they make the transition to adulthood at the predominantly black Hillman College. A spin-off of The Cosby Show, A different world A real look at what life is like at an HBCU. Something overlooked in black sitcoms.
From a diverse background, Denise, Jaleesa’s roommate (Dawn Lewis)Southern Bell Whitney (Jasmine Guy)streetsmart Dwayne (Kadeem Hardison)and his best friend Ron (Darryl M. Bell) Navigate a world different from your own in this relatable sitcom.
3 ‘Benson’ (1979-1986)
Benson DuBois (Robert Guillaume) Sent to work as the widow of guardian Eugen Gatling (James Noble) butler by Benson’s previous employer. Cultured and quick, Benson often spar with other employees of the governor, and most always get the last word.
Despite the help, Benson asserts himself as a wise man and is often sought out for advice. Guillaume’s portrayal of Benson is not only relatable but endearing as he helps Governor Gatling balance life as a politician and a single father to his daughter Katie. (Mrs. Gold).
2 ‘The Cosby Show’ (1984-1992)
when The Cosby Show premiered in 1984, viewers got to see what life is really like behind the closed doors of an upper middle class black family in Brooklyn. Ancestral family Cliff (Bill Cosby) Worked as an obstetrician out of his home office while his wife Clair (Phylicia Rashad) Work as a lawyer.
Parents of five, Cliff and Clair mix comedy with the real-life struggle of balancing work and raising their child Sondra. (Sabrina LeBeouf)Denise (Lisa Bonet)Theo (Malcolm-Jamal Warner)Vanessa (Tempest Bledsoe)and Rudy (Keisha Knight Pulliam) In a way that resonated with viewers then and now.
1 ‘The Jeffersons’ (1975-1985)
The Jeffersons is a comedy about a self-made millionaire and his family who move into a tenement on the Upper East Side of New York City. As the owner of a dry cleaning chain, George (Sherman Hemsley), Louise (Isabel Sanford)and their son Lionel (Mike Evans) Literally living the high life.
Viewers tune in week after week to watch the hilarious interactions of the Jefferson family, neighbors, and best friend, Tom. (Franklin Cover) and Helen Willis (Roxie Roker). A mix of laughter, reflection, and life lessons created The Jeffersons Must see.
