Black-ish

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 24, 2014
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 99
  3. Negative: 26 out of 99
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User Reviews

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  1. jacob4
    Jan 10, 2015
    10
    One of the funniest shows I've seen! It has comedy, fun jokes, hilarious plots, and fun for the whole family. It teaches moral lessons about family and life and has fun holiday specials.
  2. lukechristiansc
    Nov 28, 2014
    10
    From executive producer Anthony Anderson and co-creator of America's Next Top Model.wow this is a good show finally we did not get a new black show like Meet the Browns or House of Payne
    and thank god this show is not produced by Tyler Perry , Anyways this show is full of black humor and it is hilarious a great family picture Modern Family + Family Guy = Black ish a great show. Grade B
  3. reellm
    Dec 26, 2014
    8
    4/5★ One of the better shows to premier in 2014, Black-ish has a strong, likable cast and good writers, but more than that- its entertaining and funny. The Johnsons might be Black, but the issues they face affect every person in this increasingly global and culturally interconnected world we live in: how to face racial issues in an increasingly post-racial era.
    Verdict: Watch if you like    4/5★ One of the better shows to premier in 2014, Black-ish has a strong, likable cast and good writers, but more than that- its entertaining and funny. The Johnsons might be Black, but the issues they face affect every person in this increasingly global and culturally interconnected world we live in: how to face racial issues in an increasingly post-racial era.
    Verdict: Watch if you like Modern Family. Will be renewed.    … Expand
  4. dotfail
    Oct 1, 2014
    0
    Predictable, hackneyed, and often just plain stupid. The only thing worth watching here is Laurence Fishburne and he has very little screen time. I watched the first two shows and I am giving up. Too bad... it's a great idea but very poorly executed.
  5. Rogerdob
    Sep 26, 2014
    1
    The lead character is one of the most annoying ones on TV...he is unhappy and a little bit mean to his family and people around him. It is hard to like him and to feel any need to watch him every week. I feel sorry for his family, who seem happy and have to put up with his constant negativity. The show's first episode was highly narrated which is a sure sign that there are problems inThe lead character is one of the most annoying ones on TV...he is unhappy and a little bit mean to his family and people around him. It is hard to like him and to feel any need to watch him every week. I feel sorry for his family, who seem happy and have to put up with his constant negativity. The show's first episode was highly narrated which is a sure sign that there are problems in writing the show.… Expand
  6. 123456
    Jan 6, 2015
    2
    Predictable and lacking originality, but most of all lacking humour. The pinpoint focus on race quickly becomes tiresome, especially when it is fired-up by obnoxious or ignorant white faces like Fresh Prince was doing 20+ years ago. The main character, despite obviously being successful in his chosen career, is suddenly hit with a racial identity crisis. Hey, rich people got problems too,Predictable and lacking originality, but most of all lacking humour. The pinpoint focus on race quickly becomes tiresome, especially when it is fired-up by obnoxious or ignorant white faces like Fresh Prince was doing 20+ years ago. The main character, despite obviously being successful in his chosen career, is suddenly hit with a racial identity crisis. Hey, rich people got problems too, right? The whole concept seems trite and condescending to the audience, and at least 10 years out of date. But worst of all the jokes are slow and and can be seen a mile off, with about 3 actual laughs per episode. Give it a miss.… Expand
  7. lcb
    Oct 4, 2014
    6
    This show is not horrible nor is it very good. The performances tend to be over the top--especially the actress that plays the mother. And, it is just not very funny. Lawrence Fishburne deserves a better role than this. Its not worth my watching or recording.
  8. cmptx
    Oct 9, 2014
    10
    This show is hilarious! Anthony Anderson is very funny! Whoever picked the cast did a good job. Even the child actors are engaging! Lot of laughs watching this show!!!
  9. CarltonD
    Oct 10, 2014
    10
    I have read a few of the negative reviews in this comment list. I believe that many of the people giving negative reviews (although some of the acting criticism may be legitimate) do not truly understand the cultural aspect of this show. I love it because I can totally relate to what's going on. For disclosure although I never knew Anthony Anderson, we both attended and graduated fromI have read a few of the negative reviews in this comment list. I believe that many of the people giving negative reviews (although some of the acting criticism may be legitimate) do not truly understand the cultural aspect of this show. I love it because I can totally relate to what's going on. For disclosure although I never knew Anthony Anderson, we both attended and graduated from Howard University during the same period. I graduated in 1993. I'm not sure when he did.

