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Summary
American TV show thrive on their power to make hearing from various backgrounds associate with the quality and event picture onscreen , andBlack TV families have help redefine TV for X , especially sitcoms . In a playfulness and relatable way , many shameful sitcoms cater principally to African - American audiences , thus telling similar stories with more specificity and emphasis on issue that most Black viewers seldom see in sitcoms with broader appeal . While some of thebest sitcom of all timecan make one thousand thousand of hoi polloi laugh , great sitcoms are equal to of handle a diverse range of issue and study that provoke thoughts while also providing amusement .
Furthermore , families in situation comedy are important since they often reflect a land ’s state of being while also challenge audiences to reassess their spirit about their families for the better . Black kin situation comedy and their wallop on TVhave been impactfulas the depictions of disgraceful families contribute greatly to non - dim audience ' perceptions of Black people while also promoting crucial morals and value to its target audience in a relatable elbow room . Whether for the laughs they provide or the deftness with which they treat important topics , some of the best sitcoms made owe a great deal to Black families in the genre .
The Banks sept from The Fresh Prince of Bel - Air is one of the most popular situation comedy families ever . From youngest to oldest , here ’s each phallus .
10The Proud Family (2001 - 2005)
The Proud Family is one of the most important animated TV shows geared toward Black audiences.
Disney’sThe Proud Familycenters around protagonist Penny Proud as she navigates the mishap of schooling , dating , and friends all while balancing her own personality with her crime syndicate ’s . While most animated sitcoms geared toward children lean heavily on the whimsical elements of their storytelling , The Proud Familydistinguishes itself by emphasizing Penny ’s intelligence and smartness despite her untested age . As such , The Proud Familyexcels in depict intelligent and ego - assure Black girlsin a way that not only puts her on equivalence with other female situation comedy protagonists , but dead demonstrates how a child can benefit from a good fostering .
9The Payne Family (Martin, 1992 - 1997)
Martin demonstrates that family can transcend blood relationships.
Martincenters around Martin and Gina , a boisterous radio personality and his level - head public - relation lady friend , and the daily take a chance the young couple observe themselves in . feature a mavin - making execution from Martin Lawrence , Martinthrives on its ability to show that family does n’t always exclusively follow in the manikin of blood . From Martin ’s antagonistic kinship with Gina ’s best friend Pam to the troubled friendly relationship between Martin , Cole , Tommy , and various wacky quality in the neighborhood , Martinexemplifies the grandness of friendship while also highlighting how , more often than not , family is who one chooses .
8The Freemans (The Boondocks, 2005 - 2010)
The Boondocks prove that even small families can leave a big impact.
The Boondockscenters around siblings Huey and Riley Freeman and the howdy - high jinks they perpetually find themselves in after moving in with their granddaddy . Rife with begrimed humor , court to the kung fu films by the Shaw Brothers , and an eclectic range of popping - culture references , The Boondocksultimately enjoin a heartwarming tale about familywhile also display the multi - faceted nature of individuality within the inglorious community . Whereas Huey is more calm and poised , alike to a Sidney Poitier or Denzel Washington , his young comrade Riley boasts as much machismo as most mobster rappers of today and years past .
However , despite Huey and Riley ’s differences , they bonk each other dearly and are as supportive of one another as they are critical of each other ’s occasional miserable decisiveness - making . Moreover , their gramps , aptly nicknamed Granddad , anchors the siblings whenever their larger - than - life personality clash . consider interview never see Huey and Riley ’s parent , The Boondocksstill makes the show palpate like a huge family affairon the strength of the freakish situations that the three Freemans work together to solve . As such , The Boondocksconsistently proves that a family ’s spunk is more important than its numbers .
7The Williams (The Wayans Bros., 1995 - 1999)
The Wayans Bros. demonstrates that the Williams' bond is unbreakable.
The Wayans Bros.see Shawn and Marlon Wayans as fictionalized versions of themselves as they and their beginner , played by the former John Witherspoon , and the daily shenanigans the siblings exploit through . Perhaps the most alone aspect ofThe Wayans Bros.is that Shawn and Marlon are sib in real life , providing many uproariously meta moments that are heighten by their real relationship . what is more , despite his eccentricities , Witherspoon ’s Pops typically provides his sons with impermanent parole of wisdomthat are not only meant to inhale Shawn and Marlon , but also its audience .
AlthoughThe Wayans Bros.was canceled without a right send - off , its impact on TV is undeniable as it is one of the strongest examples of a TV show that tactfully treat of import study like drugs , promiscuity , and backwash in relation to Black men while also infusing humorous moment . moreover , Shawn and Marlon ’s power to rest a cohesive unitdespite the challenge they face speak mass to its overall content of family being one ’s rock through knockout times . The Wayans Bros.is hilarious , but its themes and how the show presents them are its greatest speciality .
6The Mitchell Family (Moesha, 1996 - 2001)
Moesha’s Mitchell family demonstrates to audiences how to appreciate loved ones' differences.
Moeshais an American sitcom that centers around its eponymous supporter and her conflict with menage , friends , school , and boys . AlthoughMoeshawas canceled before time of year 7 , the situation comedy left its mark on goggle box as it was one of the earliest and most profound examples of demonstrate the struggles of Black girls in America , while also foreground the prosperity of a black-market family lick together . However , Moesha ’s emphasis on Black menage accept each other ’s differenceswas a game - changer in the ' 90s as it perfectly demonstrated the cultural crash between older and vernal contemporaries African Americans .
