Watch That's My Mama
- 1974
- 2 Seasons
-
6.9 (561)
That's My Mama was a sitcom that aired on ABC from 1974 to 1975, focusing on the daily lives of an African American family living in a predominantly black neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The show starred Clifton Davis as Clifton Curtis Sr., a widowed barber who was raising his teenage son, Clifton Jr. Played by Ted Lange, Clifton Jr was a typical teenager trying to navigate the complexities of adolescence while also trying to live up to his father's expectations. Clifton Sr. was a hard-working man who often found himself struggling to balance his responsibilities as a father, son, and businessman.
One of the main supporting characters of the show was Theresa Merritt, who played Clifton Sr.'s mother-in-law, Eloise Curtis. Eloise was an outspoken woman who was fiercely protective of her grandson Clifton Jr. She often butted heads with her son-in-law, but deep down, she cared about him and wanted to see him succeed.
Other characters in the show included Clifton Sr.'s friends and colleagues, such as Earl (Teddy Wilson), who worked with Clifton at the barbershop, and Wildcat (Jester Hairston), a regular customer at the shop who often entertained the other characters with his stories and jokes. The show also featured a number of guest stars, including Sherman Hemsley (The Jeffersons) and Marla Gibbs (The Jeffersons, 227).
That's My Mama was groundbreaking for its time, as it was one of the first shows to focus on a multi-generational African American family living in an urban environment. The show tackled issues such as dating, race relations, and economic struggles, while still maintaining a lighthearted tone.
The show's theme song, "Keep On Keeping On," became a hit single, and the show itself remains a cultural landmark of the 1970s. Though it only lasted for two seasons, That's My Mama helped pave the way for other acclaimed sitcoms featuring predominantly black casts, such as The Cosby Show and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Overall, That's My Mama was a charming and relatable sitcom that showcased the talents of its diverse cast. With its catchy theme song, memorable characters, and insightful writing, the show is still beloved by fans of classic television today.
That's My Mama is a series that ran for 2 seasons (39 episodes) between September 4, 1974 and on ABC