The One Where Friends Ripped Off Living Single: Co-opting Black Women's Work
Living Single, a sitcom featuring six Black roommates in New York was a hit when it debuted on Fox in 1993. But in 1994, NBC created an eerily similar show with a white cast called Friends. They aired in direct competition, and the rest is history. We explore Living Single’s legacy and the repercussions of co-opting and devaluing the work of Black women.
Hearsay · Lark Lewis, Hilary Woodward, Jessica Baskerville, Kiara Pesante Haughton, Gaylynn Burroughs, NWLC, National Women's Law Center
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Show Notes
Living Single, a sitcom featuring six Black roommates in New York was a hit when it debuted on Fox in 1993. But in 1994, NBC created an eerily similar show with a white cast called Friends. They aired in direct competition, and the rest is history. We explore Living Single’s legacy and the repercussions of co-opting and devaluing the work of Black women.
Living Single vs. Friends: Erika Alexander Speaks Out: https://zora.medium.com/why-the-friends-vs-living-single-twitter-beef-really-matters-ce54d9559457
Erika Alexander says the 'Living Single' and 'Friends' needs 'a larger conversation': https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/erika-alexander-says-living-single-friends-needs-larger-conversation-rcna83757