The 1990s had a plethora of sitcoms that celebrated the Black experience and launched several actors’ careers. A common theme that runs throughout all of the shows selected is family. Additionally, many of these series show the importance of a chosen family.
Shows like Living Single featured main characters living within the same building or across the street from one another. They created a community in which they take care of each other. While the main character’s family makes appearances on the show, their role is mostly used for context on the character’s development.
In a workplace sitcom like The Jamie Foxx Show, it is very relatable to everyday life. Let’s face it: We see our coworkers more than we see our families. The show can easily connect with that fact
but also how coworkers can be a lending ear to life’s problems as well as fostering a familial relationship.
A coming-of-age sitcom like Moesha shows how childhood and high school years play a pivotal role in our development of relationships inside and outside of the home. Specifically, in Moesha, the show explores how the loss of her mother affected her ability to accept her father’s new wife and ultimately changed the family dynamic she once had. Through her personal issues within herself, she is still managing how to navigate school, friendships, and romantic relationships.
Sibling relationships were also a common premise in the ’90s with shows like Sister, Sister and The Wayans Bros. While real-life siblings were used in the shows, their stark differences in character show that your closest confidant could be the person you share a parent with.
Now, with streaming available, you don’t have to wait for your favorite show to be played on late-night television. You can use your favorite app to relive all of your favorite moments from these hit shows.
Take a look at 10 Black 90s sitcoms you can stream now:
