Living Single
Living Single
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Living Single focuses on the strength of friendship and pursuit of romance. The show includes fairly strong sexual innuendo and at times makes clear (but not graphic) references to sex. While most of this will likely go over the head of younger viewers, parents should exercise caution. Parents should also know that this show celebrates African-American culture and community and the importance of accepting racial and ethnic differences.
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What's the Story?
LIVING SINGLE is a sitcom about a group of young, upwardly mobile African-American twenty- and thirty-somethings who support each other as they build successful lives in Brooklyn, New York. Khadijah James (Queen Latifah) is the editor-in-chief of an up-and-coming urban magazine called Flavor; she shares a brownstone with her Troll doll-loving cousin, aspiring actress Synclair (Kim Coles); and her childhood friend, the image-conscious, boutique-buying Regine (Kim Fields, best known as Tootie on The Facts of Life). Rounding out the ensemble are Khadijah's best friend, attorney Maxine (Erika Alexander), a constant visitor who thinks nothing of mooching off of the trio; Kyle (TC Carson), a Wall Street funds broker; and Overton (John Carson), the tool-loving building superintendent. Khadijah continuously struggles between finding love and supporting the magazine, while Regine attempts to move beyond her working-class background. Sexual tension between Maxine and Kyle leads to five years of constant sparring, and Maxine struggles between pursuing her legal career and pursuing motherhood by way of a sperm donor.
Is It Any Good?
This series is not only entertaining, but also about African-American pride. While there's no shortage of "yo momma" jokes, this circle of friends not only finds strength in each other, but in their place within the African-American community. As a result, the series provides much-needed positive messages about diversity and multicultural acceptance and makes the show even more worth watching. Despite all of Living Single's positive messages and strong humor, its characters' active love lives and penchant for innuendo makes it best for teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance and strength of friendship as a support system. Why is it so important to have supportive friends? Who do you depend on for support when you're facing a challenge?
Families can also talk about the importance of diversity. What can we learn by gaining an understanding of others' cultural and racial heritage? What elements of your own culture can you celebrate?
TV Details
- Premiere date: August 29, 1993
- Cast: Erika Alexander, Kim Fields, Queen Latifah
- Network: Oxygen
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 11, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Cute sitcom; meant for older teens.
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Fresh comedy about an awkward, amorous 20-something.
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