Conceived by the creative genius Keenen Ivory Wayans, In Living Color burst onto the scene in 1990 with unparalleled impact. For five seasons, the show not only distinguished itself from its comedic predecessors, but it left an indelible mark on the landscape of television.
It undoubtedly shaped the trajectory of every comedy show that followed. Of course, SNL was around before and after In Living Color. But a show like MAD TV never makes the airways without the success that Wayans’ and his friends found in the early ’90s.
‘In Living Color’: The Start of Something Special
In 1988, Wayans found himself in discussions with executives from the newly established Fox Network. Fox was eager to bring distinctive and daring shows to the forefront of television. Impressed by Wayans’ work in I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, they entrusted him with full creative control of his own show. Something that didn’t happen back then, especially for black creators.
The pivotal factor in the show’s triumph lay in its ensemble cast. Emerging talents like Jim Carrey, Kim Coles, Tommy Davidson, David Alan Grier, Jamie Foxx, and the gifted Wayans siblings (Damon, Kim, Shawn, and Marlon) showcased on-set chemistry that seemed almost telepathic. Their synergy defied conventional explanation.
Reflecting on the cast during an appearance on HBO’s The Blacklist, Wayans expressed, “Everyone that Hollywood didn’t know what to do with, I knew what to do with.”
This eclectic mix of actors and comedians turned out to be the refreshing addition that Hollywood had been yearning for.
The Iconic Characters and Sketches
From the outset, each cast member’s distinctive pre-show introduction presented vibrant art in a chaotic yet exuberant manner. This celebrated individuality while hinting at a collective unity.
Characters like Tom & Tom, the Brothers Brothers, humorously delved into the dichotomy between the socially aware and the unaware. Homey D. Clown provided an ironic exploration of a Black man vehemently defending his self-respect, sometimes through unconventional means.
The ‘Hey Mon’ sketches offered Middle America a heightened glimpse into the lives of West Indian families navigating multiple jobs in the pursuit of the American dream. The show had a little bit of everything, while most importantly, having a lot of what nothing else on TV had.
In Living Color transcended mere sketch comedy; it became a cultural force, simultaneously shaping and commenting on the zeitgeist. A hybrid of The Richard Pryor Show, Soul Train, and Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack, the show served as a platform for hip-hop. It also fearlessly challenged social taboos and redefined the boundaries of television.
Even today, the enduring influence of In Living Color remains evident.
The former cast members have achieved box office success, earning prestigious awards like Grammy, Academy, and Tony Awards. The show’s impact is palpable, as seen in the homage paid by contemporary artists like Bruno Mars and Cardi B. The duo incorporated elements of its iconic intro in their music video for the hit song, “Finesse.”
Sadly, at the time of this writing, the show is not available to stream anywhere. A DVD box set is available, however, if you’re in the mood to relive the glory days of sketch comedy on television.