Whereas the Mitchell paterfamilias and matriarch , Frank and Deidra , come from more conservative backgrounds steeped in the didactics of Marcus Garvey , Huey P. Newton , and various other significant civic rights leaders , Moesha and her younger brother Miles ’s more bighearted aesthesia were heightened by the hard - murder strike of Tupac and Ice Cube , perfectly mull many fatal family during its original airing . As such , Moeshasuccessfully portrayed many struggles of Black families across various income levels , while also providing solutions to their struggle in an piquant and entertaining style .
Martin Lawrence , producer and star of the hit 90 ’s situation comedy Martin , shares his response to inquiry of a potential reboot of the series .
5The Sanfords (Sanford & Son, 1972 - 1977)
The Sanfords' entrepreneurial spirit still inspires audiences.
Sanford and Sonis a prominent instance of entrepreneurship among Black people as it centers around beginner and son duo Fred and Lamont Sanford , and the daily challenge they look running their dust dealing business . what is more , Sanford and Sonis notable for its depiction of Black masculinityas it relates to family unit . Whereas Fred is bloody-minded and honest-to-goodness school day , often exuding very strong notion and opinion , Lamont is more lay - back , thus leading to many hilarious interactions between the two . Although hilarious , the relationship between the Sanfords highlights many pertinent issues regarding Black masculinity and its shock on fathers and Word .
4The Evans Family (Good Times, 1974 - 1979)
Good Times' Evans family exemplifies hard work and integrity.
salutary Timescenters around a low - income Black family making the most of their circumstance in one of Chicago ’s most notorious living accommodations labor . Although the Evans ' circumstances are inauspicious , the family ’s resolve and attitude get them through it . Patriarch James Evans ' signified of responsibility , integrity , and good moral standing within his community inGood Timesperfectly spotlight the importance of one being with child than their circumstances . Despite the Evans ' fiscal issues , their commitment to each other far outshines any darkness brought on by circumstance .
3The Jeffersons (The Jeffersons, 1975 - 1985)
The Jeffersons tackles serious topics relating to race and economics through the lens of a prosperous Black family.
The Jeffersonscenters around George and Louise " Weezy " Jefferson , a working - class Black kinsperson whose unbelievable work ethic and hope to advance their situation in biography sees them enter a novel revenue enhancement bracket . As such , the Jeffersons experience the challenges that upper - halfway - class Black family face , such as racial discrimination , mixed marriage , and various other complex societal issues , both specific to that era and that resonate today Almost an answer toGood Times , The Jeffersonsdemonstrates what a inglorious family likeGood Times ' the Evans can accomplish with the right sensation of direction , thus offering its target audience a more affirmative view of American life .
2The Banks Family (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, 1990 - 1996)
The Banks family demonstrates the value of education and hard work while also providing many feel-good moments.
The Fresh Prince of Bel - Airis notable for its headliner - make performance by Will Smith . Its loveable cast of characters that fill out the residuum of the Banks family and how it flux serious issue , such as racial profiling , alcoholism , absentee fathers , drugs , and work party wildness , further endear it to audiences . However , despite the serious subject area covered , The Fresh Prince of Bel - Airhandles them with a balance that obligate its consultation to face those issues with optimism . The show never feels cheesy or preachy , making its tough subjects easier to digest .
The Fresh Prince of Bel - Air ’s Banks family remain firm as one of the most important , not just in Black situation comedy , but sitcoms in general , as they exemplify class , integrity , and wholesomeness that ’s relatable across all color lines . From Uncle Phil ’s respected and compassionate demeanor to Aunt Viv ’s imperial and elegant aesthetic to Carlton and Hilary being diametrical opposites as siblings , the Banks family is one of the most diverse in terms of character . With Will ’s fish - out - of - water personality immix with the sitcom ’s handling of serious themes , The Fresh Prince of Bel - Airis one of thebest ' 90s sitcomsmade mostly thanks to its iconic Banks family .
1The Huxtables (The Cosby Show, 1984 - 1992)
The Huxtables pioneered positive depictions of Black families by avoiding common stereotypes.
The Cosby Showis creditworthy forintroducing the most influential Black kinsperson to American TV , the Huxtables . Featuring doctors , educational master , artists , wise man , and more , the Huxtables effectively regulate every sinister sitcom home to come after it , and go along to do so more than 30 years after the serial finale . While disputation surrounding Cliff Huxtable actor Bill Cosby put an undeniable stain on the sitcom ’s reputation , it does n’t rewrite its shock regarding the Black family ’s image . By on the face of it blending all the best aspect of its predecessor , The Cosby Showpresents a well - balance Black kinsfolk for American audiences to espouse .
More importantly , The Cosby Showdemonstrates to Black families that despite the community ’s conflict , they can rise above those challenges by deposit together and brook each other . By developing stiff kin units and lend positively to one ’s residential area , Black mass can be as respected in companionship as non - shameful kinfolk . With this , The Cosby Showrejects many negative stereotype that blight the Black mob ’s image in favor of positive imagerythat not only arrive at the Huxtables a fellowship of trailblazers , but also the premiere Black phratry that helped redefine TV .
