ABC’s hit family show “Black-ish” has amassed millions of views, 12 awards and countless award nominations for cast members over the span of seven years, easily making it one of the network’s top-rated shows.
With a Black family navigating life in a mostly white Sherman Oaks, California, at the helm, the show has used its storylines to explore issues such as racism, the lack of financial literacy shared in the Black community, how duality allows Black people to succeed in white places and more. They’re all messages cast member Anthony Anderson say are important for Black people of all ages and walks of life to see.
“It’s interesting how our show has become not just entertainment, but informational and a teaching tool, a coping mechanism,” Anderson said of the show’s impact during an interview with “The Breakfast Club.”
“It amazes me how we’re how we’re just telling our stories, and telling the things that we’ve experienced in life and that we’re going through, and how it resonates with an audience, and how it really affects people,” added the Hollywood Walk of Fame star recipient.
Anderson stars alongside Tracee Ellis Ross, who portrays the wife of his character Andre Johnson. He says the role has made it possible for him and the cast to show as many of life’s realities to Black people. He knows that the show’s messages are received simply by fan reactions.
He often hears, “When I see your family on screen, I see my family. Or I never thought about going to therapy, or doing this until I saw your show… And so, you know, it’s a feather in our cap when people stop me on the street and tell me that they learned something from the story that we told on our show.”
Considering the lack of shows highlighting Black families on broadcast television, Anderson believes “Black-ish” will easily be revered as one of the greats.
“It’s up there man. It’s up there with the greats, it’s up there with the Cosbys, it’s up there with “The Jeffersons,” it’s up there with “Goodtimes,” it’s up there with “[The] Bernie Mac [Show] and “My Wife and Kids.” It’s up there. Where it ranks I don’t know. I’ll go out there and say we’re in the top five,” explained Anderson noting the show’s international reach and meaning to the culture.
Fans agree.
“Blackish and Grownish is my shit….teaching lessons and funny af. I’ll definitely put blackish in my top 10 sitcoms of all times”
“Black-ish is straight up one of the greatest television shows ever!!”
“Blackish is one of the top Black shows”
