“Family Matters” exemplified the strength of the Black family. The relationship between Carl Winslow and Urkel was a beautiful one to watch. Much like Uncle Phil and Will on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” although they had their differences, it meant a lot to watch a Black man love someone who was not his biological son.
It meant more to me because my cousin, who stayed with us sometimes, received this unending love from my dad. Although “Family Matters” was set in Chicago, the show permeated borders and even made its way to African countries like Nigeria, where it is still a fan favorite today. It inspired other popular TV shows in Nigeria, such as “Papa Ajasco,” which features a man navigating family life while also dealing with the shenanigans of a troublesome neighbor named Boy Alinco.
Not to take anything away from today’s Black-led shows such as “Atlanta,” Insecure” and “Black-ish,” which are all highly successful and popular comedic offerings, but there was a playfulness and whimsical side to many of the Black 90s sitcoms.
At the time, there was a shift from token Black characters that we saw in 1970s shows like JJ Evans from “Good Times” and Rerun from “What’s Happening?”, to Black characters with more nuance and complexities including Khadijah James from “In Living Single” and Kim Reese from “A Different World.” And, of course, the shift came when production companies started taking an interest in Black audiences like FOX, which launched in 1986 but became a hotspot for Black shows in the 90s with “Martin,” “Living Single” and “In Living Color.” Later The WB introduced shows including “The Wayans Bros” and UPN with “Moesha,” “The Parkers,” “Girlfriends” “One on One” and more.
With more Black shows just now making their way to African countries via streaming platforms, I still think back on “Family Matters” and the impact it had on my Nigerian upbringing. Whenever I watch the reruns today on HBO Max, I am reminded of beauty in eccentricity and the bond between people that aren’t even related.
It’s hard for “Family Matters” and all the other Black American 90s sitcoms not to live rent-free in our minds. In a world where humor, messages and family values continue to evolve, the 90s Black American sitcom classics continue to show the beauty of being Black in America, African and around the world.