Watch Black-ish

Black-ish is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from 2014 to 2022, starring Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, and Marsai Martin. The show is a brilliant mash-up of family drama, comedy and social commentary that tells the story of the Johnsons, a wealthy African-American family living in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood.

The series primarily focuses on Andre "Dre" Johnson (Anthony Anderson), a successful advertising executive, and his wife Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross), a doctor and their four children Zoey, Junior, Jack and Diane. The show delves deep into their lives by tackling various societal issues related to race, politics, classism, and culture. It's a perfect blend of comedy and drama, which makes it an insightful yet entertaining show.

The Johnsons are an upper-middle-class family, which means they have a luxurious lifestyle with extravagant homes, fancy cars, and expensive clothes. However, their money and status do not define them, as they are constantly portrayed as a family with strong moral values, who are trying to navigate the complexities of life. The show regularly tackles difficult subjects like racial identity, self-image, and religion, all while still being able to deliver laugh-out-loud comedy.

Anthony Anderson's portrayal of Andre "Dre" Johnson is remarkable, in how he manages to bring depth and emotion to a character who is larger-than-life. Dre is a loving father, a devoted husband, and a successful businessman who is often faced with difficult decisions. He wants the best for his family, but at times he struggles to balance his career and personal life.

Tracee Ellis Ross' portrayal of Rainbow Johnson is exceptional, and her character is one of the driving forces of the show. Rainbow is a highly successful doctor who wants to instill the values of her culture and heritage to her children while living in a predominantly white neighborhood. This conflict is constant and at times difficult, but it's a struggle that she is willing to take on in order to give her children the best possible life.

Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown and Marsai Martin all deliver standout performances in their roles as Zoey, Junior, Jack, and Diane, respectively. Each of the children brings their unique personality traits to the table, and the show is able to capture the realities of growing up in a multicultural household with grace and humor.

One of the most significant aspects of Black-ish is its commitment to tackling difficult and complex social issues. The show uses intelligent and well-written storylines that spark conversation around topical issues. Black-ish is not afraid to be bold and push boundaries in how it delivers its message. Whether it's discussing racism or exploring the nuances of fatherhood, Black-ish has the ability to offer a voice to those issues which are not always adequately represented in mainstream media.

In addition to its social commentary, Black-ish is full of hilarious moments that showcase the incredible comedic talent of the entire cast. The show frequently brings in guest stars like Laurence Fishburne, Jenifer Lewis, and Daveed Diggs to add extra comedic punch to the storylines.

The show's success can be measured by its numerous awards and critical acclaim. Black-ish has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, winning several, including two for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy for Tracee Ellis Ross. The show has also been praised for its authentic representation of African-American culture, family dynamics, and for bringing awareness to important social issues.

In conclusion, Black-ish is an excellent television series that expertly blends comedy and drama with social commentary. It's a significant show that speaks to the many challenges that African American families face and highlights the importance of family values, cultural heritage, and community. With strong performances, intelligent writing, and a bold, unapologetic voice, Black-ish undoubtedly deserves every bit of its critical acclaim, and promises to stand the test of time as a timeless cultural touchstone.

Black-ish is a series that ran for 8 seasons (177 episodes) between September 24, 2014 and on ABC