Top 10 Black TV Families That Changed the Game
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- These wonderful Black families have brought experiences unlike others on TV. For this list, we’ll be looking at live-action African-American families whose presence broke down doors, laid groundwork or were otherwise hugely influential on the small screen. Our countdown includes the Banks family from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" (1990-96), the Johnsons from "Black-ish" (2014-), the Winslows from "Family Matters" (1989-98), and more! What Black family on television left an impression on you? Let us know in the comments!
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#TV #Family #Families #AfricanAmerican #Telvision #Sitcom
February is Black History Month, and we are celebrating the community's achievements in pop culture. What Black family on television left an impression on you? Let us know in the comments!
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When's White History Month?!?! 🤔🤨🧐
The Cosby Show! Whatever happened to Bill Cosby Anyway?!?! 🤔😏👍
We don’t need White History Month. All history is white history.
I would love to see a Top 10/20 Steve Urkel Moments, such a iconic 90s character and I would love a WatchMojo Family Matters episode
Yaaaas 🔥🔥🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Growing up and seeing The Huxtables, The Banks, and the Winslows showed so many people that black families were way more than the stereotypes always portrayed. They definitely brought me joy to see! And by the way…the show 227 is not 2-27 but 2-2-7! 😀
Definitely
Right I clutch my pearls hearing him say “2-27”😦😶😨😂😂😂
it's hard to watch the cosby show now though
Well said yet you have shows like Grand crew on nbc claiming to be the show to change such view on stereotypes and be utter crap! We’ve had great black sitcoms and it’s better lessons not some twisted view on how life should be
I'm glad you were not scared to put The Cosby show on this list. None of us really like what happened with Bill Cosby but you can't take away from the fact that this show was groundbreaking. Without the Cosby show the majority of this list would have never happened.
Yes because they were a ground breaking show
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
The list wouldn't be an official list without The Cosby Show on it. We know what became of Bill Cosby but his show without a doubt set the standard.
As a white person I enjoyed how it talked about Black History and Historically Black Colleges. It was telling young Black People if they tried hard enough they could get a great education and be whatever they wanted to be. Even with segregation going on in America both sets of grandparents were able to go to college and become successful
The fact that the Banks are anything lower than top 3 is a damn tragedy. One of the most iconic families of ANY race in television history
I can't believe Family Matters was only number 10. It learned me SO much that I had no idea about how hard it might be. It still is one of my favourite series and I watch it through atleast once a year.
I agree with you Andre. Ever since they added Steve Urkel to the show it gave me a new look on being nerdy and to be proud of being a nerd. Since then I do not care on what other people think of what I do or the things I like. Thanks Urkel!
Agreed
Family Matters should be much higher on the list.
I've watched Everybody Hates Chris several times in the past decade. Not once have I heard them be referred to as "The Williams". The closest I ever heard was the episode where Chris is boxing and Greg says, "Get up, Rock!" - which could be a subtle nod to the last name (or Rocky). Otherwise, the last name has never been stated on the show or anywhere else.
Thank you!
That’s what I’m saying I never heard that at all. Their name was always ambiguous to me.
All you had to do is read the original screenplay and script and Terry Crews' character Julius is called Julius Williams.
@@thebeatnumber What are the odds of anyone realistically doing that? Even so, on the actual show, that last name never was spoken.
I was going to say the same thing lol
James Avery is my most favorite father figure from all the TV shows. I actually cried the day it was announced he passed away.
Everybody loves Uncle Phil!
James Avery is from near my hometown and grew up not to far from my house! I saw him in person in my city a few years before he died.
The Banks Family with Will was a total game changer, always loved that show 🖤
Same
actually admitting the huxtables were very important and that the Cosby show still holds up took BALLS Watchmojo. Well done.
Yup
Florida Evans is one of the most iconic black characters to ever appear on television. DAMN DAMN DAMN!
At least they added The Cosby Show this time😀 Separating the character from the person,
this show did a lot of good for upcoming black sitcoms back then
Great list. And thank you for giving The Bernie Mac Show its flowers. We don't talk about it enough.
Yes, great show.
I looked up to Carl Winslow and Philip Banks as my TV father figures as they wasn't any Indian men on TV so I settled with these two great characters.
I love them both as if they were my fathers on TV.
My Brother & Me deserved spots on the honorable mentions list. Smart Guy deserves a top five spot. We haven’t had a show with a single Black father since!!
