Greg Braxton, LOS ANGELES TIMES
LOS ANGELES (L.A. Times)—ABC is placing big expectations on its new fall comedy with a certain small letter in its title: “black-ish.”
The half-hour series, which premieres Sept. 24, is centered on an African American family that moves to an upper-class, predominantly white neighborhood. Comedic frustrations ensue, in no small part from Andre “Dre” Johnson (Anthony Anderson), who wants to make sure his children maintain a sense of cultural identity.
Appearing in the series along with Anderson, who is one of the executive producers, are Tracee Ellis Ross (“Girlfriends”) and Laurence Fishburne (“The Matrix,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”).
“Black-ish” has already achieved milestone status of sorts: It’s the first major broadcast network comedy in almost a decade to revolve solely around a black family. And ABC is so high on the series that it’s given it one of the most coveted spots on its schedule: behind the Emmy Award-winning “Modern Family.”
“I know we’re under a lot of pressure to do well,” said Kenya Barris, the creator of “black-ish.” “But things are going well — shockingly well. This cast is amazing and jelling in an amazing way. There is great chemistry, and this is a great family show, filled with heart and love.
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