Black sitcoms, primarily featuring African American casts, have been a part of television since its early days but rose to significant prominence in the 1990s on upstart networks. Early groundbreaking shows like 1948's The Laytons and 1951's Amos 'n' Andy navigated a landscape often marked by stereotypical portrayals, with the latter eventually cancelled after protests from the NAACP. The 1970s saw a surge in popularity with series like Sanford and Son, Good Times, and The Jeffersons, which celebrated Black culture and addressed social issues, though some faced criticism for comedic excess.
The 1980s marked a shift with critically acclaimed shows such as The Cosby Show and A Different World, which challenged stereotypes by portraying the Black middle class with subtler humor; The Cosby Show notably became the most-watched series for five consecutive seasons. By the 1990s, new networks like Fox, The WB, and UPN embraced the genre, launching successful titles like Martin and Living Single that proved highly profitable, demonstrating strong appeal to Black audiences and often crossing over to broader viewership. This evolution highlights the genre's journey from early, often controversial, representation to a powerful and diverse voice in television.