    This sitcom is built for a specific niche audience. If you are a first generation or second generation Black professional the challenges of transitioning from a totally "Blackish" environment into the mainstream can be seen in this show. I have almost run into the exact same situation with my two daughters and son. Both of my parents within my family were first generation educated Black professionals. They came up during the civil rights era. They are both pretty "progressive" and lien a little to the left (although in the older age act somewhat conservative). My mother has a master's degree in social work and my father is an attorney. They both represent the Lawrence Fishburne character in my family. They both grew up in their era where Black cohesiveness was essential to Black progress. I have earned a MBA and my wife is a school teacher with her master's degree in education. The reason I give you this background is so that you will understand the different eras and environments that my parents, me and my wife, and my children have been "influenced" by.

    I sometimes find myself playing the role of Anthony Anderson from the perspective of home life and work. The scene in the first episode where Anthony introduced his "honorary brother" was hilarious. After I saw the scene, the next morning my "honorary brother" at work laughed about it!! We didn't call it racist. It's funny, it lightens the day. It's actually a bond we have that actually leads to us being able to have honest discussions concerning sensitive issues. My wife and I came up in "Generation X". We are not as uptight as the civil rights generation, but we recognize our history and how it effects each generation of Black professional's behaviors.

    For instance, my daughters and son who are almost exactly like the children in Black-ish have almost the same exact characteristics. Whoever did the research for this show did an excellent job of researching the dynamics of the different generations of Black professionals. The Generation X generation has one foot in the civil rights era and the other in the millennial generation era. My wife and I find ourselves in between (to include her parents) explaining to our children their grandparents attitudes and why they think and approach things the way they do AND explaining to our parents the difference in the experiences our children are having which makes them approach things another way. It has to be explained that our children have not experienced the same kind of racism as our parents did. Each generation has experienced less racism and more freedom. My children's world is literally totally different than the world my father and mother grew up in. My mother was raised in the North and my father was raised in the segregated south.

    My wife and I can relate to the show because we are in the same position as Anthony Anderson and Diana Ross's daughter in this show. We grew up knowing the names of not only our iconic civil rights leaders such as MLK, but we knew secondary and regional civil rights leaders that we don't talk about anymore on a daily basis (i.e. Adam Clayton Powell and Medger Evers). We find ourselves, like many Americans who believe our youth do not know enough about our country's history, trying to make sure they understand and appreciate the history that made it possible for them to be more carefree and gave them choices of what they want to believe in. For instance my youngest sister who could be considered a millennial is more concerned with environmentalism than civil rights. She considers me a right-wing conservative. LOL. I asked my daughter yesterday how many Black kids were actually in her class. She told me, what does it matter? I don't remember in what context I was asking her this question. But, I know my daughter to be a strong willed little girl who will no doubt be a strong willed woman. The sitcom Black-ish actually teaches many lessons if you care to pay attention. It also teaches each one of the Black professional generations to trust in the next one. As long as you show love, discipline, and strong values to the next generation, they will find their way. each generation has to live and survive in its own time not the previous generation's time. It's the natural evolution of things we need to put our trust in.

