Positive representation matters. And although our Black sitcoms kept us falling on the floor with laugher, they were also the source of some of the best examples of Black love. From shows like “Good Times” all the way to “That’s So Raven,” we got to see love represented in all shapes, shades, and stages.
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You might’ve not even recognized why these shows were so important to the culture, but trust, without Michael and Jay Kyle and George and Louise Jefferson, our lives would look a lot different. So in honor of all the Black love in the air, let’s revisit some of the best Black TV sitcom couple off all time. Of course, the list can go on and on, but take a look at some of our favorite picks!
Rochelle and Julius Rock
In “Everybody Hates Chris,” Rochelle and Julius were the epitome of Black love. Although they had their disagreements and often had different parenting styles, the Rocks’ hilarious dynamic and lovey-dovey nature is why they’ll go down as one of the best couples in TV history. In real life, Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews are still friends. They even recently appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” dressed in matching holiday outfits!
Harriette and Carl Winslow
Although we might have not realized it at the time, we needed the representation Harriet and Carl provided. Seeing a married couple like them— dark-skin and not skinny— be so in love with each other was pivotal in all aspects of the word. The Winslows understood the importance of family and loving their surrounding community. At the end of each day, we could count on Harriet and Carl to be exactly where we last saw them: in love with each other and in love with their family.
Michael and Jay Kyle
When we say these two were like peanut butter and jelly, we mean it! The Kyle family was full of different personalities and storylines, but it was Michael and Jay that really kept everyone together. They often piggybacked off each other’s jokes and at the end of each episode, fans waited to see the couple recap their days laying in bed.
Moesha and Q
Although Moesha and Q had their ups and downs, you have to admit they were so cute together! We were all rooting for them in the end, and even though they didn’t work out, they’ll go down as one of the most memorable TV couples in any 90s sitcom. Q’s bad boy nature was always off set by Moesha’s hopeful and lighthearted spirit. You know how the saying goes, sometimes opposites do attract.
Nikki Parker and Professor Stanley Oglevee
Since the beginning, Nikki had a thing for Professor Stanley, but it wasn’t until he saw her with someone else that he truly realized his own feelings. For the audience, however, we all knew these two would end up together. Stanley was Nikki’s calm and Nikki was Stanley’s storm.
Martin and Gina
You had to know they’d make this list. It goes without saying Martin and Gina were made for each other. Gina put up with Martin through all of his shenanigans and Martin was there to keep Gina grounded. We were all devastated when they broke up, but like all good things, they made their way back to each other even better than before.
Cliff and Claire Huxtable
For many of us, the Huxtables were some of the earliest representations of a healthy Black family. From dynamic characters like Rudy and Theodore, to the ever so wholesome Cliff and Claire Huxtable, this family was the epitome of Black excellence. Cliff and Claire always ran a tight ship but their loving nature and hilarious banter is why audiences everywhere could not only relate but also appreciate their love.
Whitley and Dwayne
Everything changed when Whitley said “I do” to Dwayne instead of Byron at the altar. Up until then, things were looking rocking for the couple, especially since it seemed like Whitley was too much for Dwayne to handle. But after they tied the knot, Whitley and Dwayne went down in TV romance history.
Victor and Tanya Baxter
Although on “That’s So Raven,” the focus was mostly on Raven Baxter and all of her shenanigans, you have to admit Raven’s parents, Victor and Tanya, were just as entertaining as the kids. The couple clearly loved each other and supported each other through everything, even when Tanya decided to go back to school. It’s not an easy task raising kids like Raven and Cory, so for that, Victor and Tanya deserve all the props!
Maxine and Kyle
In the classic lovers to friends trope, Maxine and Kyle were the two we all watched deny their attraction for quite some time. From Kyle having to pretend to be Max’s boyfriend at a dinner with her ex to the hilarious insults they would throw back and forth, this pairing was another one that was simply meant to be.
Ella and Curtis Payne
This is a duo you’d really never understand how they got together, but you know they were meant for each other in the end. Curtis was crazy, unapologetic, and tough. Ella was caring, loving, and everyone’s favorite aunt. Together they created the perfect balance in their house of Payne.
Florida and James Evans
All they ever wanted to do was get their family out the ghetto! Although Florida and James hit their fair share of ups and downs, they stuck it out and stood right beside each other. To call them a strong Black couple would be an disservice. Even calling them fierce would be an understatement. For a couple like them, new words need to be invented!
Maya and Darnell Wilkes
Now we don’t know about y’all, but we were distraught when Maya and Darnell divorced! Although it’s clear the high school sweet hearts needed some time away to figure themselves out, we all know Maya and Darnell were meant for each other... even after Khalil Kain took over acting the role. In the end, the pair found their way back together, and with Jabari, the happy family was once again picture perfect.
Philip and Vivian Banks
If it’s one thing Vivian and Philip didn’t play about, it was their kids. Despite Philip’s career sometimes getting in the way, Vivian was always down to stand beside her husband no matter what. And Philip often let his temper get the best of him, but that’s exactly why he needed Vivian to calm him down.
Bernie and Wanda McCullough
Wanda was there to keep the peace. Whenever Bernie was ready to curse out the kids or take things too far, Wanda came following to make sure the family stuck together. On paper, this blended family looked easy to manage, but from watching “The Bernie Mac Show,” we all know the truth. Bernie and Wanda tackled everything with grace... well, most of the time.
George and Louise Jefferson
We all know George didn’t like most people, but he always had more than enough love for his wife, Louise. George and Weezy were a business power couple, and they handled their dry cleaning chain together which is exactly what took them to the top!
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