MINORITIES IN TELEVISION

By: Milana A. Vann

GOOD TIMES

THE 1970S In the 1970s there were a lot of roles for

minority actors and actresses. John Amos and Esther Rolle paved the way playing the lead roles of James and Florida Evans on Good Times.

DIFFERENT STROKES

THE 1980S The 1980s brought about change when

it came to minorities on television. Different Strokes, The Facts of Life, and The Cosby Show are all iconic shows that featured minority actors in lead roles.

THE FRESH PRINCE OF

BEL-AIR

THE 1990S The 1990s brought about a change in

television where minorities where creating and developing their own shows. Martin Lawrence created Martin and Benny Medina and Quincy Jones developed the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

INTO THE FUTURE…. With the cancelation of Shows such as Girlfriends, My Wife and Kids, and The Bernie Mac Show TV was missing minorities on Prime Time television. Luckily were moving into a new era where new shows are being created and developed.

CREATED BY SHONDA RHIMES

THE GAMECreated by Mara Brock Akil the show ran for 3 seasons on the CW. Was off the air for 2 years then was picked up by BET. The show debuted on January 11 with 7.7 million viewers the most watched scripted sitcom on cable.