One of the first black television shows "Sanford and Son" starring Redd Foxx, and Desmond Wilson first aired on NBC January 14, 1972. A true classic, Sanford and Son was the building block that made it possible for shows like "Martin," and "Girlfriends" to have accumalated the success that they had. Fred G. Sanford, a local junk-dealer in Los Angeles went through 6 season of laughs with Lamont, Grady, and his biggest enemy Esther. The show is most famous for Fred's world-known phrase, "Elizabeth, I'm coming to join you honey."
Two short years later on February 8, 1974, CBS launched its own American Sitcom "Good Times." The show produced 6 seasons, and ran until August 1, 1979. Unlike Sanford and Son, it showcased how to overcome realistic everyday problems. It's cast were perfectly picked, and definitely displayed many personalities for watchers to relate to. It's most quoted for the word that Jimmie Walker (J.J) transformed and gave a new meaning to, "Dynamite."
The Cosby Show is arguably the greatest American show of all-time. Debuting September 20, 1984, The Cosby Show accolades include 2 Emmy's, 2 Golden Globe Awards, 3 NAACP Image Awards, as well as 26 People Choice Awards. The "Huxtables" were portrayed as a well-sized middle class family growing up in Brooklyn, New York. The show served many of the cast members as a great start to their careers (ex. Raven Symone.) It ran for 8 years totaling 191 episodes to become the third longest running comedy of all-time.
With ties to the Cosby Show through Denise Huxtable (the second oldest child), A Different World's 6 year run began on September 24, 1987. This sitcom reached out to an audience that had be often over-looked, young adults. It's setting was Hillman College, in reality Spelman College, and featured, and star studed cast from Jasmine Guy to Kadeem Hardison. The show touched on issues that surround daily American Universities such as rape, war, self-esteems, and diseases. Like the Cosby Show, A Different World also served as a great start for many actors, and actresses.
Last, but surely not least on the list of dominating black television show from 1970-1989 is "Family Matters." First airing September 22, 1989, many people don't know that Jaleel White (Steve Urkel) did not making his debut until midway through the first season. The show was originally set to be based around Carl Winslow, and his family. With such great ratings on the episodes Jaleel appeared in, he was quickly set as the shows main character. Family Matters became the second longest running black sitcom, airing a total of 215 episodes over 9 seasons.
Sid Ashford: Stay tuned for tommrow's part two of Black Television Shows 90'- Present.
Sid Ashford: Stay tuned for tommrow's part two of Black Television Shows 90'- Present.
