Television
African American culture has had a great impact on movies, television, and theatre that continues in American entertainment today.
The latter part of the 1960s was considered to be the “golden age” for African American television. Following the civil rights movement the president of CBS, Frank Stanton, called upon other broadcasters to continue the crusade in fighting for equal rights. He also called for television to take advantage of this pivotal time in history by utilizing television to provide insight and wisdom into this movement.
Before this time, there were very few networks that would sponsor shows with African American actors as the lead role. Shows during this time to feature African Americans as stars, co-stars, or in supporting roles include The Sammy Davis, Jr. Show, Hogan’s Heroes, Star Trek, The Flip Wilson Show, Bill Cosby Show, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show along with many others.
Even though many shows were beginning to feature more African American actors, these shows were having limited success and were being canceled as were commercials featuring African American actors. The show I Spy defeated these odds, casting Bill Cosby as a lead role. Cosby won 3 Emmy awards for outstanding actor in a continuing dramatic role. Even with the success of Bill Cosby’s career, the show did not find similar success. Despite this, I Spy played an important role in television, being the first show to ever have an African American lead.
Currently, African American television shows commonly have storylines rich in quality family time. Popular African American television shows from the 20th and 21st century include The Cosby Show, Family Matters, and Tyler Perry productions such as House of Payne and Meet the Browns (MacDonald, 2009).
The latter part of the 1960s was considered to be the “golden age” for African American television. Following the civil rights movement the president of CBS, Frank Stanton, called upon other broadcasters to continue the crusade in fighting for equal rights. He also called for television to take advantage of this pivotal time in history by utilizing television to provide insight and wisdom into this movement.
Before this time, there were very few networks that would sponsor shows with African American actors as the lead role. Shows during this time to feature African Americans as stars, co-stars, or in supporting roles include The Sammy Davis, Jr. Show, Hogan’s Heroes, Star Trek, The Flip Wilson Show, Bill Cosby Show, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show along with many others.
Even though many shows were beginning to feature more African American actors, these shows were having limited success and were being canceled as were commercials featuring African American actors. The show I Spy defeated these odds, casting Bill Cosby as a lead role. Cosby won 3 Emmy awards for outstanding actor in a continuing dramatic role. Even with the success of Bill Cosby’s career, the show did not find similar success. Despite this, I Spy played an important role in television, being the first show to ever have an African American lead.
Currently, African American television shows commonly have storylines rich in quality family time. Popular African American television shows from the 20th and 21st century include The Cosby Show, Family Matters, and Tyler Perry productions such as House of Payne and Meet the Browns (MacDonald, 2009).