YES!!!!! At the very least an honorable mention for My Brother & Me & Smart Guy!! The Henderson’s were AMAZING!!! I was a child with a whole crush on Tahj & the Daddy 🥴
Smart Guy was truly underrated!
Smart Guy needs some love on these lists also Watchmojo.
The Kyle family - My Wife and Kids (although the last season annoyed me). The Peterson family - The Parent 'Hood (it moved around so much, I don't think I saw all of the episodes).
Damn....I forgot all about the parent hood...good catch.
Omg!! You’re so right! They deserved mentions too!
2 great shows I don't think they even mentioned in the honorable mentions
Uncle Phil was always the coolest to me. He may have been strict sometimes but would always stand up for his kids and wife. He was a big guy but also seemed gentle. Loved him lots.
This was definitely a good list! I will always have a fondness for those shows like Good Times and Sanford and Son. Norman Lear should be commended for helping to share the black experience on tv as well.
No My Wife and Kids, Bernie Mac, or Sister Sister.
100% I grew up watching and loving those two shows, but I saw them in a different light rewatching as an adult and while not PC they were amazing shows.
another interesting aspect of the cosby show were the parents emphasized academics for ALL their children.
Yes and when their kid got in trouble they gave them life lessons
I love the Winslows! Family Matters is my favorite show!
Same here ,Carl was my tv dad
Eventhough its not a live sitcom family i would also add The Proud Family to this list
So those honorable mentions…I’m crying at the title “Two Twenty Seven” when WE pronounce it “Two Two Seven”. Also, for Sister Sister, the last name was Landry not Landy.
Great list!
I said the same thing!! It’s 2-2-7 not 227. I refuse to believe not one black person works at watch mojo 🙄 😂
@@erint4048 literally my thought! Like ain’t no Black folks over there? 🤣
I dont think the people who make these lists or the videos ever watch or have heard of any of these shows before. I notice that a lot with their videos.
Family Matters is still one of my all time favorite black sitcom to this day! and like you'd expect my favorite character was Steve Urkel that guy was funny as sh@t and to think he was originally just going to be a one off character in Family Matters but instead he became the main character and went on to become the most famous tv nerd of all time, Jaleel White did an outstanding job at portraying Urkel!
You got that right! Urkel was the reason I started watching the show. Despite him being a klutz he never let nobody putting him down on who he is or what he does. Hail Steve Urkel! The nerd who opened the path for other nerds.
Black families on TV has and always will be part of entertainment history. Those entries are proof of that. Incorporating prominent, real-life situations into a narrative is what made the sitcoms and dramas relatable to audiences.
"Fred Sanford left his wife" WRONG! She died. Hence the fake heart attack gag and the "I'm coming to join ya Elizabeth!"
Lots of good memories here ❤️
Family matters and the fresh Prince were one of my favourite shows growing up, still remember lots of episodes even now
Specially those sad episodes 😢
You're right Andre, Family Matters should have been number one not number ten. It was Steve Urkel who saved that show and why it had an eight year run. He made me proud of being a nerd. To Urkel and all the other nerds out there Thanks!
The Kyles from My Wife & Kids should've been mentioned
I agree with this entire list 1000%. Whether you love or hate Bill Cosby "outside" the show, The Cosby Show had the Greatest Black TV Family in History!! Two other Black TV Families that should have been on this list, in my opinion, are The Kyle Family from My Wife and Kids, and The Petersons from The Parent Hood
The Cosby Show was an experiment. NBC wanted to see if a black family sitcom would been successful on their network. And it exceeded expectations. The REAL trip-out however is that Lisa Bonet became Denise Huxtable because Whitney Houston turned down the role.
Blackish is one of the best modern sitcoms
I never seen it . I only watched grownish
As a white kid in the 90s I grew up watching shows like Cosby, Fresh Prince, Family Matters, Hangin with Mr. Cooper and In Living Color. I never once thought about “race”, they were just good shows. It really IS that simple.
I grew up watching the Jeffersons, Different Stokes, The Crosby Show, Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Family Matters. 🖤
My fella said Two Twenty Seven…na is 2 2 7. Also happy to see Bernie Mad show even if just honorable mention.
I agree! I almost fell out of my chair when I heard that!
