50 Best Moments in Black Television

28 of 50

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50. En Vogue’s appearance on ‘A Different World’

For all the individualistic Internet we use these days, most of us grew up sharing communal moments with our families and friends in front of the television screen. And, when our hotties come over to spend some time, we’re more likely to cuddle in front of the T.V. set with them than in front of the computer (unless of course we’re cruising this site, then it’s totally OK!!!). For these reasons, we’ve decided to dedicate this week to the warm days of T.V. watching, when illegal cable wasn’t so illegal, and everybody wasn’t so anxious to punch silly things into the Blackberry every five seconds! From ‘Good Times’ to programs shown just yesterday, we present to you: our 50 best moments in black television!

(special thanks to Mike, Tee, Jeana, Reggie, Grace, Seun & Ejay)

COMING IN AT #50, this fan-favorite show, ‘A Different World,’ spawned from Bill Cosby’s genius in the early nineties and contained more T.V. gems than anything you’d see on T.V. these days. We miss the show so much, but we especially miss the days when celebrities like En Vogue could appear on a sitcom in hilarious personas and endear us to our T.V. sets! Remember the above video? Pure genius!

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49. Kanye West’s “George Bush” moment

In one of the most awkward yet powerful departures from televised script ever, Kanye West declared in a 2005 telethon for Katrina that then-president “George Bush doesn’t care about black people.” His co-host, Mike Myers, went pale and this unforgettable moment went viral.

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48. Omarosa misbehaving on ‘The Apprentice’

When Donald Trump set out to do ‘The Apprentice,’ we’re pretty sure he never imagined he’d encounter the drama-fest that is Omarosa Stallworth. Whether it was her shouting matches with cast mates, or her antics with the Trump himself (or the fact that Trump developed a show for her this year called ‘The Ultimate Merger’ on TV One), it’s hard to argue that the name Omarosa is not the television gift that keeps on giving.

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47. Tyra’s yelling on ‘America’s Next Top Model’

The world’s most awkward exchange between Tyra Banks and a young model Sandra, at whom she screamed, turns out to be one of the least forgettable moments on television. Can’t say we really know what sparked Banks’ temper to the extent shown above, but—thanks nonetheless, Madame Banks, for a rather award-worthy moment of drama.

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46. Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction

Did she or didn’t she plan to expose her boob to millions of viewers during her 2004 Super Bowl performance with Justin Timberlake? The world will never know. Some still think that Janet Jackson took the “Adult Videos” in that year’s XXXVIII Super Bowl a little too far. Others, to this day, are content with (and amused by) Timberlake’s explanation that Jackson simply experienced a “wardrobe malfunction.”

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45. Ron Artest thanking his psychiatrist after winning a 2010 NBA title

Thanking ‘God’ never gets old at award shows, and after Artest thanked his psychiatrist following his Lakers’ 2010 NBA win, we don’t think that gesture will get old either. Soon, all athletes will be thanking their shrinks. We’re proud that he sees one. Go ‘head, mental health specialists!

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44. ‘In Living Color’ – Wanda’s blind date

Comedy skit shows are very few and far between these days—especially those rich with celebs of color. Who could forget Jamie Foxx’s hilarious “Wanda” character on ‘In Living Color’ and her blind date (played by Marlon Wayans)? Foxx & the Wayans–and the whole cast of ‘In Living Color’–have always been silly geniuses.

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43. Bill Clinton playing the sax on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’

Ah, the moment that initiated Bill Clinton into the black community: his cool-as-a-kite display of his saxophone skills on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show.’ While the 1990s show has come to an end, this moment remains forever unforgettable. “Woop, Woop, Woop!”

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42. Vanessa Williams’ ‘Miss America’ win

Say what you will about the nude photo controversy that followed this moment, it’s still one of the best in television. The lovely Madame Williams became the first African-American woman to win the “Miss America” crown.

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41. Michelle Obama co-hosting ‘The View’

It was the fist bump heard round the world when Madame Michelle Obama gave one to her husband during his 2008 presidential campaign. Invited to ‘The View’ afterward, Mrs. Obama gave the same fist bump to the show’s co-hosts.

