Things We Miss--Black Sitcoms of the 80's and 90's

In this age of reality TV, it seems like anyone can get a show about absolutely anything! It gets to the point where you don't know what to watch and half the time we don't want to watch any of it. Here at SA2F we figured we would highlight some of our favortie Black Sitcoms that we loved and we TOTALLY MISS. We are sure you will feel the same about some of our selections.

LIVING SINGLE

The predecessor to  UPN's "Girlfriends," this show had all of the things black women wanted to see. Independent wome, handosme, men and a whole lot of laughter. Each week we tuned in religiously to see the plights of Khadijah, Regine, Sinclaire and Maxine as they navigated their way through life, love and friendship. Needless to say at one point we wanted to be one of them.

THE COSBY SHOW

This show single handedly changed the way Americans and the world looked at black families, and it did so for the better! The Cosby Show chonicled the life of Cliff and Claire Huxtable as they raised their five kids in Brooklyn, NY. Never before had we seen such positive images of African Americans. Each week we got a healthy dose of humor and knowledge on everything from love to life and everything in between.

A DIFFERENT WORLD

A spin off from The Cosby Show, this show was a catalyst for so many of us to go to college! Set on the campus of the fictitional Hillman College, it followed the lives of  black college students in both undergrad and grad life. If ever there was an inspiration for higher education, this was it. Honestly who didn't love the relationship between Whitley and Duane? Or the craziness and transition of Freddie? What about Kim and her type A personality and beautiful singing voice? Once again we weren shown a side of ourselves that was rarely seen on television. Even in syndication, we can still see ourselves in this show.

Comedian Martin Lawrence was not the most well know when he got his own show but that did not stop it from becoming one of the most beloved shows on TV.  Martin, Cole Tommy, Gina and Pam were brought us a hilarious dose of comedic wit every week. Even better Martis Lawrence added charcters (all played by him) that kept the show fresh and funny. There is no way to forget Momma Payne, Dragon Fly Jones, Otis the Security Guard or the infamous Sheneneh

IN LIVING COLOR

Sketch Comedy at its finest. Technically this is not a sitcome but who can forget the show that churned out star after star. Created by Keenan Ivory Wayans, the show created sketches that pushed the enveloped making fun of any and everything (not even Oprah was off limits). There is no doubt that Wayans had an early eye for talent, but you don't have to believe us, just look at who we have now: Jaime Foxx, Jim Carey, Damon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Tommy Davidson, Kim Wayans, David Alan Grier, Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Ann Inaba (Dancing With The Stars), Rosie Perez (Choreograhpher), Paul Mooney (Writer), Marlon Wayans (writer).

These are just a few of the shows that we miss and there are so many more! Stay Tuned for Part 2!