Allow me to introduce #ToThe9 where I provide a list of 9 things that are beloved by me.

Most people would give you their Top 10, Top 5 or Top 3 but yeah, I'm different.

No. 9 - Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015 - )

There are three reasons I like this shows: Titus Andromenon, Lillian & Jacqueline. Kimmy is cool, her outlook on life is refreshing but Titus, Lillian and Jacqueline give me what I need. Titus is the roommate I would have love to have had in my college days, singing and cassette tapes in all. The theme song “Unbreakable (They’re Alive Dammit)” receives three and quarter stars on the Star Search scale.

No. 8 - The Wayans Bros. (1995-1999)

One of the many shows I loved to watch during those teen years. Marlon’s antics and Shawn’s patience are awesome. Paula Jai Parker was on there for a season or two. I remember this show was a part of the original UPN lineup. The Wayans Brothers, shoot the whole family, cannot go wrong with the comedy, well except for Lil Man. The original theme song was A Tribe Called Quest’s Electric Relaxation but everyone knows “We’re brothers. We’re happy, and we’re colored. Give me a high five. Cut and print. Beautiful, guys…” so it receives three and half stars on the Star Search Scale.

No 7. Girlfriends (2000-2008)

Another UPN classic. A spin-off of The Game (before it’s untimely death on BET) follows the life of Joan, Toni, Maya and Lena. I would watch this show faithfully during college. In my mind, I thought I was Joan but my friends swear before cheese and crackers that I am Lena. *kanye shrug* Girlfriends was like a relatable (better) version of Sex in the City. The theme song receives two stars on the Star Search scale. There’s something about Angie Stone that bothers me. I have not figure it out.

No 6. - Survivor’s Remorse (2014- )

Mary Charles. Mary Charles. Mary Charles. Erica Ash’s character, Mary Charles “M-Chuck” Calloway is the big sister I wish I had. Yes, she’s abrasive, blunt and very honest about herself and other people but there’s a vulnerability in M-Chuck that I can appreciate. Mike Epps as Uncle Julius was hella funny too but his character went on to glory. Hallelou. Survivor’s Remorse does not have a theme song.

No. 5 - Daria (1997-2002)

From the very first time I watched an episode of Daria in 1997, I knew that Daria was my soul sister. Yes, she is a cartoon so judge me not. Her Mojave Desert sense of humor, her snarky and on-time comments and her f**k it attitude warmed my heart. When I found the series on Amazon, I immediately purchased it with no hesitation. Matter of fact, let me turn it on as I write the rest of this list. The theme song “You’re Standing On My Neck” receives three stars on the Star Search scale.

No. 4 - Living Single (1993-1998)

The predecessor to Mara B. Akil’s Girlfriends. I was in middle school when Living Single first aired and did not really understand the nuances and dynamics of the relationships among the Khadijah, Synclaire, Kyle, Regine, Obie and Maxine. All I knew, and still know, Maxine Shaw Attorney at Law is another soul sister for me. Unfortunately, the full series is not currently available for purchase, just the first season. *sigh* The theme song “We Are Living Single” receives three and quarters stars.

No. 3 - Martin (1992-1997)

Applehead. Muscle butt. BeeDeeBees. Weavy Wonder. Brotha Man from the Fif Floor. Jerome. Wzup!!! Forever Sheneneh. Enough said. The theme song receives three stars.

No. 2 - The Boondocks (2004-2010)

Season one through season three are the only seasons I acknowledge. Season four does not exist in my mind. It was a figment of someone’s imagination. Huey P. Freeman is my conscious soul brother. I was happy to see my favorite comic strip turned into a television show. The wait between seasons was worth it. I wish the show would have introduce Cesar though. The theme song receives three and half stars. Chop chop, judo flip.

No. 1 - A Different World (1987-1993)

On The Cosby Show, Denise was going off to college to Cliff and Claire Huxtable’s alma mater, Hillman College. I always wondered how Denise got into college because she did not have good grades and too free-spirited. A Different World helps solidify the fact that I was going to attend an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). I really did look for the real life Hillman College. Only to find out that Hillman is based off the AU (Spelman, Morehouse, Clark-Atlanta). Of course, Whitley and Freddie are my favorite couple. Marion Gilbert is my favorite mother. Oh, Dean Dorothy Dandridge Davenport will always and forever be on…my…list! I can watch all six seasons easily.

Until next time... *besos* L.A.

Originally Published on August 5, 2016

#ToThe9 Television Shows I Rewatch Completely