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40. Jennifer Hudson’s national anthem

It was her first public appearance since the tragic murders of her mother, brother and nephew the year before, but in 2009, Jennifer Hudson gave one of the most riveting renditions of the national anthem that the Super Bowl ever did see. Do you still feel the chills from that moment? We certainly do.

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39. Left Eye’s documentary

When VH1 aired ‘The Last Days of Left Eye’ documentary, our hearts were warmed to see the charm, brilliance and spunk of the T.L.C group member. In the chilling last scenes, she seemed to have predicted that she would die, but also to have reached an admirable level of spirituality. May her soul rest in peace.

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38. The opening of ‘Fresh Prince’

Talk about innovative! When the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ sitcom hit the airwaves in 1990, we were met with a theme song and a colorful opening that looked and felt very much like an ultra-cool music video. The acting/rap duo Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff made this brilliant moment in television happen—and saw to it that the sitcom would be one of the best in sitcom history. We still know the rest of the words when we hear the tune, “in West Philadelphia, born and raised…”

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37. Melanie & Derwin’s wedding on ‘The Game’

Even with the drama in both their lives: a pregnancy, a McHottie doctor, and many more individuals that could have ended their romance, the fan-favorite couple, Melanie and Derwin (played by Tia Mowry Hardrict and Pooch Hall) got married. A hasty wedding, perhaps? Only time will tell when the new season returns.

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36. RHOA – “Who gon’ check me boo?” (Sheree Whitfield)

Dear goodness, the whacky event planner whom Sheree Whitfield hired in Season 2 was met with the phrase, “who gon’ check me boo?” when his pathetic attempt to out-shout the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ diva fell to the gutters. Gotta love this head-snapping T.V. moment, brought to you by none other than the dramatic Madame Whitfield.

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35. Oprah’s car giveaway

First, folks were excited by Oprah Winfrey’s surprise ‘car giveaway’ to her carefully selected audience in 2004. Then, the media began grumbling about the taxes the winners would have to pay on the cars. Either way, the woman’s giving spirit rocks—and her moments make history, every time.

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34. The Boondocks hits television

When ‘The Boondocks’ comic strip hit television in 2005, the moment felt especially exciting. Few things in life beat Aaron McGruder’s fictional characters becoming animated on television and dishing the truth that everybody knows and no one wants to say (e.g. that R. Kelly’s trifling behind should have been found guilty. See Episode Two).

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33. Ellen DeGeneres’ dance with then-candidate Barack Obama

Three words: Ha! Ha! Ha!

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32. The Urkel dance on ‘Family Matters’

The Urkel Dance – More amazing video clips are a click away

Perhaps the most memorable nerd in America, Steve Urkel’s character, played by Jaleel White, gave us a surplus of great television moments. When he first appeared in the first season of ‘Family Matters’ in 1989, he was meant to be a one-time character, but his snort-filled laughs and geeky suspenders stole the show—and the hearts of T.V. viewers worldwide. Above is his lovable, signature “Urkel” dance.

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31. RHOA – Dwight is disgusted by a fashion show with no fashions

Known as the unofficial housewife in the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ reality series, this drama king, Dwight Eubanks, gave us some hearty and memorable laughs when he expressed his disgust at Sheree Whitfield’s lack of a clothing line in her “fashion show.” He remarked, “a fashion show with no fashions?…How dreadful!”

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30. ‘Living Single’ – The bathroom scene

Queen Latifah’s priceless show about four fabulously single ladies gave us many hilarious moments. We especially love the bathroom scene, in which all four of the original cast members are singing and reminding us of how great sisterhood (and roommate-hood) can be.

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29. The “Carlton Banks” dance on ‘Fresh Prince’

Not to be outdone by the Steve Urkel dance, Carlton Banks of ‘Fresh Prince’ had a laughter-inducing dance of his own! Check it out above.

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28. Tyra Banks proving she’s not fat, while telling the tabloids to “kiss her fat…”

After media outlets published pictures of Tyra Banks looking “meaty” in 2007, she used her self-named talk show to cuss them out, telling them to “kiss her fat…” Then, quietly, she lost weight. Great television indeed.

