Bring Back Black TV!

Ya’ll remember some of these?

Aug 06, 2026

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People ask me what TV show or film made me want to be a screenwriter. And for conversation’s sake, I answer Steven Spielberg’s E.T., but really, it’s so much more. It isn’t really one singular item. It was the Black worlds built on my TV screens through years of grade school, across networks, ages, eras and interests. Moesha was a teen finding love. Tia and Tamera were twins finding family. Taina was a teen in search of stardom. Then there were my momma’s shows: Martin, Living Single, and more. I fondly remembering the nights of UPN, the WB and TGIF on ABC7.

My shows aired first and she sat with me, and then her shows where I loved to keep her company. I remember when a white girl on one of the shows were too skinny and she wrote a handwritten letter, researched the network address, and dragged me down the street at 10PM to protest the unhealthy image in her home for her impressionable daughter. Mom was my first activist, and I wouldn’t have seen that without Black TV.

All that being said, I’m now a TV Writer in a time and industry where there are 2 Black TV shows and no writing jobs. I’m unable to create the world I grew up on. It’s a heartbreaking reality that still holds a nostalgic fondness in my heart upon the sentimental remembrance.

… So, ya’ll remember these?

ON OUR OWN

This was my first introduction to Journee Smollett and I’ve been standing since! Though her family’s story was heartbreaking, yet inspirational, she was always the breakout star while being the youngest in the bunch!

IN THE HOUSE

I fell in love with Maia Campbell in this show! She was so cool, smart and fashionable while surrounded by an uncanny, but supportive family tribe. LL Cool J was of course charming and sexy, but this was such a classic kickback show.

THE FAMOUS JET JACKSON

Jet was an action star. We lost him too soon to mental health issues, but while on screen, he was the teen 007 — a mysterious, heroic, strong, brave ladies man who made black leather and gadgets look good!

HANGING WITH MR. COOPER

I wanted to hang with Mr. Cooper so bad as a kid! He was fun, encouraging, and so empathetic with the youth as he led them through life’s troubles. He felt in-between a father and big brother with a dash of cousin…. and for some reason really good at basketball?

THEA

I didn’t get to see much of this, but watching a dark skinned mother figure take care of Brandy in a not stereotypical tough woman mammy way was heartwarming. She was assertive, but overall a loving guardian who sought the best for her family with hearty laughs in-between.

THE PARENT HOOD

We’re past due to give Robert Townsend his things. This was such a powerful show that seamlessly blended entertainment and education about social topics. They spoke about sex, drugs, gang violence, and so much more with class and tact while not being preachy. I learned so much as a pre-teen from this show.

HOMEBOYS IN OUTER SPACE

Flex is someone I enjoy because he’s a Black man that knows how to play, and I always appreciate that. What are we doing in outer space? I don’t know, but he decided we should be there and he was right!

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