Updated October 2, 2023 1.1K votes 282 voters 43.0K views
Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 1980s Black TV Shows
Voting Rules
Vote up the best shows that center both Black stories and Black characters and aired new episodes between 1980 and 1989.
These are the best 1980s Black TV shows, ranked from best to worst by user votes. These shows are from every genre of television in the 80s. Some good 1980s African American TV series were comedies, others were dramas, and some pushed the envelope of genre convention. A few of the top 80s Black TV shows even feature live performance, music, and interviews.
What shows appear on this best 1980s Black TV shows list? From the time it premiered in 1984, The Cosby Show fought racial stereotypes through great writing, laughter and original stories. This great show also inspired another good 80s Black TV series in A Different World. Frank's Place was also a good Black TV show that aired in the 1980s.
A few famous African American talk show hosts launched their shows in the 1980s. The Oprah Winfrey show premiered in 1986 and The Arsenio Hall Show debuted in 1989. Other good shows that appear on this top 1980s Black TV series list include Soul Train and Reading Rainbow.
What are television's best Black '80s shows? Vote up the 1980s shows that center both Black stories and Black characters that were the best of the decade and see where the Black shows of the '80s you loved to watch rank.
Latest additions: The Jacksons: An American Dream, Frank's Place, Reading Rainbow
The Cosby Show, an absolute icon of the 1980s, revolves around the lives of the familial Huxtable clan, headed by lovable patriarch Cliff and sage matriarch Clair. With a stellar cast that includes Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, and Lisa Bonet, among others, the show seamlessly weaves together witty humor, touching moments, and significant life lessons. The Cosby Show, quintessentially, struck a chord with audiences, showcasing an affluent African American family and breaking down barriers in popular culture.
Actors: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe, Lisa Bonet
Reading Rainbow, hosted by the charismatic LeVar Burton, has a special place in the hearts of countless children and their parents. This adorable education program focuses on engaging young viewers and encouraging a love for reading. The show masterfully created a portal through which children could discover the fantastical world of books while celebrating diversity and human connection.
Actors: LeVar Burton, Jennifer Betit Yen, Arnold Stang
A Different World, a spin-off of The Cosby Show, captivated audiences with its exploration of the ups and downs faced by young adults attending a historically black college. This influential show, starring Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, and the ever-elegant Diahann Carroll, provided a platform for discourse on various topical subjects, simultaneously interweaving laughter and seriousness with finesse.
Actors: Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell
The Jeffersons, brought to life by the remarkable talents of Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford, tells the inspiring story of a working-class African American family that suddenly finds itself amid the glitz and glamour of Manhattan. Quick-witted humor, unforgettable characters, and thought-provoking observations of racial and social issues made this groundbreaking sitcom both a delight to watch and an instrument of positive change.
227, a memorable sitcom, showcases the vivacious Marla Gibbs as Mary Jenkins, the wry and gossip-loving centerpiece amidst her colorful neighbors in their apartment building. With a supporting cast comprising Jackée Harry and Helen Martin, among others, this show artfully delivered a delightful blend of sass, wit, and wisdom that never failed to entertain.
Actors: Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Alaina Reed-Hall, Jackée Harry, Regina King
Family Matters rocketed to popularity thanks to the irresistible charm of Jaleel White's character, Steve Urkel. Centered on the Winslow family and their eccentric neighbor, this heartwarming sitcom delivered steady laughs while also addressing meaningful social issues deftly. American audiences found comfort in the Winslow family's relatable experiences, which included over-the-top hi-jinks and tender life lessons.
Actors: Reginald VelJohnson, Judyann Elder, Darius McCrary, Kellie Shanygne Williams, Jaleel White