    I'm sorry for writing such a long review. But give the show a chance. I believe it represents a portion of our population.    … Expand
  10. 4eyedviking
    Sep 26, 2014
    1
    This show is a walking contradiction. What his employers are doing to him at work is the same thing he's doing to his kids at home. The only people who will enjoy this show are the people who can't see the hypocrisy that the show is based. It's dressed up trash. Basically what I'm trying to say is, you can put a crack whore in $1000.00 dress, but she's still a crack whore.
  11. JBM
    Oct 4, 2014
    0
    It is rare to find any show that so quickly makes you dislike it. I am not sure if this show was trying to "educate" us on the plight of very successful black families but if so, save it. The one thing this show was not doing was entertaining me. Come on people, nobody spikes every comment of everyday life with a reference to how black they are. This show tops out at boring and mixes inIt is rare to find any show that so quickly makes you dislike it. I am not sure if this show was trying to "educate" us on the plight of very successful black families but if so, save it. The one thing this show was not doing was entertaining me. Come on people, nobody spikes every comment of everyday life with a reference to how black they are. This show tops out at boring and mixes in insulting and racist. Worst of all it is the one thing you cannot be as a sitcom and that is that it is not funny. If this show was to be the next Modern Family, it failed miserably.… Expand
  12. HDeezy
    Oct 12, 2015
    2
    The positive reviews for this show seem to stem from a generation of people eager to accept ANYTHING with black people involved.
    The writing is completely lacking in originality and devoid of humor, it swings from one stereotypical "black joke" to the next, with no comedy driven by character interaction, so in it's own circle of hypocrisy the show itself is offensive and racist. The only    The positive reviews for this show seem to stem from a generation of people eager to accept ANYTHING with black people involved.
    The writing is completely lacking in originality and devoid of humor, it swings from one stereotypical "black joke" to the next, with no comedy driven by character interaction, so in it's own circle of hypocrisy the show itself is offensive and racist. The only positive thing to say about this show is that the cast are all entirely capable of believable performances.
    Honestly I could only recommend this show to white hipsters who are filled with glee at the sight of any black actor or actress gracing their screen.
    That's not to take away from the fact that Anthony Anderson is a very talented man with excellent comedic timing, and genuine acting ability.    … Expand
  13. NJCaliboy
    Sep 27, 2014
    9
    This show is going to obviously mean different things to different people. The main character is overly exaggerated in the same vein as Peter Griffin (Family .guy), but there's a nice counter balance and something endearing about the show that really makes it work.

    I will admit I came in biased and expecting Tyler Perry like dribble, but instead found something quite refreshing and    This show is going to obviously mean different things to different people. The main character is overly exaggerated in the same vein as Peter Griffin (Family .guy), but there's a nice counter balance and something endearing about the show that really makes it work.

    I will admit I came in biased and expecting Tyler Perry like dribble, but instead found something quite refreshing and fun. After only one episode though I reserve the right to revisit this- but as far as first impressions go, I think it's great!    … Expand
  14. MattArmando
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    A smart, biting, edby, and sharp new comedy. It's about time there was an African-American 'Modern Family' on television. Tracee Ross & Laurence Fishbourne & Anthony Anderson deliver here. Definitely a keeper.
  15. BogKid
    Sep 25, 2014
    6
    Better than I expected. Not as good as it should be. Laurence Fishburne is very good as the philosophical and realist Grandpa. The rest of the cast seems to a bit from the always be desperate school of acting -- especially the unknown-to-me actor playing the Father.

    It's probably worth a couple of more looks to see what develops. Be known -- this is not the Cosby show!
  16. Bgrod
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    A very engaging and likable cast and sharp writing make this family comedy a keeper. Besides, it's fun calling those who think the title and conceit of the show is racist and offensive, especially those who haven;t watched it, racist. The title is very clever and funny. And no, a show entitled "White-ish" would neither be clever nor very funny since white people aren't judged based onA very engaging and likable cast and sharp writing make this family comedy a keeper. Besides, it's fun calling those who think the title and conceit of the show is racist and offensive, especially those who haven;t watched it, racist. The title is very clever and funny. And no, a show entitled "White-ish" would neither be clever nor very funny since white people aren't judged based on their degree of being white or true to their race.… Expand
  17. cdsmusicchart
    Sep 25, 2014
    10
    This show isn't actually racist. It's about an African American family living in a predominately white community and struggles that occur with in. What's wrong with that? Around the country, all types of different people have situations similar to this. If it was an Asian family or a Mexican family would you be less upset? If it would make you less upset, then you clearly don't understandThis show isn't actually racist. It's about an African American family living in a predominately white community and struggles that occur with in. What's wrong with that? Around the country, all types of different people have situations similar to this. If it was an Asian family or a Mexican family would you be less upset? If it would make you less upset, then you clearly don't understand ANYTHING about racism.

