Black comedians on television

Black Comedians on Television

Black comedians on television

Several stand-up comedians augment their center-stage solo acts with headlining soundstage ensembles. Who's among the most famous? In celebration of Black History Month, we highlight black stand-up comics who had TV shows in prime time.

Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx

Redd Foxx, born with this name, became a household name portraying the cantankerous junk dealer in a famous section of Los Angeles

Flip Wilson

Flip Wilson

Flip Wilson, born with this name, and his alter ego held their own in the heyday of the prime-time variety show.

Mo'Nique

Mo'Nique

In this sitcom's spin-off, Mo'Nique turned her breakthrough portrayal of a lovesick, nontraditional college student into Hollywood gold

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby became a cultural icon as America's favorite dad and his on-screen wife, a modern-day mother with a career.


Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence

Martin Lawrence located his single-but-committed disc jockey character in a struggling American city

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes tried to make her fictionalized alter ego, a stand-up comic-turned-political correspondent, work without much success. But this young co-star continues to build her résumé on a legal drama.

D.L. Hughley

D.L. Hughley

D.L. Hughley and his on-screen wife portrayed a successful couple who moves their family into an upscale suburban community

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac

In a show inspired by his stand-up act, the late Bernie Mac and his on-screen wife played a childless couple who take custody of his troubled sister's three children.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle catapulted to international notoriety when he abruptly left his sketch comedy show and disappeared, eventually surfacing in this place

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor

Only four episodes of Richard Pryor's variety show aired after the network slotted the adult-oriented series against this popular sitcom and its spin-off.

Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey

Showcasing his signature look, Steve Harvey's funk legend-turned-high school teacher anchored the ensemble cast that included this breakout star.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx, born with this name, portrayed an aspiring musician from his actual hometown with a daytime gig at the Los Angeles hotel of relatives. Who knew his small-screen singing chops would lead to an Oscar-worthy performance

Chris Rock

Chris Rock

Chris Rock narrates this sitcom inspired by his teenage adventures in this neighborhood. This young actor  played the lead role.