Cosby show was the easiest choice
Definitely Everybody Hate Chris was a game changer
Great list, im a little surprised that the Wayans family didn't get even n honorable mention. In living color, the Wayans brothers, my wife and kids, and still counting. Like talk about a family that changed the game on tv
I watched patiently to see if WatchMojo was brave enough to not pretend that The Cosby Show didn't exist, & they didn't disappoint. 👌🏾👍🏾
Pretty good list. I would've had the order a little different, but I can't disagree with their choices. Good job, Watchmojo.
I feel like my mom and I are the Latin female version of Sanford and Son lol
Fun Fact: The actor who played Police Officer Carl Winslow, also appeared as a police officer in the first of the "DIE HARD" movies....
That's more of a known fact
I'm glad to see House of Payne on here, the show was funny in earlier seasons.
WM you should’ve let a black person do the list cuz I got mad when he said “two twenty seven”…All black ppl know that show is called Two Two Seven (227) . Put some respect on Jackee n Mary’s residence.
When did they say that the family in Everybody hates chris were the William's
Not gonna lie, I'm a little upset Fresh Prince of Bel Air is only number 7.
Good times wasn't an "All In The Family" spin-off, that was The Jefferson's. Good Times was a Maude spin-off. And I remember Julia was more of a drama than a comedy.
True, but Maude was an "All in the Family" spin-off so they are related
Actually it was it came from Maude because Florida was her maid
I miss Family Matters SO much.
I've watched most of these game changing black sitcom reality tv shows, Family Matters is the most nostalgic one for me
The Pierce Family From Black Lightning probably my favorite DC Comics family wish the show didn't end so soon
I wanted to see more cross over events after crisis on infinite earth's
Love Black Lightning.
12:22 "Two Twenty-Seven"? Now that's a damn shame!
You forgot the tv show
"My wife and kids"
I was only 5 when “Julia” started, but it was my favorite program. My mom even got me the coloring book. I know I didn’t understand the whole show but the important part is how much I loved it.
The show "Amen" should be on here also
Clair Huxtable the finest family TV sitcom mom
Yes, absolutely beautiful!!
Denise had it going on!
@Zach Ryder Yes, she was a beauty and still is!
I think Chris passed the GED. As a rule of the show the episodes can never end on a happy note for Chris so it faded to black just before we could hear the good news.
Family matters is still a top tier show
The Winslows - Family Matters
Before I watch this i say top 5 should be in no order Family Matters, Cosby Show, Jeffersons, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, & Good Times
Awesome top family TV shows I liked Family Matter's 👍
How is 'My Wife And Kids ' not even on this list🚶
The fact that the Winslow's were 10 is just sacrilege...
Can I just say I love that the narrator is not afraid to say the word black. I don't know why some white people treat it like it's something to be awkward over. We're black. It's not going to offend us like the other word would. Just chill. :)
The Johnson family totally deserved to be on this list 🙂😆
Nice list with a few changes I’d make and it also would have been nice to have a Black narrator, considering the subject matter and impact on tv history. We also wouldn’t have the narrator saying Two Twenty Seven 🤦🏾♂️, instead of 2 2 7.
I thought Everybody Hates Chris was the Rock Family. Williams is the last name of Tyler James Williams, the actor who played the young Chris Rock.
I feel like family matters should have been higher on the list. But that could be my own bias talking. But this was a good list!
Family Matters, The Fresh Prince, and Sister Sister are the most memorable shows during my childhood. Another show that I enjoyed watching that isn't on the list is called Hanging with Mr. Cooper
Very nice list. However, it's pronounced TWO TWO SEVEN (227).
That changed the game...Please don't feel pressured to use AAEV because of what month it is.
you don’t even know what the letter order is lmao
One could argue that the many African American Black Family Sitcoms very much reflected their day and age. I could relate with Good Times in the 1970's growing up in Brooklyn's Projects, We didnt have it as bad as the Walker family, but each show sorta of flanked the progression in my families life, all the way to my college years where we most reflected the Huxtables. I recall so many people saying that their life style didnt reflect that of black America, and yet for me it did, very much so. Too similar in fact, but just as well my situation was rare, but not all together unique, as it was prevalent through my extended family as well. We were blessed of the Lord. ANd i have to say this to give him praise for something people thought was impossible. Fact is. black people in america couldve had soo much more if not for racist hate and bias. Life in the suburbs for blacks was rare, as after the war when the suburbs were build, the government allowed laws to be passed that forbid the selling of such homes to black Americans. Literally keeping blacks from living a better lifestyle out of urban city life. Look up some of the vial acts of Levittown and their zoning laws.