    It's original, funny, and emulates real life. It's one of ABC's (and TVs) best sitcoms in quite a while (since Modern Family launched 5 years ago), and hopefully the show's supposedly "racist" comments won't tank it. Just give it a try before you judge it for no reason. The only thing I would change is the title ("black-ish"), because that alone is making people upset.    … Expand
  18. Dobby
    Dec 24, 2014
    9
    I think that Black-ish is one of the smartest and most relatable new TV comedies. It gives us a very honest perspective of human nature and does it with great humour. I was surprised to see that the main complaint from naysayers was that the protagonist was a "hypocrite" or a "walking contradiction" because he did the same things he complained about others doing. They completely missedI think that Black-ish is one of the smartest and most relatable new TV comedies. It gives us a very honest perspective of human nature and does it with great humour. I was surprised to see that the main complaint from naysayers was that the protagonist was a "hypocrite" or a "walking contradiction" because he did the same things he complained about others doing. They completely missed the fact that the writer clearly wanted viewers to see these contradictions (with the wife serving as the voice of reason) and appreciate the humour. I find it interesting that a lot of people have a such a tough time recognizing irony or self-deprecating humour when delivered by someone of a different culture. Furthermore, the show is a comedy, not a political soap-box and like most comedies, the main characters are not intended to be perfect or "right".In fact, many of the scenarios hit very close to home, but are presented in a way that allows us to recognize and laugh at all the inconsistencies of human nature.

    This particular comedy brilliantly explores the inner and social conflicts that a lot of black professional families experience, especially when they first move to environments where there are very few (or no) black people. There's the desire to fit in completely and be regarded in the same way as your peers and that often conflicts to varying degrees, with that desire to hold onto your cultural identity especially if you have kids. In Black-ish, this conflict results in some pretty hilarious scenarios that sometimes hit quite close to home. The last comedy I liked this much was Seinfeld. The main characters in Seinfeld were often known for their slightly neurotic idiosyncrasies that many viewers loved because it had a funny way of exposing a lot of human tendencies. Yet people were smart enough to recognize the irony in a lot of the situations and not take the characters too seriously. And instead of complaining that the show perpetuated ridiculous white stereotypes, they enjoyed the show for what it was. A fictional comedy that dealt with certain mundane aspects of life. If people are really too uncomfortable or offended to watch a comedy about a middle-class black family that dares to put a humorous but insightful spin on racial issues, Instead of ignoring their existence and giving us another Cosby show, then no wonder there is still so much racial tension!.    … Expand
  19. zmgalen2000
    Nov 29, 2015
    10
    This is a hilarious show, and one of, if not the best comedy on TV, if you appreciate this type of humor. However, it is not meant for everyone. It is has tons of racist jokes and foul language, but that just so happens to make it more entertaining and enjoyable each episode. I look forward to this show every week for 30 minutes full of laughter.
  20. chasfh
    Nov 20, 2014
    3
    The show is a good idea in concept, but is very poor in execution. There is a lot of rich material they could mine if they would just use a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer.

    The premise is fine, but the scripts are hackneyed and the jokes very on the nose. The plots are weak and serve only to highlight what the lead character Dre believes is his ongoing struggle to balance his    The show is a good idea in concept, but is very poor in execution. There is a lot of rich material they could mine if they would just use a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer.

    The premise is fine, but the scripts are hackneyed and the jokes very on the nose. The plots are weak and serve only to highlight what the lead character Dre believes is his ongoing struggle to balance his bourgeois adult success with his childhood cultural roots that can only be described as "keepin' it real". Every episode turns on this premise, and that has quickly become tiresome. Equally tiresome is the cartoonish way in which the white characters are presented, as idiots either striving cluelessly to act black, or being so over the top in their whiteness that they become mere caricatures rather than people. Maybe that's well-deserved payback decades in the making, but broad stereotyping was not funny then, and it's just as not funny now.

    The performances by the parents are uneven, and of the children, only the eldest daughter knows anything about timing, emphasis and modulation, and she's only average. The others are stiff ad wooden, and deliver their lines as though they are reading them off a teleprompter the first time they ever see them. You might give them a pass because they're children, but compare them against the (even younger) girl who plays Lily on Modern Family, and the kids on black-ish come up very wanting.

    I would express some hope that the show can iron out these considerable kinks and evolve into producing more realistic plots with more natural performances appropriate to the situation. But given that Larry Wilmore is the executive producer, and that everything he does outside of the Daily Show is itself far too earnest and far too on the nose, I guess I'll have this cut this one loose. Maybe I'll sample it in Season 2, should it make it that far, to see whether it has improved. I'm not holding out much hope for that.    … Expand
  21. 2expressmyview
    Nov 4, 2014
    4
    This show was off to a good start but it seems the writers are already hard pressed to come up with more good, funny material.

