Tricia’s Top Ten Comfort Shows

The smiles, joy and happiness brought to me from the small screen.

There is no secret that music is my one true love, but I do appreciate the warm calmness from a television series every now and then. My humble beginnings gave me a headstart on being thankful for the smallest blessings, and broadcast television was one of those beautiful fortunes. I mean, reading the TV Guide was one of my guilty pleasures prior to the streaming era, so I stand corrected on its fair share of gems. Similar to music, a great show is known for providing wisdom, teaching lessons, and believing in you to your best abilities wrapped in a bouquet of laughter. Let’s journey through the ten programs that still bring this feeling to me on a regular basis.

10. Let’s Stay Together

Anything that highlights love and relationships is one of my admirations, and this sitcom delivered it well. I adored the dynamics of each relationship — Charles and Stacy’s perfect examples of opposites attracting, along with Jamal and Tasha’s exhibition of the love and desire they have for one another. Viewing a positive outlook on dating, relationships and marriages was a delightful breath of fresh air, which was a much needed visual in the 2010s.

9. The Neighborhood

Family-oriented shows have enlightened me for decades, and The Neighborhood made that list when it premiered in 2018. The comedic royalty between the Butlers and the Johnsons is pure gold, and I’ve had my fair share of outbursts of laughter while my binge mode was activated. Although I am not prepared for the upcoming series finale, I’m honored that all eight seasons will be available and waiting for me to take in its joy whenever I need it.

8. In Living Color

Being a 90s Kid meant I had the coolest childhood ever!! In Living Color was the blueprint for exercising the freedom of speech in the most unapologetic way. Memorable sketches (Men on.., The Dirty Dozens, etc.) and characters such as Homey D. Clown and Fire Marshall Bill, are few of many reasons why Fox was an important staple in my upbringing. This show also introduced me to Shahrazad Ali and Louis Farrakhan, two of many figures who were never mentioned by instructors during my scholastic years. Nothing will ever compare to the magic that is In Living Color, nor the visionary that is Keenan Ivory Wayans.

7. The Carmichael Show

In Living Color walked so Joe Carmichael could run!! I can admit I was not familiar with Jerrod Carmichael prior to 2015, but I had that strong excitement about this one based on the genius that is David Alan Grier. Not only was I delivered a handful of giggles with each episode, but I was also thoroughly impressed by the severity of how gender, religion, politics, racism, sexism, violence and mental health was being discussed on a weekly basis. Joe Carmichael’s punchlines and ad libs gave me life on my gloomiest days, which makes me deeply appreciative of his character.

6. How To Die Alone

I am forever grateful for this masterpiece. Ironically, I boarded my first-ever flight months prior to the series’ debut and was in preparation to take the next one on my own. Despite having difficulties with investing into the new televised art of today, I was hooked after the first episode. It was surreal how relatable I was to Melissa, which made me realize this was created for me to learn these lessons before I concluded my 30s. I pray a new network gives HTDA a chance, because I am rooting for Terrance to give Mel that reciprocal love she truly deserves.

5. Malcolm & Eddie

All praises to Theo Huxtable, the most iconic brother in television history. But when you ask me who’s my favorite character portrayed by the late great Malcolm-Jamal Warner, no one can top Malcolm McGee in my eyes. It was totally refreshing to see him in a leading role incompatible to his most notable identity. The nostalgia is placing me in a gleeful mood by simply reminding myself how monumental UPN in the mid 90s was to so many Millennials. Whenever I need that feeling that equates to a big hug and a smile, Malcolm & Eddie is at my service.

4. Living Single

The four Aunties who showed the world what genuine sisterhood is all about. Seeing courageous, young women who were driven and determined to conquer their personal goals was one of the most inspiring images that still remains in my memory bank today. And Synclaire and Overton? Oh, these two hold the number one spot on my list of the best TV couples’ ever! And being privileged to have Kim Coles and Erika Alexander share their behind-the-scenes experience with the Re-Living Single podcast is a clear indication that this golden sitcom will forever resonate with its fans.

3. Martin

The 70s was dominated by Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy took over the world in the 80s, and I had the viewing pleasure to witness The Martin Lawrence rule the 90s. Life was the simplest when I watched the series premiere sipping on fruit punch flavored Kool-Aid through a crazy straw while these colorful characters graced the screen. The stuffed dog in Suspicious Minds, crashing Jodeci’s performance in Hollywood Swinging, The Players’ Ball in All The Players Came, and the unforgettable Chilligan’s Island in The Romantic Weekend are just a few of my Forever Favorites. I am proud to admit that I am the owner of all five seasons on DVD, so it is safe to say Martin is truly loved by me.

2. Half & Half

Nothing brings me the peace and tranquility like Half & Half does. I’ve been attached to this program since its 2002 debut, which had several variations of appreciation from then to now. I was taught valuable lessons on the importance of self-love, self-acceptance, success, loyalty and confidence from this talented ensemble. Phyllis and Big Dee Dee — the best comedy pair ever!! A bad day turns good, and a good day turns better after an episode or eight. Cheers to another Yvette Lee Bowser treasure that is dearly cherished.

1. The Boondocks

I will always, and I mean always, have my satisfaction guaranteed when I tune into the Freeman family. The expansion from newspaper to television in explicit form was absolutely amazing to observe during the launching years of the new Millennium. Aaron McGruder’s brilliance of intertwining news coverage and viral moments with his storylines is what I loved most about his creative work. Can you imagine what the episodes would be like based on what’s happening today?! But I think we’d all be in agreement that the original should remain untouched. Hands down, The Boondocks is one of the best additions to television’s history.

As I mentioned before, a great TV show can be a humorous instructor in numerous ways. Not only that, you can also discover the comparability with one or more characters. Narrowing this list down to ten was a challenge, but the significance of each one brought in its ease. I encourage you to view your favorite comfort show at your earliest convenience so you too can have a reason to smile and wrap yourself into a bouquet of laughter.