Watch Amen

Amen was an American sitcom that made it to the small screens in 1986 premiered on NBC. The show was created by Ed. Weinberger and produced by Carson Productions. Amen aired from 1986-1991 and aired for five seasons with 110 episodes. The series starred Sherman Hemsley, Clifton Davis, and Anna Maria Horsford.

The show was based around the life of Ernest Frye (Sherman Hemsley), a new pastor assigned to the fictional Deacon Frye Baptist Church that is located in Philadelphia. The show primarily operates around the church, its members, and the new pastor's everyday life. Ernest is often accompanied by his young daughter, Thelma (Jester Hairston), who adds a lot of humor to the show.

Clifton Davis plays the role of Deacon Frye, who is a businessman and a church leader. He is responsible for navigating the financial affairs of the church and is always in support of the new pastor. The two clash on several occasions, but their differences are always put aside for the sake of the church.

Anna Maria Horsford played the role of Thelma Frye, the daughter of Simms (Barbara Montgomery). Simms is the church secretary who is responsible for keeping up with the congregation and the needs of the church. Thelma is, at times, overbearing on her father, and her love for him is evident in every episode as she tries to keep him out of trouble.

The show revolves around the church and the various characters who attend the services. Characters such as Reuben Gregory (Clifton Powell) and Rolly Forbes (Roz Ryan) add a lot of satire and sarcasm to the show, making it hilarious for viewers. Each episode of the show begins with a gospel song and ends with a sermon from the new pastor.

In comparison to other sitcoms of the time, Amen was an innovative show that often tackled unorthodox topics for a religious-themed show. The show explores subjects like interracial dating, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS, all of which were often regarded as taboo in the 1980s. The show's messaging was always centered around the concept of forgiveness, and the importance of having faith in oneself and in God.

The show's comedic approach never neglected the underlying message behind it, making it entertaining while still being relevant to audiences. The characters' attributes stood out and made them relatable to viewers. Ernest Frye is portrayed as a well-meaning man who is determined to make a difference in the church and the community. Clifton Davis's character, Deacon Frye, represents a leader who uses wisdom and initiative to guide the pastors and the church members to fulfill the vision of the church.

Moreover, Anna Maria Horsford's portrayal of Thelma Frye adds the necessary flair of humor to the show, making it an enjoyable watch for viewers. Her character's unconditional love for her father, and the church as a whole, makes her a likable character on the show.

The show was unique due to its approach to comedic television. Still, it never lost focus on its primary message, representing a significant contrast to contemporary sitcoms of the era. The show's cast they all had fantastic chemistry with each other, which made the show more enjoyable to watch. Sherman Hemsley was a seasoned veteran in comedy, and his role in Amen was exceptional.

In conclusion, Amen was a popular sitcom that was a hit with audiences in the 1980s and 1990s. The show's success was due to the fantastic cast, innovative storytelling, and balanced approach towards humor and real-life issues. The show still resonates with viewers today, and it has become a treasured classic even though it ended more than 30 years ago. With the present era's remakes and reboots, one can only hope for a possible reboot of Amen.