    I will probably watch another episode or maybe two to see if it improves.
  22. EdwardWalsh
    Jan 7, 2015
    1
    Let me tell you something about Blackish. First off, If i were a billionaire, or had a staggering cash sum, the first thing on my list of priorities would be to finance and invest on a whole new spectrum of upcoming T.V awards so I may label Blackish, as perhaps the most Chessy-dipped, corny, cake fluffed piece of work to ever hit national Television. God, i can't even begin to fathom howLet me tell you something about Blackish. First off, If i were a billionaire, or had a staggering cash sum, the first thing on my list of priorities would be to finance and invest on a whole new spectrum of upcoming T.V awards so I may label Blackish, as perhaps the most Chessy-dipped, corny, cake fluffed piece of work to ever hit national Television. God, i can't even begin to fathom how much I hate this show. I mean the jokes (The God Awful Jokes!) slide so profusely off the tongues of the god awful actors that star in it. The kids, wow the kids, let me tell you, the kids... that's another story. The kids are on another level. Hearing them talk will fill the ripples of your brain with heavy cheesy liquid and turn your blood to corny powder dust. The jokes come straight from the Automatic Corny-O Cheesy Machine that lies on the top of Atrocious Joke Mountain. If i didn't mention before, the acting competes with 2nd grade elementary plays. This show is something else. Really, it is. Im giving it a one because the older child has a cool room wallpaper.… Expand
  23. Knighthawk81
    Apr 21, 2015
    4
    This is a comedy that, in a lot of ways, feels very retro. It's a family show about mundane family struggles. What makes it unique, in theory, is its point of view. From that standpoint it might be a success, but the humor is flat. It doesn't work as a dynamic sitcom.
  24. LaDresdenMonkey
    Apr 10, 2015
    4
    I just watched the pilot episode, and i am very disappointed. The concept is great but the execution is nonsense. And as a person of color who grew up in a "white" neighborhood, a lot of what is in the show is over exaggerated.
  25. martinex
    Mar 1, 2015
    7
    After watching a few more episodes I'm still on the fence. Fishbourne and his ex have taken a back taken a back seat and the show seems to be concentrating more on the kids who seem to be really rounding into their roles. The writing and pacing have improved but this show is still pretty much hit and miss. Last week's episode "The Dozens" was the funniest of the season but there haveAfter watching a few more episodes I'm still on the fence. Fishbourne and his ex have taken a back taken a back seat and the show seems to be concentrating more on the kids who seem to be really rounding into their roles. The writing and pacing have improved but this show is still pretty much hit and miss. Last week's episode "The Dozens" was the funniest of the season but there have been others that fell flat.… Expand
  26. mksmith76g
    Nov 30, 2014
    7
    The show is OK but not a first choice. It is a clean family show that can be watch by all ages and with everyone in the room. Comedy shows with out crude humor are few and I hope the writers can get this show right because it has potential.
  27. chikaboom
    Oct 18, 2018
    0
    the show is awful. characters are typical hollywood BS creations. the doctor mother - who is NEVER at work -or ever involved in her work. LOL the too hip idiotic grandmother---who is also ..."so street wise." the racist grandfather - who keeps making comments about things that are "white sh**" Can you even imagine show about a white family saying things were "black sh**?" totallythe show is awful. characters are typical hollywood BS creations. the doctor mother - who is NEVER at work -or ever involved in her work. LOL the too hip idiotic grandmother---who is also ..."so street wise." the racist grandfather - who keeps making comments about things that are "white sh**" Can you even imagine show about a white family saying things were "black sh**?" totally obnoxious. and of course the doctor mommy (really not believable) who calls her 20 year old son "my baby". Oh...maybe that's why he is never growing up. Show -sucks. acting sucks. grade D… Expand
  28. Wingmaniff
    Feb 2, 2019
    0
    I find this show racist and offensive! This show just continues to breed racism

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best TV Season of 2014
54
#54 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
46
#46 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Emily Nussbaum
    Mar 2, 2015
    80
    The series has transformed from hokey formula into one of the goofiest, most reliably enjoyable comedies around.
    Read full review
  2. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Kevin Fallon
    Oct 1, 2014
    80
    The show is, first and foremost, incredibly well written, with astute observations about pop culture, particularly as it relates to ethnic identity.
    Read full review
  3. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Janine Rayford Rubenstein
    Sep 24, 2014
    63
    In all, black-ish is Everybody Hates Chris meets Modern Family, but not quite as funny as either. Well, not yet, at least.
    Read full review
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