’90S KINDA WORLD: ‘LIVING SINGLE’ AT 30
One of the most revered shows of a generation, Living Single, premiered on Fox on Aug. 22, 1993.
When the show premiered, Queen Latifah was already a well-respected Hip-Hop star, having reigned on the scene since her 1989 debut, All Hail The Queen, and its follow-up, 1991’s Nature of a Sista. Living Single, while showcasing Latifah’s charisma and down-to-earth relatability, offered her a different chance to showcase her talent, launching her on-screen career, which years later would earn her an Oscar nomination.
More than Just a Sitcom: Groundbreaking and Influential
From the show’s opening sequence, it was obvious Living Single was something different. Featuring Queen Latifah singing the now-classic theme song and Big Lez dancing her way across the Brooklyn skyline, the show was more than just beloved; it was groundbreaking. It offered a clear-eyed, charming glimpse into the lives of four unique Black women navigating career challenges, friendships, and love. The lives of Khadijah (Latifah), Maxine (Erika Alexander), Sinclair (Kim Coles), and Regine (Kim Fields) were wholly engaging.
Beyond the way the show portrayed friendship among women, it also gave space to Black men. Neighbors Kyle and Overton (Terrence C. Carson and John Henton) played a role in the women’s lives but also had significant plots of their own, delving into the intricacies of their friendship and later, their love lives.
A Legacy of Authentic Representation
Presenting a multi-dimensional view of the lives of its main characters, Living Single, created by Yvette Lee Bowser, has long been rumored to be the launchpad for NBC’s juggernaut classic Friends. More specifically (and importantly), it helped lay the blueprint for shows like Mara Brock Akil’s Girlfriends and Issa Rae’s acclaimed HBO series, Insecure, presenting diverse images of Blackness.
The characters’ distinct styles were evident everywhere—from their fashion choices to their home decor. Their portrayals spanned a diverse range of Black professionals, from financial wizards to creatives. Whether they embodied whimsical, silly free spirits like Sinclair and Overton, showcased the tenacity of type-A personalities like Maxine, embraced the flair of upscale socialites like Regine, or resonated as grounded confidants like Khadijah, their essence was vividly clear.
In addition to the visuals Living Single presented, the show also tackled many issues. Yes, the series was rooted in comedy, but it faced issues head-on, including ageism, sexual liberation, and gender equity — a nod to its predecessor, A Different World.
Thirty years after its five-season run, Living Single is still relatable, and its legacy? Timeless, just like a ’90s kinda world.