Have you heard of this TV show called "Black-ish"? It's an ABC comedy that airs on Tuesdays and is most definitely worth your time. In case you were like me, I had only heard of the show but never actually watched it. There was a lot for me to learn about this critically acclaimed program. As I researched (coincidentally for a project), I learned just how popular the show has become and why it has done so well.
Here is why you need to add "Black-ish" to your TV repertoire if you haven't already done so:
1. Comedy.
First off, I don't think you can go wrong with a comedy. The intention of the show is to make you laugh and to put you in a good mood, but "Black-ish" is more than that.
2. Cultural significance.
The best part about this show, in my opinion, is that it is bold and honest. The plot engages viewers by confronting the characters with real-life cultural issues. The Johnson family handles racial disputes with elegance and knowledge. The show defies stereotypes by facing them head-on. Some episode topics include the Black Lives Matter movement, the election, and police brutality.
3. It's modern.
Aside from the Johnson family shutting down absurd connotations to African-Americans, the show also tackles what "traditional" families, like themselves, would face. The classic coming-of-age stories, quitting one's job, and relationship turbulence make an appearance in the series. The writers are constantly incorporating new material from the outside world that we live in into the TV series, thus making it entertaining for the viewers.
4. The cast.
With a stacked lineup with actors/actresses such as Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown and Marsai Martin...how could you not have a knock out series?
5. The quality.
This show has won over 30 awards, ranging from a Golden Globe to the five NAACP Image awards it just received earlier this year. The directors, the writers, and the whole crew truly make an effort to create the best episodes possible. There is so much thought put into the writing, whether or not they want to take a political, social, or environmental stand, or even just stick with slapstick. The combination of all of these aspects is television beauty.
(Side note: for all those out there that appreciate great parallels and analogies, this show makes some great references.)
