Black History Month is the perfect time to celebrate the rich contributions of Black creators, actors, and storytellers who have shaped television history. While Hulu has plenty of fantastic news shows available, there’s something special about revisiting classic TV shows that paved the way for representation on screen. These series not only entertained audiences but also reflected the culture, struggles, and triumphs of Black communities in ways that were groundbreaking for their time. Let’s look at some great options for streaming now.
Best old shows to revisit in celebration of Black History Month
Fresh Prince of Bel Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is one of the most iconic Black sitcoms of all time, making it a perfect fit for Black History Month. Premiering in 1990 and running for six seasons, the series launched the amazing career of Will Smith and turned him into a household name. It showcased a successful black family in a way that defied stereotypes while tackling real problems like racial profiling, police brutality, absentee fathers, and Black identity in a way that was digestible for audiences of all ages, and it’s still relevant today.
Family Matters
Family Matters was one of the most popular shows in the 90s. The character Steve Urkel’s famous line “Did I do that?” is still instantly recognizable all these years later, but it was more than just a funny comedy. It depicted a strong, loving Black family in a way that countered harmful stereotypes, and you can still see its influence in shows today. Some of the serious issues it covered included racial profiling, gun violence, and discrimination while also showing that Black families could be funny, relatable, and multidimensional.
227
Premiering in 1985 and running for five seasons, 227 was a trailblazer for Black representation on television, predating the shows we’ve already discussed. It stars Marla Gibbs as the sharp-witted and opinionated Mary Jenkins, a no-nonsense, community-driven mother who is funny, smart, and strong. The show also featured Jackee Harry as Sandra Clark a flirty woman with a unique voice and outgoing personality that helped her become the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. 227 celebrated Black communities, friendships, and neighborly bonds while looking at topics that include racism, economic struggles, and women’s rights.
Sister Sister
Sister, Sister was a groundbreaking sitcom that blended family, comedy, and Black culture in a way that still resonates today. It stars Tia and Tamera Mowry, as twin sisters separated at birth and reunited as teenagers. The series captured the joys and challenges of family life, Black identity, and coming of age in a realistic and relatable way. It also has a great intro song.
The Steve Harvey Show
The Steve Harvey Show ran for six seasons and made us all laugh from beginning to end, turning Seve Harvey into a household name and helping to solidify his comedic career. It balanced humor, life lessons, and the importance of education in Black communities. . Its positive portrayal of Black teachers and students, combined with unforgettable comedy, makes it a timeless classic.
All of these great shows are available for streaming on Hulu
Follow HuluWatcher to stay up to date with all of the best shows available on Hulu.