7 Black Sitcoms from the 90s and 2000s That Aged Pretty Well

The 90s and 2000s were a golden age for black television. Many of the shows from that era tackled important social issues while also being entertaining and funny. And while some of the fashion and technology from those decades may seem outdated now, the themes and messages of these shows have stood the test of time. Here are the top 10 black TV shows from the 90s and 2000s that have aged well.

Take a look at 10 classic black shows from the 90s and 2000s that aged pretty well.

1. Girlfriends

Thanks to its revival on Netflix, we can once again relive the eight seasons of love and laughter between the four girlfriends that won us over in 2000 — Joan, Maya, Toni, and Lynn. Even 23 years later, the show can still make you laugh out loud.

Girlfriends is an American sitcom that aired on UPN from 2000 to 2008. The show follows four African American women living in Los Angeles, navigating their careers, relationships, and personal growth.

Joan, played by Tracee Ellis Ross, is a successful lawyer with a complicated love life.

Maya, played by Golden Brooks, is a single mother who dreams of becoming a writer.

Lynn, played by Persia White, is a carefree musician who struggles with finding her purpose in life.

Toni, played by Jill Marie Jones, is a real estate agent who grapples with her own insecurities and fear of commitment.

The show is known for its sharp writing, relatable characters, and exploration of important issues such as race, gender, and sexuality.

Girlfriends has become a cult classic and is regarded as one of the most influential sitcoms of its time, paving the way for future shows featuring diverse casts and story lines.

It would’ve been nice to have sent the girls off with a movie, but that never did happen, so…🤷🏾‍♀️

2. Living Single

Living Single is an American sitcom that aired from 1993 to 1998 on the Fox network.

It follows the lives of six friends living in a brownstone in Brooklyn, New York, as they navigate their personal and professional lives.

It explores themes of friendship, love, career, and race, and is considered groundbreaking for its representation of Black culture and its portrayal of strong, independent Black women.

Starring Queen Latifah, Kim Coles, Erika Alexander, T.C. Carson, John Henton, and Kim Fields, Living Single has become a cult classic and a favorite among fans of the sitcom genre.

3. Everybody Hates Chris

Everybody Hates Chris is narrated by Chris Rock, who’s recalling stories from his childhood — often in an overly-exaggerated and highly entertaining way.

The ridiculous level of cheapness his father, Julius, displays on multiple occasions actually becomes a trademark of his character. “This is five cent worth of toilet paper,” Julius might retort whenever the kids waste things.

Let’s not forget the hilarious Rochelle, played by the multi-talented Tischina Arnold, who constantly reminds everyone what she doesn’t have to take because her man has two jobs.

It’s another show that’s still watchable after years of being off air and still makes you laugh out loud.

4. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American sitcom that aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996. The show follows the story of Will Smith, played by himself, a street-smart teenager from Philadelphia who’s sent to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in their Bel Air mansion after getting into trouble at home.

The show explores themes of family, love, and personal growth as Will adjusts to his new surroundings and develops relationships with his family members and their friends.

The show also tackles important issues such as racism, classism, and police brutality, making it a groundbreaking series in the portrayal of African American life and culture on television.

With a stellar cast including James Avery (RIP, Uncle Phil 😢), Janet Hubert, Alfonso Ribeiro, Karyn Parsons, and Tatyana Ali, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is a beloved classic that’s remained popular with fans of all ages and stood the test of time.

Watching it today still elicits tons of laughs.

5. My Wife and Kids

My Wife and Kids is an American sitcom that aired from 2001 to 2005 on ABC. The show follows the lives of the Kyle family, headed by patriarch Michael Kyle, played by Damon Wayans.

Alongside his wife, Janet, played by Tisha Campbell-Martin, and their three children, Junior, Claire, and Kady, the show explores the ups and downs of family life, including the challenges of parenting, marriage, and everyday interactions between family members.

The show is known for its comedic approach to relatable family situations and the strong chemistry between the cast members.

My Wife and Kids has remained a popular sitcom and has gained a loyal fan base over the years.

6. The Game

The Game is an American comedy-drama television series that originally aired on The CW from 2006 to 2009 before being picked up by BET for an additional six seasons from 2011 to 2015.

The show follows the lives of professional football players and their wives and girlfriends as they navigate the ups and downs of fame, fortune, and love.

The ensemble cast includes Tia Mowry, Pooch Hall, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Brittany Daniel, and Coby Bell.

The Game tackles important issues such as sexism, racism, and domestic violence, while also providing light-hearted moments and an exciting glimpse into the world of professional sports.

The show’s relatable characters and engaging story lines have made it a favorite among fans over the years.

7. Martin

Martin is an American sitcom that aired on Fox from 1992 to 1997. The show centers around Martin Payne, played by comedian Martin Lawrence, a Detroit radio DJ with a quick wit and a penchant for getting into trouble.

Alongside his girlfriend Gina, played by Tisha Campbell, and his group of friends, including best friend Tommy, played by Thomas Mikal Ford, the show explores the everyday ups and downs of life in a big city.

Martin’s over-the-top personality and hilarious antics, coupled with the chemistry between the cast members, have made the show a classic in the sitcom genre.

The show is also notable for its representation of Black culture and its frank discussions of race and politics. Despite ending over 20 years ago, Martin remains a popular and influential show that has left a lasting impact on popular culture.

My little brother called me an old-head for watching some of these, but I guess the 90s and 2000s are further away than I remember 😅.

What are some of your favorite TV shows you still watch from the 90s and 2000s that make you laugh out loud?

Let me know in the comments and feel free to share this article.

Like My Content?

Enjoyed what you read? Want more? Hit that follow button and get a daily dose of content on TV, movies, travel, all things bookish, and whatever else that piques my interest or ruffles my tail feathers 😅

Or follow my other Medium page to learn how to make money online.