The cat's out of the bag by now: television as we know it is changing. Black television is nearly obsolete. In fact, there are only four black sitcoms on the air as I type this post: Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns, Everybody Loves Chris, and Mara Brock Akil's The Game. If any of the recent Hollywood rumors morph into truth: this fall America will be left with two black comedic representations on TV. And they're both being nursed by Perry. The CW, the only network/netlet that traditionally programs black TV, is cutting ties with comedy and investing into to hour-long, "less urban" TV. Less Urban = No black folks.
The good news is Mara Brock Akil, the creator of Girlfriends and The Game, is doing something about it. Last week she posted a blog on Rushmoredrive.com about the crazy of being black, powerful and still having to jump through Hollywood hoops. This week she will walk into the CW and pitch The Game as an hour-long dramedy and I really hope the suits say Yes. One, Mara was once my boss so I'm hoping she can find a spot for a brother to work his dramedy skills. LOL. Two, and far more seriously, the media appears to be leading the nation in this faux-crusade toward a post-racial America and quality representation through a black lens is crucial right now. Keep your fingers crossed as Mrs. Brock-Akil tries to convince the CW of keeping black folks in the loop.
Keith Josef Adkins is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and social commentator.