I’m all about diversity. There is something about watching a movie or television show without people that look like me (BLACK) that makes me a little bit confused. Even worse, sometimes I lose my concentration. I still get upset that they could only find like two black people to pop up in New York during the entire series that was Friends. So just like we have black publications, movies, books and more, a lot of black people, like myself, wind up watching black television shows, both scripted, or reality-based, both out of trying to be supportive, and to see other people that look like me. However, there are a wealth of shows with say, maybe one or two black (or zero) people out of a whole cast that make it possible for people to ignore the discrepancies, and just watch good television. Here’s a few that due to great scripts and some awesome acting, always stand out for the good. Note, they’re all scripted (death to reality TV!):
Modern Family
This ABC family comedy is perhaps the funniest 30 minutes worth of TV out there. I like to think that its success and the fact that you can relate so much to it is because we all have quirky, interesting and crazy family members (including our in-laws). I was hooked the first time I caught the show on a random Wednesday, and I’ve been an avid viewer since. While there are no black folks on this show–and you rarely see them as extras like that–I’m excited to hear that Kevin Hart will be on the new season as a neighbor to the hilarious character, Phil Dunphy. From locking babies in cars, to accidentally sending naked photos to family members, the craziness is nonstop. I love it.
Community
If you’ve ever wanted to check out a very comical (and realistic) take on folks hustling their way through community college, Community is THAT deal. Like most shows that I wind up falling for, I found myself laughing at the NBC comedy one Thursday when I couldn’t think of anything to watch and the costs of cable had flipping through basic TV. There are two black people on this series (Count ’em!), and recently, Malcolm Jamal Warner and LeVar Burton guest starred on the show. I’m a huge fan of nerdy comedian Donald Glover, as well as the socially awkward Pierce (played by Chevy Chase). And it’s just interesting and often times, weird, to see the seven very eclectic characters have to make nice in their study group.
The Good Wife
Drama, drama, drama! If you’re looking for that based around a legal series, The Good Wife is a good look. Pairing political corruption and scandal with female empowerment and a “You go, girl” feel, this CBS drama is not one to miss. Now on season three, it follows the wife of a scorned, and imprisoned Cook County (Chi-town!) politician who makes the decision to go back to work as a defense attorney to put food on the table. Affairs are uncovered, new undercover relationships blossom, careers are redeemed, and friendships fall apart–the kind of TV worth sparing an hour for. If you were a fan of Julianna Margulies on ER, she does some of her best work on this series. And I will say, they’ve had a good mix of recurring cast members of all backgrounds (the edible Michael Ealy for example), including one of the main characters, Kalinda.
Dexter
The new season of Dexter is back! Oh snaps!
But if you haven’t been watching, I’ll catch you up real fast on why you should. So, the show is based around a blood stain pattern analyst, who at night, works it out as a serial killer. The character, Dexter Morgan, however, only kills people he deems morally wrong folks (other killers, but of the innocent) as “The Code” he was taught by his own father (twisted, right?). Though emotionally empty, as he builds a family, he begins to question his need to kill, and then tragedy strikes. I don’t want to give it all away! While it all sounds crazy on paper, the show is definitely refreshing for those that like dark crime and psychological dramas like this. And if you were a fan of Six Feet Under, I’m sure you’ll be glad to see Michael C. Hall back on television as the title character. Shout outs also go to Lauren Velez (from Oz and New York Undercover) who plays Lt. María LaGuerta.
Mad Men
I’m sure you’ve seen this show already, and if you haven’t–slap yourself. Just kidding!
So other than playing servers at restaurants, dumbwaiters, and a few other small roles, you probably won’t see very many black people on this AMC series at all. However, you have to watch it! The writing of this series is what makes it so popular and entertaining. Now on its fourth season, the show is based around the character Donald Draper (played by the very handsome Jon Hamm) who starts off as the creative director at a prestigious advertising firm in NYC. The show keeps up with politics, the social climate and more in the ’60s, and shows us both the work and home life of Draper. Secret pregnancies, divorces, affairs (not really a surprise though) are what dirty up the clean cut persona of the characters and the show. I love it!
Raising Hope
If you’re a fan of the Roseanne-esque family comedies where all the characters are less than happy hot messes, I think you should check out Raising Hope. So the premise for the FOX show is pretty silly: a young man living with his parents has to raise a child he conceived during a one-night stand with a serial killer–he didn’t know though. Trying to raise the child as an immature 23-year-old (and a child of former clueless teen parents), proves to be complicated but very hilarious. And big shout out to the crazy Cloris Leachman as “Maw Maw.”
Breaking Bad
Starring the lovable Malcolm in the Middle dad Bryan Cranston, the show is based around the character of Walter White. White is a chemistry lab teacher who hasn’t accomplished very much in his dreary and dull existence, until finds out that he has terminal cancer. In the hopes of keeping his family comfortable without uncovering anything, White partners with a former meth-selling student and starts to create and push an extremely high quality crystal meth. Since the first season, White has become deeper entrenched in the drug slinging business, had life get really good then go really bad and lost his wife because of his dirty deeds. As of the end of this thrilling fourth season, he’s tapped into his murderous side. It’s thrilling and a great crime drama (and the black guy from School Daze was on it!), and you have until next season to check out the show, as the fifth season is said to be the last.
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