I loved that show too, I don't think you had to relate to enjoy it says this Jewish Valley girl
Yall should do a Top 10 black cartoon family.
I was today years old when I learned that the family on “Everybody Hates Chris” was named Williams, not Rock. 🤯
Same.
The Winslows family Matters
I fully appreciate the Huxtables still
Being on the list. Just because Cosby was a monster doesn’t mean the show’s importance is diminished.
I like this list and how it paid homage to some of the groundbreaking shows pre 80s. Sanford and Son was underrated to me until and Good Times too because of all the great shows that did come after
The Johnsons, The Jeffersons, and the Williams family is my favorite Black TV families of all time.
I liked this list because a whole bunch of shows that I grew watching like the paynes, the browns, the winslows, and the Johnsons are legendary and my parents can certainly tell me about the other shows that came out before I was born
Watchmojo never show Family Matters any love on these lists. The Winslows are one of the most relatable, loved, and memorable families ever created.
How many people knew The Huxtables was going to be number one? Nobody? Just me? Ok.
I feel like an idiot for not remembering what the #1 family was going to be, Winslows should have been higher
No surprise that the Huxtables would be #1! 👏
Loved the Jeffersons.
I loved That's so Raven.
once I heard them say 2-27 at the end I knew they really didn't know what they were talking about
Disappointed Winslows and Banks weren't higher.
Same, Family Matters was one of my favorite sitcoms growing up.
What about The Mitchells from "Moesha" or the Lyons from "Empire"?
"It set itself apart from it's contemporaries by combining adult narration from the future with storylines from the past."
Umm, this wasn't exactly a new idea in TV. This was what a show called "The Wonder Years" did throughout the shows entire run.
How in the blue hell is the Winslow family number 10?!?!
Didn’t you guys post this already? Just a different title right?
Great list!
I have watched The Cosby SHow numerous times and everytime its like watching for the first time. Loved the show so much.
I have been looking for another shows that are as good, but my hunt is on and so far I have found none. Any suggestions will be truly valued.
The fact that Family Matters is #10 and the Cosby Show is #1 is just flat out wrong. The Winslows were what the average black family was in the 90s and the problems and topics they talked about were way more impactful then the upscale life of what the Cosby Show dealt with. My Wife and Kids should have been mentioned as well too. Also, I know it was annimated but no shout out to the proud family?
Honorable mention to the Mitchells from Moesha.
Top White tv shows of alltime
1. Baywatch
2. Full House
3. F.r.i.e.n.d.s
4. 90210
5. Step by Step
6. Married With Children
7. Saved By The Bell
8. 7th Heaven
9. Boy Meets World
10. That 70s Show
11. The Wonder Years
12. Seinfield
13. Melrose Place
14. Gilmore Girls
15. Two & A Half Men
16. Fraiser
17. The King of Queens
18. Mad About You
19. 3rd Rock From The Sun
20. Everybody Loves Raymond
21. Modern Family
22. The Big Bang Theory
23. Dawsons Creek
24. Buffy The Vampire Slayer
25. Family Ties
26. The Office
27. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
28. 8 Simple Rules
29. How I Met Your Mother
30. Sabrina The Teenage Witch
31. Spin City
32. Blossom
33. Charmed
34. Growing Pains
35. Reba
36. Malcolm In The Middle
37. Happy Days
38. The Nanny
39. Cheers
40. Matlock
41. Threes Company
42. The Brady Bunch
43. I Love Lucy
44. Coach
45. The Golden Girls
46. Leave It To Beaver
47. Gilligan's Island
48. The Andy Griffith Show
49. M*A*S*H"
50. Facts of Life
51. Little House on the Prairie
This is awesome their honoring black history month. I know too because my son is mixed with black and Spanish, hoping he’ll learn of these wonderful comedy shows.
I hate how things turned out but The Cosby Show can not go unrecognized for its importance & quality.
For the Jenkins Family, the name of the show is pronounced "2-2-7".
I grew up watching family matters fresh prince and sister sister
Family Matters the second longest running black sitcom of all time! Top 5 or 6 at least!
Family matters should be atleast top 5!
"And maybe, your mother loves you too."