Top 10 African American Shows

While some of the more celebrated African-American shows of the past tackled social issues of the day, this FOX hit represents an old school way of thought coming to grips with a variety of modern topics. With Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson functioning as the heads of a hip-hop record label, Lee Daniels’ atypical drama always has viewers talking to their television sets while sharing their excitement via social media. “Empire” touches on classic themes, yet it’s the fresh and timely vibe that easily connects with its core demographic.

In the beginning, this Brooklyn-based comedy was placed by FOX in between two already established hits: “Martin” and “Married… with Children, and by way of its foursome of magnetic leads - including Queen Latifah - the narrative catered to an African-American audience while slowly reeling in those waiting to see the antics of the Bundy family. This show focuses on a group of six friends and the adventures that come with their careers and relationships– or lack thereof. Often compared to other New York City-based sitcoms from the 90s like “Friends,” this series provided a more relatable, realistic take of city life in your 20s.

Originally spawning from the Chicago-based sitcom “Perfect Strangers,” this iconic series initially focused on the Winslow family… that is, until one particularly unique individual came knockin’. As part of ABC’s interconnected landscape that was TGIF, Steve Urkel made numerous appearances on other shows, thus broadening the brand of the characters and series. This continued to increase the lovable nerd’s popularity, who in later seasons became the show’s main character. Throughout the show’s 9-year run, the inherent familial atmosphere touched a chord with African-Americans looking for more than the prototypical white family dealing with white issues.

Just years before his untimely death at the age of 50, a Chicago-born comedian kicked off the new millennium by starring as a man faced with new challenges after his sister enters rehab. Let’s say this: to know the humor of Bernie Mac is to know the essence of “The Bernie Mac Show,” as he often drew inspiration from his stand-up routines. Bernie keeps it real when he takes in his sister’s kids, which allows for a touch of poignant emotion to shine through every once in a while. Truly a sitcom to root for, “The Bernie Mac Show” presented a hilarious realism though its provocative yet heart-warming lead.

A spinoff of Maude, this sitcom about a family living in an inner-city housing project instigated some uproarious “good times” for viewers in the '70s and beyond. Yet another iconic series rooted in the cityscapes of Chicago, mainstream audiences found a catchphrase and quirky character in Jimmie Walker’s J.J., but “Good Times” was far more than just a formulaic vehicle for the actor. The show’s blue-collar aesthetics pinpointed the realities of high-rise livin’ in less than modest circumstances. True to its title, the Evans Family always made the best of any situation.

Created by Norman Lear, the producer behind “Good Times” and numerous landmark sitcoms of the era, here’s a series that would probably make a few millennial heads explode if they began watching today. But hey, this was the '70s, and there was no better actor to play the grumpy Fred. G. Sanford than Mr. Red Foxx. Based in Los Angeles, “Sanford and Son” showcases a tough love approach for the father-son relationship and how being “real” involves not only talking the talk, but walking the walk as well. Fred and his son Lamont weren’t perfect, and that’s why they were a breath of fresh air in a world of more picturesque family productions.

Back in the early '90s, word on the street was that you had to sit your butt down for this unforgettable FOX sitcom starring one of the best stand-up comics of the time. Playing a Detroit DJ known for being, um, “difficult,” Martin Lawrence satirized African-American clichés while keeping it raw in the process. With Tisha Campbell as the female lead, “Martin” presented all-too-familiar scenarios of love and other demons, complemented by the various characters played by Martin himself, and you know who we’re talking about. And if you don’t, you better get to steppin.’

Back in the day, ol’ George and Louise Jefferson emerged on “All in the Family,” but they ultimately moved on up to solidify themselves as the preeminent African-American couple on network TV for a full decade. As you can imagine, “The Jeffersons” featured some eye-opening dialogue, yet Normal Lear’s production offered accessible comedy for all to enjoy. You could always rely on The Jeffersons to shine a new light on familiar subjects, as well as making some political statements about race issues in the '70s. This long-running sitcom ushered in a new age of entertainment, paving the way for future shows and their depictions of African-American families.

Of course, Father Time has now altered the perception of this show’s infamous lead, but for decades upon decades, Bill Cosby functioned as the figurative father for a generation of African-Americans. Focused on the complexities of the well-to-do, Brooklyn-based Huxtable family, “The Cosby Show,” picked up the torch from “The Jeffersons” while complementing Bill Cosby’s recognized comedic skills with a youthful supporting cast. Oh, and don’t forget the grounding force of “The Cosby Show,” Phylicia Rashad. All in all, this series delivered the laughs and always came through with a message to contemplate, leading viewers on a journey to an entirely different world in the show’s spinoff.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Everybody Hates Chris” (2005-09)

“Black-ish” (2014-)

“Julia” (1968-71)

“The Steve Harvey Show” (1996-2002)

“Girlfriends” (2000-08)

As a testament to the content and execution of its material, this unforgettable series holds up better than most sitcoms of the past couple decades. While the viewers initially tuned in for Will Smith, they stayed because of the supporting cast, brilliant writing and the show’s perpetual willingness to push the envelope. In essence, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” stayed true to the African-American shows that came before, but all involved seemed intent on truly educating the audience while establishing a stand-alone brand of incomparable comedy... with no shortage of Carlton dance sequences.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite African-American show? For more mind-blowing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.