The ’90s witnessed the rise of numerous iconic sitcoms, many of which continue to be celebrated today. Among them, Living Single stands out as a quintessential show that not only defined a generation but also laid the groundwork for future ensemble comedies. Created by Yvette Lee Bowser, the Fox sitcom, which debuted in 1993, owes much of its success to the exceptional cast led by Queen Latifah, the brilliant writing, and the visionary efforts behind the scenes.
However, as Living Single celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, a fascinating revelation about its creation has come to light. One of the most beloved characters of the series, Maxine Shaw, was almost written out early on. In a recent interview with NBC News, Bowser shared how the network initially pushed for the removal of Maxine, the sharp-witted attorney portrayed by Erika Alexander. The character, described by Bowser as “an incredibly daring, beautiful, confident, unapologetic Black feminist,” was considered too intimidating on paper, much to the creator’s dismay.
Bowser reflected on this moment in the show’s development, expressing her surprise at the suggestion: “They really enjoyed the characters, but they asked me to lose Maxine from the show.” Despite this pressure, Bowser stood her ground, and Maxine ultimately remained an integral part of Living Single.
Maxine Shaw was a standout character on the show, and Erika Alexander’s portrayal brought her to life in a way that resonated with viewers. As a college friend of Queen Latifah’s Khadijah James, Maxine was portrayed as a driven, successful lawyer with a sharp sense of humor and a keen intellect. Her ability to balance humor with depth made her a standout character, providing both comic relief and emotional depth to the ensemble cast.
For Bowser, the inclusion of Maxine was deeply personal. In her interview, she revealed that the character was an “idealized” version of herself, a reflection of her own evolving voice as a writer and producer. “Taking Maxine out of the show would be taking a big part of me out of the show, and I’d rather not do the show at all,” Bowser explained. At the time, she was just 27 years old and facing the daunting challenge of creating her own TV show. She had the opportunity to shape a character who mirrored her own journey, and in the process, she found her voice as a creator.
This personal connection to Maxine Shaw helped Living Single become one of the most beloved Black sitcoms of the ’90s and cemented its place as a classic in television history. Over the years, the show has remained a favorite for fans who continue to champion a revival. In 2017, Queen Latifah mentioned that discussions for a Living Single revival were underway, though there have been few updates since then. If the revival were to happen, many fans would undoubtedly hope for Bowser’s return as the show’s creative leader, with all of the original characters – including the unforgettable Maxine Shaw – returning to the screen.
For those who want to relive the magic of Living Single, all five seasons are currently available for streaming on Hulu. Additionally, viewers can catch Bowser’s latest project, Run the World, on the platform with a Starz add-on, continuing her legacy in shaping diverse and engaging television.
