Ash's Black Excellence in T.V. (Top 10)
Now
5. Chapelle's Show
So I'm happy to report, I was wrong. There is a show that completely took over television (and my high school years) at one point and I have no clue how it slipped my mind. Walking down the halls and out in the streets all I ever heard was "OK" and "WHHHHAAATTT" and that only meant one thing: Either little john was trapped in someone's brain or Chapelle's Show was on the night before. Dave changed the comedy game for his generation and this show even aged beautifully.
4. Abbott Elementary
I must show love to my fellow CAPA alumni Quinta Brunson who has masterfully crafted one of the best shows on t.v. in modern times (not just black excellence but in general). I can confidently report that I've binged the entire series and yes, still stand by all of these sentiments. I actually love this show more than when I wanted to watch it and would suggest it for all ages. This show's popularity and excellence in t.v. will hopefully live on in the books and I'm rooting for it's longevity.
3. Power
I'm going to be real with you guys; I haven't seen 1 single episode of this show...but I do live on planet earth and know what a phenom it is. My mom and like 90% of the rest of America know that this is not only one of the most popular shows on cable t.v. (again another Game of Thrones level show/popularity level) but it is also one of the most accurate. If you are going to helm a show about Money,Power & Respect..I mean who better than 50 cent to help tell the story?
2. Empire / Scandal
Taraji P Henson; One of the top black actresses in Hollywood and Terence Howard the same in his respective category gave the world a run for it's music money with this one. Empire and Scandal is the equivalent of Game of Thrones when you talk t.v. greatness in the sense that it had everyone's attention and each episode was more scandalous than the last. Empire showed what life is like for a black family to build something from nothing in the music business and scandal well Olivia Pope was just 'That Bitch'. Her name struck fear in the hearts of any woman in every race for 'quiet affairs' with the leader of the free world.
1. Tyler Perry / Shonda Rhimes
Both easily masters of their craft these two are the reincarnation (sorta) of Bill & Oprah. For Tyler, building something completely out of nothing is the American Dream but for black people in this country it's a miracle. Shonda can say the same thing as she created some of the most popular shows on tv today (and one of my favs on Netflix 'Inventing Anna'. Tyler has taken over some of the most influential networks of our time and is now dipping into the Netflix pond. I will say one of my favorites from him is a bit of a throwback 'Temptation: Confession's of a Marriage Counselor'.
Then
Honorable Add-On: Sister Sister
Outside of the Olsen Twins being my absolute favorite, I would be insane and lying to tell you these 2 weren't also my role models. Tia and Tamara Mowry were EVERYTHING not just for teenage girls across America but also grade school girls who were in their bathrooms for HOURS trying to replicate those perfect curls. To be honest I would probably creep this show with the #3 slot because I watched this show faithfully and it was among one of my personal favorite top 5's. Roger was unforgettable and these ladies (along with Cher and Dionne from Clueless) were just 'It' during their reign.
5. The Wayans Brothers/Living Single
I remember it being such an accomplishment for me to stay up and watch the late night re-runs of this show. You were able to catch it at regular hours as well but for some reason it was just so much better to stay up and watch these two dazzle the screen in the 90's at 1am. The whole family is a gem and 'In Living Color' should be on this list but I could only make room for the top and the ones I actually watched in their entirety. The Wayans are also royalty when it comes to First Hollywood Family. Switching gears to Living Single, this show showed us how fabulous and well rounded single life as a black woman/man can be. PLUS QUEEN LATIFAH!!!!
4. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Martin
Before Will Smith was one of the most elite Hollywood Actors, he was the Fresh Prince to us 90s babies. He and his family showed what life was like for a wealthy black family who took in their 'out of place' nephew and it was the greatest show on t.v. when it came out. His Bad Boys counterpart Martin Lawrence also had a hit on his hands with 'Martin' which dealt with a hilarious black couple and their just as crazy friends. Memorable characters like Tommy and Sheneneh spawned from this show.
3. Family Matters
A Different World
T.G.I.F was a whole vibe you just had to be around for. Playing outside but making sure you were in by 8pm with Pizza,family or friends was what the 90's was made for. A different world was a group of hilarious friends who you could always count on for laughs, touching moments and Freddie was just my favorite.
2. Bill Cosby / Oprah
When it comes to the first family and first lady of television Bill Cosby and Oprah set a record and a standard that even by today would be unmatched. Bill showed the world what a strong and well grounded black family was made of and Oprah raised the bar on how daytime television was viewed in America.
1. The Jeffersons
Admittedly I was not around for the start of this show but I am wise enough to know that The Jeffersons gave birth to the Cosby's. George and Weezy got more than a piece of the pie with this hit television show especially during a time when black excellence in tv was just starting. These two paved the hill for all the shows that came after to give us black excellence in t.v.