History
Ethel Waters (1939)
"The Ethel Waters Show", a variety show, premiered on NBC. On The Ethel Waters Show, Waters along with the African American actresses Fredi Washington and Georgette Harvey performed a dramatic sequence from her hit play Mamba's Daughters. Also appearing, in various skits, were actors Philip Loeb and Joey Faye. Ethel Waters was the first African American to star in their own show on television.
Julia (1968)
Diahann Carroll debuted in "Julia" and became the first Black woman to star in a role other than a domestic servant.
Good Times (1974)
"Good Times" premieres starring Esther Rolle as the Evans family matriarch. The show ran until August 1, 1979.
The Jeffersons (1975)
"The Jeffersons" a spin-off of "Maude" premiered starring Isabel Sanford as the family matriarch. The show ran for 11 seasons and is credited as the second longest sitcom with a predominately Black cast.
Gimme a Break (1981)
"Gimme A Break" debuted starring Nell Carter as Nell Harper is the no-nonsense housekeeper and surrogate mother for police chief Carl Kanisky's children: Samantha, Julie and Katie. The Kanisky daughters need all the help they can get after their mother dies - because Carl isn't exactly in touch with his feminine side.
Fame (1982)
"Fame" debuted starring Debbie Allen as dance teacher, Lydia Grant. Allen was also the series principal choreographer. Based on the 1980 movie of the same name, Allen earned two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her television role.
The Cosby Show (1984)
"The Cosby Show" centers on the lives of the Huxtables: obstetrician Cliff and his lawyer wife Claire, their daughters Sondra, Denise, Vanessa and Rudy, and son Theo. Based on the standup comedy of Bill Cosby, the show focused on his observations of family life. Although based on comedy, the series also addresses some more serious topics, such as learning disabilities and teen pregnancy.
Frank’s Place (1987)
"Frank's Place" a series based on a college professor who inherits his fathers restaurant in New Orleans. The show, similar to the popular sitcom "Cheers" only ran for one season.
Hangin with Mr. Cooper (1992)
Airing from September 22, 1992-August 30, 1997, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper, starred fan favorites Nell Carter (Gimmie A Break), Dawnn Lewis (A Different World) and Raven-Symone (The Cosby Show) and introduced audiences to actress Holly Robinson. The show aired on the ABC network and became a staple in the famous TGIF line up.
New York Undercover (1994)
Airing from September 8, 1994 to June 25, 1998, New York Undercover, was co-created by Dick Wolf (Law & Order).
Moesha (1996)
Airing from January 23, 1996 to May 14, 2001 Moesha is situational comedy series that aired on the UPN network and starred R&B singer Brandy Norwood as Moesha Denise Mitchell, a high school student living with her family in LA. The series also featured actresses Countess Vaughn, Yvette Wilson, Shar Jackson and Sheryl Lee Ralph.