Black-led Comedies Arrive to Netflix

Written By Zaina Cummins

With perfect timing; black-led comedy specials such as Girlfriends, The Game, Moesha, The Parkers alongside many others, finally make their debut on Netflix. 

These comedies aired in the 1990’s and early/mid 2000s. Unfortunately, since they have gone off air, they have not been available on subscription streaming services for years; until Netflix’s recent maneuver. 

Furthermore, shows like Friends and The Office aired around the same times as the few black comedies listed above. They have been given a platform since the day the show has aired, went off air, and even after that. Their platform has never been taken away. 

Occasionally they will air late-night on TBS and other, but few, television networks; which is a privilege when in comparison with black-led comedy specials. To top it off, Friends and The Office are even on Netflix, with full episodes and multiple seasons. 

The black community as well as others alongside them, had to beg to get these black-led comedies to Netflix for years. Not months, not days, not seconds, but years. Nevertheless, non-black, led comedy specials just appeared on Netflix; without pleas, cries or longevity. 

Moral of the story is, speaking up and having a voice on things you believe in can and will go a long way. Regardless of how long it may take to make things happen, the time will come. Patience is a virtue. 

Having a strong black lead carries the goal of celebrating and lifting up Black Hollywood. It is not just about the color of the characters, but the acting, the relations to what they are saying, being able to sing the same songs, cry at the same struggle, walk the same walk and talk the same talk. 

African-American’s arent just seeing another African-Amercan on the screen, they’re seeing themselves on the screen; currently living the same life, eventually living the same life, or potentially living the same life. 

These shows also portray the hardships that women of color face as well as men of color. White women and white men do not fight the same battle as black women and black men.

That is why it is imperative that these black comedies are receiving the same support and platform as the non-black ones have always received. 

It is about time. 

Netflix Air Times 

“Moesha”: Aug. 1 

“The Game” (Seasons 1-3): Aug. 15 

“Sister, Sister”: Sept. 1 

“Girlfriends”: Sept. 11 

“The Parkers”: Oct. 1 

“Half & Half”: Oct. 15 

“One on One”: Oct. 15