"The Upshaws" And "Family Reunion" Stars Talk Black Sitcoms And Netflix

It’s just “Facts Of Life” that “Sister, Sister” and other sitcoms meant the world to us in terms of representation!

Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty

We have Netflix to thank for putting some of our favorite Black tv sitcoms all in one place and for creating great original shows like “The Upshaws” and “Family Reunion”. Lately, we’ve noticed a trend where some of our favorite Black sitcom legends have made a return to their TV roots via Netflix. We’re excited to exclusively share a clip of a few of these legends, including Tia Mowry-Hardrict (Family Reunion), Kim Fields (The Upshaws), Wanda Sykes (The Upshaws), and Mike Epps (The Upshaws), along with media correspondent, Jacques Morel, talking about their favorite Black sitcoms from the past and how today’s Black sitcoms have evolved.

Kim Fields talked about her love for classics like the Jeffersons and Good Times, which she said had one of the best live audiences.

“Good Times had one of the greatest live audience experiences because you could hear them. lt wasn’t just about the laughter.”

Later on in the clip, Tia recalls a pivotal moment she had at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. With Sister, Sister catapulting to major success at the time, Tia said she knew things were beginning to change for her and Tamara.

“When I say there were so many kids screaming just saying ‘omg I love you, we love your show!’ It was just mind-blowing. Tamara and I looked at each other and we were like wow. People are watching us.”

Check out the full clip below:

We love how, despite all the years that have passed, we have to give props where they are due in regards to Norman Lear and his method of filming TV shows. We also loved hearing little special details, like Kim Field’s memories of filming in the same studio as “The Jeffersons” as well as Tia’s realization that she and Tamera had become household names after attending the “Kids Choice Awards.”

We’ve got an endless list of movies and shows that we’ve been binge-watching — what’s on your list?

Watch The Upshaws, Family Reunion, and other Strong Black Laughs, only on Netflix.