Watch mixed-ish

Mixed-ish is an American television sitcom that premiered on ABC in September 2019. The series is a prequel/spin-off of the hit show, Black-ish, which follows the same family. The show follows the story of a mixed-race family adjusting to a completely new life after moving from a hippie commune in the 1980s to the suburbs.

The show stars Tika Sumpter, who plays the role of Rainbow "Bow" Johnson's mother, Alicia. Mark-Paul Gosselaar meanwhile portrays Bow's father, Paul. Arica Himmel is Bow at the age of 12, while the seasoned actor, Gary Cole, takes on the role of the family's new neighbor, Harrison.

The show's premise centers around the lives of the Johnson family who are moving from the hippie commune they used to live in to the suburbs in the 1980s. Bow, her siblings, and her parents must learn to adjust to a whole new way of life, and Alicia and Paul must confront their own cultural identities while raising their children. All the while, they must interact with the new neighbors and friends they make in the predominantly white neighborhood they've moved into.

At the start of the show, Bow is shown as the narrator, describing how her family found out that life on their communal farm was not sustainable and the Johnsons decided to move to a suburban neighborhood. The move was occasioned by their desire to provide better opportunities for Bow and her siblings. However, they soon realize that living in a predominantly white community isn't going to be easy. The show much like Black-ish, tackles timely social issues like racial identity, racism, and cultural differences.

As the Johnsons navigate their way through this new world, they find themselves running into obstacles and experiencing microaggressions from their new neighbors. To make things harder, Alicia realizes that her children must learn how to navigate the challenges of racism in a world that will never entirely accept them for who they are. And so, Alicia, Paul, and the kids must figure out how to balance their mixed-race identities with fitting in with their new neighbors.

Throughout the first season, viewers get to watch the Johnsons learn the ins and outs of their new surroundings while also realizing the importance of their cultural identity. There are odd balls like Uncle Hashem (played by Amir O'Neil), whom the family still visits in the commune, as they attempt to bridge the gap between their old lives and their new ones. The show plays around with the ideas of cultural identity and the way in which it shapes an individual's perspective on life.

Mixed-ish is cleverly written and never shies away from discussing the challenges of belonging in a world that segregates people based on their skin color. The show tries to cover all areas of their lives, including going to a new school, making new friends, and navigating the tricky terrain of race relations.

The acting in the show is excellent, with Tika Sumpter delivering a standout performance as Alicia. Her strength and courage in fighting for her children's rights without flinching about who she is are commendable. Mark-Paul Gosselaar's performance as Paul is equally impressive, and his humor adds a light touch to the serious issues explored in every episode. Arica Himmel is outstanding in her role as young Bow, always curious and ready to learn about the world around her.

Mixed-ish is a funny and educational show that brings to light issues that arise from having mixed-race families in predominantly white neighborhoods. Its themes of cultural identity, race, and family provide a perfect balance of humor and seriousness. It's an interesting and thought-provoking show that is well worth the watch.

Overall, Mixed-ish is an excellent sitcom that successfully mixes social issues, humor, and heart. With a stellar cast and an excellent script, the show is a great addition to ABC's lineup. If you love shows that tackle social issues with a touch of humor, then Mixed-ish is your kind of show.

mixed-ish is a series that ran for 2 seasons (36 episodes) between September 24, 2019 and on ABC (US)