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27. Whitney Houston’s “crack is wack” interview

During her infamous interview with Diane Sawyer, the troubled R & B icon pushed back against rumors that she suffered from a terrible crack addition. Defiantly, she said: “first of all, let’s get one thing straight. Crack is cheap. I make too much money to ever smoke crack. Let’s get that straight. Okay? We don’t do crack. We don’t do that. Crack is wack.”

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26. Kanye West’s (Really Taylor Swift’s) V.M.A. moment

Young Taylor Swift got a mouthful from Monsieur Kanye West during the 2009 Video Music Awards. No one could forget how he took the mic from her and said: ‘Ama let you finish Taylor Swift, I’m sorry, but Beyonce has one of the greatest albums of all time.’ Though the moment may have stung us all back then, West is a remorseful, kind (albeit silly) gentlemen who apologized profusely. Just this Sunday, the two appeared at the 2010 Video Music Awards, with amazing dedications to each other. West’s apology song to Swift went something like: “let’s have a toast for the douchebags/ let’s have a toast for the a–holes.” Swift’s song to him was a lovely tune about your past not being all that you are. Cue the tear drops for these two cuties!

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25. Don Cornelius dancing down the ‘Soul Train’ line

Don Cornelius knew how to host the acclaimed dance show, ‘Soul Train,’ but what a moment it was when he actually danced down the soul train line–with one of The Supremes no less. (So what he tripped a little at the end? He looked like quite alright! Can you dig it?)

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24. Fantasia winning ‘American Idol’

It was a heartwarming moment in 2004 to see the teenage Fantasia Barrino, who had a daughter and a dream, win the ‘American Idol’ title and advance from lesser circumstances to the world stage.

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23. Oprah’s interview with Michael Jackson

Only Oprah Winfrey the legend could deliver as riveting an interview as we would expect with Michael Jackson. Her 1993 world-exclusive interview revealed a very intimate Jackson in a four-part show.

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22. Whitney Houston’s Super Bowl moment

Madame Houston’s 1991 performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner” was a television-shattering moment (in a good way). According to Billboard, her recording of the song was released as a commercial single, and reached the Top 20 on the US Hot 100, making her one of the only acts to turn the national anthem into a pop hit.

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21. ‘Good Times’ – when James dies & Florida says “damn, damn, damn!”

Florida Evans (played by Esther Rolle), the matriach of the Evans family in ‘Good Times,’ hardly ever cussed. But, when she discovered that her hubby, James, was killed in a car accident, she uttered her famous line: “Damn, damn, DAMN!”

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20. Oprah shedding her 67 pounds of fat

When Oprah Winfrey pulled out 67 pounds of fat in a wagon during that famous 1988 ‘Oprah’ taping, she gave us one of the most unforgettable moments on television. Her public struggles with weight at that time, revealed her vulnerability, despite her present status as one of the world’s most powerful, incredible, icons.

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19. ‘Dave Chappelle Show’ – the Rick James skit

While many argue over which skit is their favorite from Dave Chapelle’s now defunct show (e.g. ‘the racial draft’ skit http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/chappelles_show/murphy/index.jhtml), the Rick James skit in which Eddie Murphy’s brother Charlie tells the tale of Rick James, garners plenty of favor as a Chappelle favorite.

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18. J.J. as Kid Dy-no-mite!

Even though some argued that the increased display of ignorance by this character in ‘Good Times’ hurt television, it’s hard to forget his memorable catchphrase: “dy-no-mite!”

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17. Shonda Rhimes’ 2010 season six finale of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Summer began in 2010, only when Shonda Rhimes gave us the season finale of all season finales via her hit show, ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ Viewers gasped, cried, laughed, and gripped the edges of their seats as Rhimes’ outstanding script unfolded, right before our bulging eyes. By God, if this woman doesn’t receive all the awards…

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16. ‘In Living Color’ – introducing Homey the Clown

Homey the Clown, played by Damon Wayans in the hit show ‘In Living Color’ cracked us thoroughly up – from the moment he hit the screen, to the end of the unforgettable and hilarious show.

