Can someone tell me whatever happened to the quintessential African-American sitcom? I mean, it’s all but dead. Back in the day there seemed to be an abundance of funny programs with people of color. Aside from The Cosby Show, shows like The Jeffersons and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air come to mind. It seems things have undoubtedly changed. Still, there’s hope. With talk of funnyman Martin Lawrence returning to television with a brand new CBS sitcom, it got me to thinking about a classic situational comedy that ran on the Fox network when I was a kid — Martin.
Now, how many of you guys remember that show? To be honest, I don’t think there is a single person of color that doesn’t recall watching Martin. Perchance there are a few, but I sure haven’t encountered any. Today I’m feeling a bit like Minnie Riperton which means I’m heading back down memory lane. For those of you who need a bit of a crash course, Martin ran for five successful seasons in a comedy block on Fox that was essentially a more, um, colorful version of NBC’s Must See TV line-up. By colorful, I mean chocolate. (Insert laugh track!) The show centered on the comedian’s fictional life as a trash talking disc jockey in Detroit. His girlfriend, and later wife, Gina, played to perfection by funny actress Tisha Campbell-Martin, was an advertising executive, and usually was there to keep Martin down to earth. However, it was soon proven that Gina could be just as funny as Lawrence.
Take a moment to search YouTube for the episode where Gina gets her head caught in the bedpost. While you’re at it, find the one when Gina crashes Martin’s high school reunion after visiting the dentist. You’ll see what I mean.
Other capable cast members included Tichina Arnold as Gina’s feisty weave-wearing friend Pam, Carl Anthony Payne, II as dimwitted Cole, and Thomas Mikal Ford as Tommy, Martin’s calm, and hilariously unemployed, best friend. It was never a question whether hilarity would ensue on the show. Hilarity just did — especially when Martin played one of his signature over-the-top characters. While there were a slew of them ranging from jive-talking pimp Jerome to over-the-hill security officer Otis, my personal favorite was ghetto-fabulous Sheneneh Jenkins, Lawrence in drag with a brown strip to hide his mustache. Her one liners — “I’m a laaaady!” and “Oh, my goot-nass!” were a riot. Even though she was my favorite, Mama Payne was always a close second. The scene with her reacting to learning that her pet parrot had died ranks as one of the funniest scenes I’ve ever seen on television … and I’ve seen a lot of damn TV.
You know, the wonderful thing about Martin was that it was really just sheer bliss. While there have been some individuals that yearn for the good clean humor of the Huxtables and the valuable life lessons that Cliff and Claire undoubtedly dished out, Martin never really took itself too seriously. It was a welcome relief from the ordinary. Perhaps that’s why it was frequently nominated for NAACP Image Awards. Who knows? For me, it was an escape from the day to day troubles of the world. You knew that when you watched it, you were going to laugh. It was a damn good way to unwind. Naturally, I’m sure you can imagine my delight when the series was released on DVD when I made it to college. Oh, what a happy day that was.
So, will there ever be another Martin? Well, that remains to be seen. Who knows what Lawrence has in store for CBS? I’d like to be optimistic, but well, a series like his first one generally only rolls around once in a lifetime. Perchance it’s best we just treasure this jewel on DVD. Still, would it hurt to have a reunion special or something? Who do I need to contact to make this happen? Somebody get Sheneneh Jenkins on the phone! I’ll need her help rounding everyone back up!
Oh, my goot-nass!
Clacked by Jaylen Christie 
on May 01, 2012 @ 13:46 EST5EDT
MAAAARRRRTIIINNN!!!!! (I’m the man). When I saw this article, that was the first thing to pop in my head. Didn’t realize that was the theme for the last two seasons only. I don’t really remember specifics, but I remember it being consistantly funny, and I’ve always liked Martin Lawrence (other than Big Momma). I feel that if it had been in as heavy re-run rotation as Fresh Prince, it would be remembered better.
Sounds weird to say, but even as a white guy, I miss some of the black sitcoms. It’s usually a different perspective than you would get from a sitcom that may have a black character in it. Since I better remember Fresh Prince, I’ll say that things like the Banks’ trying to stay rooted while living in Bel-Air was an interesting topic in the episodes where it came up, especially as it pertained to their children.
I will confess that I don’t know if any of the TBS/Tyler Perry sitcoms bring some similar elements to their show. Those shows just look terrible, and I’ve never seen them.
“Still, would it hurt to have a reunion special or something? Who do I need to contact to make this happen?” – Netflix seems to be giving out slivers of hope to fanbases around the world these days.
*POST AUTHOR*
Thanks for reading, Stan! Listen, it doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, green or purple — Martin is a show that can be enjoyed by EVERYONE! Yes, the theme did change throughout the years. The first two seasons had the same theme. The third season had a brand new one, and then the final two had the one that we all identify with — “MAAAARTIN! I’M THE MAN!” lol Good times.
Yes, I miss some of the quality Black sitcoms too, Stan. I don’t want to knock Tyler Perry or TBS. I mean, I think they are doing the best that they can…but I yearn for something a bit more interesting… something that’s on primetime. Why isn’t there a black sitcom on any of the major networks? Now, there’s a question worth pondering!
Oh, my goot-nass! I loved this show and thoroughly enjoy watching the reruns. Martin and the cast was hillarious!!! I wish they would do a reunion and you can be assured that everyone would have their eyes clued to their TV. One of my favorite episodes was when Gina killed Ms. Payne’s parrot. It was so……..funny. Martin did a great job portraying Ms. Payne.
Keep up the great work, Jay. I always enjoying reading your articles. Keep on clacking.