When Kim Coles takes the stage or speaks about her iconic role as Synclaire James on ‘Living Single’, she isn’t just recalling memories of a 90s sitcom. Instead, she’s opening a window into the deeper significance of the show—a show that went far beyond the confines of being labeled simply a “Black TV show.”
For many, ‘Living Single’ was groundbreaking. It was not just an entertaining sitcom about a group of friends living and loving in Brooklyn—it was a show that redefined how Black characters were portrayed on TV, challenging stereotypes and offering complex, multidimensional personalities to viewers. Kim Coles, along with her fellow castmates, played an instrumental role in making that happen.
In this article, we will delve into Kim Coles’ insights on how ‘Living Single’ broke stereotypes and created a lasting impact on television representation. We’ll explore how the show elevated Black voices, shifted the narrative of Black life on TV, and how it paved the way for future generations of storytellers.
1. A Show About Real People, Not Just “Black People”
When Kim Coles talks about ‘Living Single’, she often emphasizes how the characters were designed to be real people, not just representations of their racial identity. The show did not just focus on the struggles unique to Black people; it highlighted universal human experiences.
The friendships, career pursuits, and romantic relationships between the six friends were relatable to anyone, regardless of race. Khadijah, Synclaire, Maxine, Regine, Overton, and Kyle were not just stereotypical “Black characters”—they were complex, multi-dimensional individuals who had hopes, dreams, flaws, and aspirations like anyone else.
Breaking the Mold of Stereotypical Representation
Before ‘Living Single’, Black characters on television were often pigeonholed into certain roles: the sassy sidekick, the angry Black man, the criminal, or the poor, struggling family. However, ‘Living Single’ presented successful, educated, and ambitious Black individuals, breaking these tired stereotypes. Kim Coles’ character, Synclaire, was a bubbly, quirky woman with a heart of gold. She wasn’t defined by her race—she was defined by her individuality, her innocence, and her charm.
Kim Coles herself has said that ‘Living Single’ helped to shift the conversation about Black representation. “We didn’t have to be angry or in trouble all the time. We just had to be real,” Coles explained in multiple interviews.
2. Kim Coles’ Role as Synclaire: A Breath of Fresh Air
Synclaire was a far cry from the typical roles Black actresses were often offered. Rather than being the fierce or overly dramatic character, she was a sweet, lovable, and somewhat naive character who brought a lot of heart to the show. Kim Coles’ portrayal of Synclaire made her relatable to viewers of all backgrounds, and Coles herself has said that she is proud of the role she played.
A Character for All Audiences
Synclaire’s story was grounded in universal experiences, making it accessible to all viewers. Whether it was her professional growth, her journey to finding love, or her deep friendships, Synclaire’s arc was relatable to both young Black women and women of all races. The portrayal of Black women in roles that weren’t solely defined by race or struggle was a revolutionary step forward for television.
Kim Coles is quick to point out how ‘Living Single’ was more than just a show for Black people; it was a show about friendship and love in a multicultural world. While the characters on the show were deeply embedded in their Black identities, their lives reflected the diversity and complexity of the world around them.
3. The Power of Friendship and Community in ‘Living Single’
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of ‘Living Single’ was the portrayal of strong, supportive friendships—especially among women. The relationships between Khadijah, Maxine, Synclaire, and Regine were a central theme of the show, and they set the stage for future shows about friendship, such as ‘Sex and the City’.
Empowerment Through Friendship
Kim Coles explains that the relationships among the characters were integral in portraying a sense of community and empowerment. The women of ‘Living Single’ were not competing with each other for male attention or climbing over each other to get ahead in their careers. Instead, they were building each other up—whether in the workplace, in love, or in their personal lives.
Coles has often spoken about how her character Synclaire learned from her friends and how, together, they all grew. ‘Living Single’ challenged the traditional “catfight” trope often seen in TV shows about women and instead, offered a beautiful, empowering model of supportive female friendship.
4. Reflecting Reality: The Characters and Their Real-World Struggles
The characters on ‘Living Single’ were not immune to the struggles of life. They faced relationship challenges, financial issues, career dilemmas, and self-doubt. What set ‘Living Single’ apart was how it handled these struggles through the lens of humor, heart, and humanity.
The Authenticity of Black Lives
Kim Coles stresses that the show reflected real, relatable struggles that the characters were going through—no matter their race. The way ‘Living Single’ depicted the characters’ lives in a balanced, thoughtful, and entertaining way was a huge step forward in how Black life was portrayed on screen. Instead of focusing solely on hardships or stereotypes, ‘Living Single’ showed that Black people were multifaceted, not defined by their challenges.
5. The Legacy of ‘Living Single’: A Blueprint for Future TV
Kim Coles recognizes how ‘Living Single’ was a pivotal show in terms of representation, but she also acknowledges how much further the TV landscape has come since then. Today, shows like ‘Insecure’, ‘Atlanta’, and ‘Black-ish’ carry forward the same values of breaking down stereotypes, providing diverse narratives, and creating fully fleshed-out characters from all walks of life.
Inspiring New Generations of Creators
Kim Coles takes immense pride in knowing that ‘Living Single’ continues to inspire new generations of writers, actors, and showrunners. It served as a blueprint for many shows that followed, including shows featuring Black leads or characters, but it also set a high bar for authenticity and depth. As Coles herself notes, “We opened doors for stories that go beyond what people expect from Black people on TV.”
Conclusion: Breaking Boundaries and Changing TV Forever
Kim Coles’ role in ‘Living Single’ wasn’t just a job—it was a cultural milestone. The show was a trailblazer, challenging outdated stereotypes, offering a more holistic view of Black life, and showing how universal human experiences can transcend racial boundaries. ‘Living Single’ wasn’t just a “Black TV show”—it was a groundbreaking series that paved the way for more diverse, authentic storytelling on television.
Today, as we look at modern TV shows that continue to push the boundaries of representation, we can thank shows like ‘Living Single’ and performers like Kim Coles for helping to break the mold and show the world that Black stories matter—stories that are funny, relatable, and filled with depth.