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15. Shenehneh – “oh my goo-ness”

Martin Lawrence played so many different characters in his hit ‘90s show, ‘Martin,’ all of which left us crying of laughter! However, his most famous character, “Shenehneh,” tickled our bones the very first time she used her signature phrase, “oh ma gooOoo-ness!”

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14. Gina & Martin – “you go boy!”

On the show, ‘Martin,’ it didn’t get any cuter than when the character, Gina, played by Tisha Campbell would encourage her man Martin by telling him, ‘you go boy!’ (He too would encourage her by saying, ‘you go girl!’). We miss ‘Martin.’

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13. Gary Coleman in ‘Different Strokes’: “whatchu talking ‘bout Willis?”

May his soul rest in peace…Gary Coleman’s adorable character on the 1978 – 1985 show, ‘Different Strokes’ entertained us and made us laugh each time he uttered the famous phrase, “whatchu talking ‘bout Willis?”

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12. James Brown, Michael Jackson & Prince share a stage

Despite the rivalry between Michael Jackson and Prince, only their godfather of soul, James Brown, could manage to bring the two together on one stage, in this unforgettable television moment.

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11. Michael Jackson’s first on-air “moonwalk”

When this legend slid his feet across the floor—as if he weren’t even touching it at all—our mouths froze in awe. His moonwalk made for an incredible television moment!

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10. Dwayne Wayne interrupts Whitley Gilbert’s wedding & proposes to her

The silly Dwayne Wayne (played by Kadeem Hardison) who finally grew up and the princess Whitley Gilbert (played by Jasmine Guy) who couldn’t deny her love for him = some of the best television we ever did see. Who could forget how Dwayne Wayne whisked his great love, Whitley away from her wedding to someone else, as Whitley’s mother screamed to Dwayne: “die, just die?” Brilliant, hilarious, stuff.

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9. Halle & Denzel’s Oscar night

Any night that the Oscar reaches for a stronger, more diverse group of winners seems like a memorable night to us. We just picked Denzel Washington’s and Halle Berry’s 2002 wins for this list because their night was especially unforgettable: they had both won the highest Oscar honors possible in the same night. Afterward, folks just couldn’t stop buzzing about everything from their speeches to Berry’s outfit.

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8. Michael Jordan’s “Flu Game”

Lovers of basketball, and even those who never watched it, can never forget the 1997 NBA Finals, Game Five spectacle, in which Michael Jordan had played with a serious flu. Leading his team to victory with a three-pointer that gave the Bulls a lead just 30 seconds before the game ended, Jordan showed the world what an untouchable basketball champion looks like. (Take note, Kobe fans).

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7. ‘Cosby Show’: Cliff Huxtable’s parents celebrate their 49^th anniversary

Love had always been the undercurrent of the Cosby show, but the Huxtable family’s beautiful anniversary gift to Dr. Huxtable’s parents (from season two) left a warm—and lasting—feeling in our hearts!

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6. Will & Jada Smith host the 2005 B.E.T. Awards

With the Smiths hosting the B.E.T. Awards Show, which was telecast on June 28, 2005, viewers enjoyed one of the most smoothly executed shows in the annual series. Of course, the two showcased how possible it is for a Hollywood couple to stay together and be in the spotlight at the same time!

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5. Michael Jackson’s 14-minute music video

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video for the song of the same name was released on December 2, 1983 and directed by John Landis, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Jackson. Once viewers feasted their eyes on on the brilliance that is “Thriller” to this day, they realized that Jackson had redefined music video standards for generations to come.

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4. Barack Obama’s inauguration

The first African-American president of the United States left tears in everyone’s eyes as viewers watched his historical swearing into office in January of 2008.

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3. Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech

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2. Dr. Huxtable’s “regular people” game. (Really, just all ‘Cosby’ episodes!)

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1. The night of Obama’s November 2008 presidential win

Katie Couric said it best, when she said on the night of Obama’s election win in 2008: “no matter whom you voted for, you have to agree, this is an incredible milestone in the history of this country…a century and a half after the Constitution abolished slavery and guaranteed blacks the right to vote, four decades after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, voters have chosen our first African-American president.”