6 Reasons You Should Be Watching 'Black-ish' Right Now
I've been waiting and debating for oh-so-long for a comedy show that is actually funny; and when I say funny I mean leg-slapping, foot-stomping, my-head-is-hurting funny! Well, to my surprise, ABC has delivered a new side-splitting comedy called "Black-ish," about a successful, black family man who struggles to find some cultural identity while raising his family in a predominately white, upper-middle class neighborhood. It stars Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and newcomers Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, and others. Here are six reasons why you should watch:
1. Anthony Anderson Is Executive Producer
Anthony Anderson was born in Compton and is the current host of Food Network's "Eating America," and formerly a member of NBC's Emmy Award-winning drama "Law & Order." Anderson played Detective Kevin Bernard opposite Jeremy Sisto's Detective Cyrus Lupo. He's also appeared in more than 20 films, including the comedy blockbuster "Barbershop." Now, he's starring in and executive producing "Black-ish," which airs Wednesdays on ABC and starts its second season this fall, and Anderson takes his keepin'-it-real comedy know-how to new heights on the hit show.
2. Marcus Scribner Knows How to Play the Dozens
Marcus Scribner is only 15 years old, but he's already added his voice to Pixar's "The Good Dinosaur," and appeared in episodes of "Castle" and "Wedding Band." Now that he's one of the young stars of "Black-ish," this kid is on his way to the top. What took me by surprise with Marcus was, in Episode 6 ("The Prank King"), where he was instructed to roast a school mate to get the boy to stop bullying him. He was great! For me, growing up -- and even to this day -- my friends and I love to roast each other. "Roasting" is also known as "playing the dozens"and "bagging." Young kids will really relate to him.
3. It's Funnier Than 'The Cosby Show'
"Black-ish" is funnier than "The Cosby Show" -- even without sedatives slipped in your drink. (Too soon?)
4. Donald Trump Hates It!
When Donald Trump heard about "Black-ish" he sent out a Tweet stating "How is ABC Television allowed to have a show entitled "Blackish"? Can you imagine the furor of a show, "Whiteish"! Racism at highest level?"
5. Kenya Barris Is the Show's Creator
He is known for his work on "America's Next Top Model," hit series "The Game" and "Girlfriends," and the films "Are We There Yet?" and "Barber Shop 3"; with these hit shows and movie under his belt, you already know "Black-ish" is poised to be one of the top comedies on television.
6. Tracee Ellis Ross Is Back and Funnier Than Ever
Ross is an actress, model, comedian, and producer; she is also the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross. She's starred in a number of films and television shows, like "Girlfriends," "Reed Between the Lines," "Daddy's Little Girls," and "Life Support." The funniest show I've seen her in is "Girlfriends," and she's injecting that knee-slapping comedy into "Black-ish."
Wendell Escott is a student at El Camino Community College and a contributor to Moviefone's Campus Beat. Are you a current college student with a love for all things movies and TV? Contribute to Campus Beat!