Here are the top 3 shows of all time!
#3 Living Single
Theme song:
We are liviiiinngg...Singgllleee! Man this is my second favorite theme song on this list. It literally described the show to a tee. Just friends trying to make it in a 90s kind of world. Also the fact DJs can drop this at any time in their set and the crowd will go all the way up for this song! Another song I need on vinyl!
Cultural Impact:
This show had a meteoric impact on culture from fashion of Regine and Kadijah to a complex but real relationship between Kyle and Max, this show had it all! It showed genuine friendships amongst men and women and they can be built into relationships whether it was done properly like Overton and Sinclair or built unconventional like Kyle and Max. It had hilarious scenes and even emotional scenes. Everyone had their own level of success and they achieved it without malice. It was so beautiful to watch unfold. It was a Black show but it didn’t feel forced. Everything was natural and easy flowing.
Overall plot:
The overall plot was so different at the time as you didn’t have a mixed gendered group of friends on tv until the white version came along. They were just a group of people trying to make it in New York. They had their ups and downs but they always came together when they needed it most. This is another show that became what it was through the execution of the actors and actresses. Everyone played bigger than their roles. Only thing I wish they did was play more of a risk of Max moving with Kyle to London and not cop with him coincidentally knocking up Max via the sperm bank. It’s petty reason to keep it #3 but it’s a reason the other shows rank higher.
#2 Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Theme song:
This blog was not from West Philadelphia born and raised but enjoys the character that is. This theme song is fire and the only that is also a full length song! This is not much to be said about this song because it’s the best theme on this list. Another artist making their own theme song and and acting their ass off.
Cultural Impact:
I feel like the impact was huge as it was a newer version of The Cosby Show in the way that Dad, Philip Banks, was a successful Lawyer turned Judge and Vivian Banks, a English Lit teacher and PhD holder. Kids my age and slightly older saw another successful black family on their TV screens. This family was in a slightly higher tax bracket than the Huxtable but were just as down to earth and a tad more afro-centric. People got to see the nurturing effect of a family on a family member that was on the brink of a troubling future and get him on the right track of success. This showed people how powerful love was and is when done right! From the first Will walked in the door Vivian and Phil welcomed him along with Carolton, Hilary, and Ashley. There were difficult times like the best scene in tv, argue with your mother, when Will’s biological dad left again, I cry every time at that scene on Youtube to Jazz get thrown like a sack of potatoes out the house. The layers in this show were incredible.
Overall plot:
The overall plot was traditional for the most part, a successful family dealing with daily life in Bel-air, California. It did tackle some serious topics like murder to what it means to be black. It was a well executed show and having a person with great comedic timing and skill took things to the correct comedic level while Philip, Vivian and even Carolton or Ashley bringing in the serious tones. The emotional swing was so huge sometimes but it was done so well. My main issue with the plot is that with the changing of Vivian from season 2 to season 3 and beyond, the Afro-centric part was left as a memory instead of being a central part of the show. When they switched them the personality switched dramatically. I wonder to this day if the show would've been better. I am not a fan df the thought but it’s there and that’s it is #2 for me.
#1 Martin
Theme song:
Wassup...Wasssuupp...WASSUUPPPP!!!
I loved this theme song as it was energetic, fun, and full of some fantastic adlibs. This is the picture perfect song for this high energy show. The show was fast but you could tell with the theme song and you were ready for the ride that took place after the song went off
Cultural Impact:
I feel like the impact was big as it explored black love in a straight comedic way but still held weight with the truth and difficult times in a relationship. Martin and Gina went through it from Gina finding her way professionally and Martin’s hard work to becoming a radio host. A lot of sacrifices and heartache had happened to see that they were going to make it. I feel like it showed how commiting can be good as long as both parties are willing to do it equally. Sometimes your friends can make it easier and sometimes they need to get the hell out of the way. Martin was a great example of imperfections are ok and they can actually help make your relationship your level of perfection.
Overall plot:
I felt the overall plot was pretty different with using comedy to show hard truths and moments but the same that relationships are hard overall and we were able to see that in Martin and Gina. Martin had the hard macho shell that could be punctured to reveal this soft inside that showed that he cared and could be gentle. Also Gina showed how to be supportive but also know when to stand her ground and follow her principals and step away when she needed to even when she didn’t want to. It’s close to a perfect show but I just wish Martin wasn’t so hard headed!