Black TV Classics to Watch as a Family

From Will Smith to Queen Latifah, many celebrities we know and love today launched their careers by starring in a TV series. Below you'll find the best throwback picks that feature Black families and stories from the '70s to the '00s currently available to stream or buy. Whether you want to share a piece of your childhood with your kids or you're looking to catch up on the classics, the whole family can enjoy these shows that will make you laugh, cry, or both! When you're done here, check out our other lists that feature strong Black representation: TV Shows with Black Leads and Great Movies with Black Characters.

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Little Bill Poster Image
TV

Little Bill

age 4+

Little Bill knows a whole lot about love & laughs.

Network: Nick Jr. (1999)
Class of 3000 Poster Image
TV

Class of 3000

age 6+

OutKast star inspires music students in fun 'toon.

Network: Cartoon Network (2006)
Webster Poster Image
TV

Webster

age 6+

Endearing '80s sitcom celebrates family, embracing change.

Network: ABC (1983)
The Cosby Show Poster Image
TV

The Cosby Show

age 7+

Classic family sitcom offers fun with its lessons.

Network: Nickelodeon , Syndicated , TBS (1984)
The Proud Family Poster Image
TV

The Proud Family

age 7+

Relatable stories, good role models, zany comedy.

Network: ABC (2001)
Family Matters Poster Image
TV

Family Matters

age 8+

Urkel and company still offer lots of family fun.

Network: Freeform , Nickelodeon , Syndicated (1989)
Kenan & Kel Poster Image
TV

Kenan & Kel

age 8+

Mischievous adventures of two teens is all about the laughs.

Network: Nickelodeon (1996)
That's So Raven Poster Image
TV

That's So Raven

age 8+

Clairvoyant teen will have kids seeing Raven!

Network: Disney Channel (2003)
Sister, Sister Poster Image
TV

Sister, Sister

age 9+

Separated twins reunite as teens -- tweens OK.

Network: Disney Channel (1994)
Good Times Poster Image
TV

Good Times

age 10+

Dy-no-mite '70s sitcom with a social message.

Network: Syndicated , TV Land (1974)
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper Poster Image
TV

Hangin' with Mr. Cooper

age 10+

Hanging out with this gang is good family fun.

Network: Syndicated (1992)
In the House: TV Poster
TV

In the House

age 10+

Sexist jokes kinda cringey despite A+ Black representation.

Network: Max (1995)
Martin TV show: Poster image
TV

Martin

age 10+

Iconic 1990s show features mild sex, violence.

Network: Fox (1992)
The Parent 'Hood Poster Image
TV

The Parent 'Hood

age 10+

Fun '90s family comedy is fine for tweens.

Network: Syndicated , TBS (1995)
Sanford and Son Poster Image
TV

Sanford and Son

age 10+

70s classic offers laughs -- and stereotypes.

Network: Syndicated , TV Land (1972)
All of Us Poster Image
TV

All of Us

age 11+

Sweet sitcom families can watch together.

Network: CW (2003)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Poster Image
TV

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

age 11+

Good-natured sitcom that the family can enjoy together.

Network: Nickelodeon , Syndicated , TeenNick (1990)
The Jeffersons Poster Image
TV

The Jeffersons

age 11+

Barrier-breaking sitcom mixes humor, stereotypes.

Network: Syndicated , TV Land (1975)
The Bernie Mac Show Poster Image
TV

The Bernie Mac Show

age 12+

Family sitcom with grouchy, lovable dad is funny, creative.

Network: Fox (2001)
A Different World Poster Image
TV

A Different World

age 12+

Cosby Show spin-off showcases college life.

Network: Nickelodeon , Oxygen (1987)