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Julia (NBC, 1968–1971)
Copage with Carroll in 1968.Everett
02of 10
Sanford and Son (NBC, 1972–1977)
Foxx (left) with Wilson.NBC/Getty
The first network series to feature a predominantly Black cast sinceAmos ‘n’ Andyin the ’50s,Sanford and Sonstarred Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson as an entrepreneurial father-and-son duo navigating life’s ups and downs in Los Angeles' Watts neighborhood.
“I believe laughter and joy adds time to one’s life,” Lear told PEOPLE in 2022. “Redd Foxx absolutely added time to my life. His earlobes were funny. His knuckles were funny.”
03of 10
The Jeffersons (CBS, 1975–1985)
From left: Berlinda Tolbert, Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Franklin Cover, Marla Gibbs and Roxie Roker.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
Added Oz Scott, who directed 40 episodes of the sitcom: “I think people saw themselves [in the characters], and they had something to aspire to.”
04of 10
Warner (right) with (from left) Tempestt Bledsoe, Phylicia Rashad, Lisa Bonet and Stevie Wonder.Everett
(Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Philo)
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A Different World (NBC, 1987–1993)
Lewis (right) with Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison.Everett
(Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Philo)
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The Arsenio Hall Show (Fox, 1989–1994)
Hall with then-presidential candidate Bill Clinton in 1992.Reed Saxon/AP/Shutterstock
“I created a show for people who didn’t have a show,” Hall said. “It was a place forHammer,Prince,New EditionandNew Kids On the Block, a place for comics fromChris RockandLea DeLariatoGeorge Lopez. With no social media, I got to break lots of ground and be at the helm of young audiences partying — and barking. I could never have imagined what happened to me on Paramount’s stage 29. As a kid, I used to do a talk show in my basement. But everyone thought that I was just a weird kid with a strange name. Who knew I’d ride the dream to the finish line?”
07of 10
In Living Color (Fox, 1990–1994)
Damon Wayans (left) and David Alan Grier.Fox
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Living Single (Fox, 1993–1998)
Fields (second from right) with Erika Alexander, Queen Latifah and Kim Coles.Everett
“There was a void in the television landscape back then, not just in Black television but overall,” saidKim Fields, who played Régine on the sitcom. “That type of sitcom didn’t exist at that time. There was a void for these types of characters, the storylines, interaction and chemistry between the characters. It was groundbreaking because of how the show was written, and how the show was executed. We weren’t trying to be a Black show or a girl power show. We weren’t trying to be a great Black show. We were trying to be a great show, period. Yvette [Lee Bowser] wrote and created such relatable characters, that breathing life into them was breathtaking in the most wonderful character-creating way.”
(Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, Philo)
09of 10
Empire (Fox, 2015–2020)
Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.FOX/Getty
“Empirewas the first of its kind,” saidSerayah, who played music star Tiana Brown. “It showcased a Black successful family in the entertainment industry, the glamour, the original music and the drama was exciting for people to watch. I am deeply grateful to have been part of such an iconic impactful show. I’m aware this type of success doesn’t happen everyday, so I feel blessed.Empireinspired so many other shows over the years, but that’s the cool part about it. All of the hard work we put in has inspired other creators and that makes it all worth it. I grew up watching and loving some shows on this list so to be in company with some of my culture’s best shows means the world to me.”
(Streaming on Hulu)
10of 10Abbott Elementary (ABC, 2021-Present)Brunson with students on the show.Liliane Lathan/ABC"It highlights teachers, our unsung heroes. It highlights education,“A Different World’s Dawnn Lewis said of theQuinta Brunson-created hit. “I love that show, and I love [Quinta’s] story, and I hope this is the beginning of her having many more opportunities."(Now airing on ABC)
10of 10
Abbott Elementary (ABC, 2021-Present)
Brunson with students on the show.Liliane Lathan/ABC
“It highlights teachers, our unsung heroes. It highlights education,“A Different World’s Dawnn Lewis said of theQuinta Brunson-created hit. “I love that show, and I love [Quinta’s] story, and I hope this is the beginning of her having many more opportunities.”
(Now airing on ABC)
source: people.com
