Episode 3: Main Character Energy
This episode examines the rise of Black family sitcoms in the early 1990s that centered Black girlhood, and how their decline in favor of Black dramedies reflects a loss of nuclear family representation on television.
Keywords: Abbott Elementary, white gaze, the Black Family sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, United Paramount Network (UPN), Moesha, Sister, Sister, One on One, Kyla Pratt, All American, All American: Homecoming
Recommended Readings
Haggins, Bambi. 2007. Laughing Mad. Rutgers University Press.
Discussion Questions
How did major television networks, such as NBC, build their success and audience base through the contributions and influence of Black television (i.e. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air)?
How did early 2000s series like Moesha, Half & Half, One on One, and Girlfriends shape Black representation both on screen and behind the scenes?
What role do audiences play in holding media industries accountable for meaningful Black representation? How can we, as viewers, actively support and demand more authentic portrayals of Black girls in current media?
The decline of Black family sitcoms has contributed to the growing disappearance of Black girls in leading television roles. Are there any current shows that push back against this trend?
Lost Credits 