The importance of Everybody Hates Chris and how it still resonates with many
The four-year stint of the infamous comedy show unapologetically celebrated Black culture whilst tackling sensitive topics.
The resurgence of Black American Sitcoms during the early 2000s was a moment that will live long in the memory. Shows like The Bernie Mac Show, My wife and Kids and One on One, set the pace for the new era of TV catered mainly for Black audiences.
Everybody Hates Chris played a pivotal role in keeping the resurgence alive. Loosely based on the real-life experiences of decorated comedian, Chris Julius Rock, the show somewhat depicts his childhood in the crime-ridden neighbourhood, Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), located in Brooklyn. Premiering on September 22nd 2005, it instantly garnered praise and positive acknowledge.
Everybody hates Chris, even with its few likelinesses to counterpart, My wife and kids, stands out due to its relatable topics, firmly placing it in a league of its own. The show is deemed one of the best Black sitcoms during the mid-2000s. Chris, played by Tyler James Williams, is a nerdy outcast who attended a predominantly white school (Corleone Junior High school) in hopes of gaining a better education, simultaneously forming a strong alliance with Greg (Vincent Martella).
Greg – like Chris – is also an outcast, who lives vicariously through Chris’ out-of-school antics. However, Chris always received unwanted attention because of the colour of his skin.
Sadly, around the world, Black people have been and still are victims of racism — with the countless protest and campaigns — it is not fading away. On the show, it’s fair to say that there are a few exaggerated scenes for reaction purposes, but with the decade it is set in, they are not inconceivable scenarios. Chris was unfairly treated, stereotyped and bullied due to the colour of his skin, with most of the actions done by the main antagonist, Joey Caruso (Travis T. Flory). Caruso made it his obligation to ruin Chris’ day any chance he got.
On top of that, a large majority of the racism came from his naive Junior High teacher, Ms Morello (Jacqueline Mazarella). As odd as it may sound, there was no ill intent in her comments, as she had a soft spot for Chris and wanted him to succeed.
Chris Rock was born on February 7th 1965, so when he announced that he turned 13-years-old in 1982 during S1 Ep1, you should know that the maths do not add up. Rock decided to set the show in the 80s instead of the 70s as he believed the period was overused with other shows. Another change was the size of his family, with Chris only having two siblings on the show but six in reality — Chris being the eldest out of the seven, matching his status as the most senior on the show. As mentioned previously, there are similarities between Everybody hates Chris and My Wife and Kids; however, the main difference is their way of life, with the Kyle’s being an upper-middle class family, whereas the Rock family were in the working class contingent.
The family includes parents Julius (Terry Crews) and Rochelle (Tichina Arnold) and younger siblings Drew (Tequan Richmond) and Tonya (Imani Hakim). As history shows, a sitcom is not complete without a somewhat dysfunctional family. The other side of the coin shows how much they all care, love and appreciate one another.
The personalities of each character are very distinctive, none more noticeable and meme-worthy than Julius.
As the man of the house, there was a lot he had to deal with, being the additional breadwinner. Julius was hard-working with the skill of calculating every bit of food used or wasted in seconds – word to big Shaq – quick maths. Julius was effectively a human calculator did all he could to food on the table and spend when he felt necessary – avoiding the latter as much as possible. As Chris was the eldest, Julius taught him how to be a man.
Growing up in a working-class family took a toll on Chris. As many with the same upbringing could relate to, it forced him to mature much earlier than he expected, bringing unavoidable stress. He constantly had to play the perfect role model to his siblings, one of a few things weighing him down; yet, he was still able to find some escapism to distract him from the daily struggles.
It’s the norm for TV shows to create a tight-knit community — one with a local shop, hair salon/ barber and quite commonly, a local pub. The show implemented the community element well, to the point where they could speak about their personal lives. The two locals that have provided us with funny moments are the homeless Martial Arts lover, Kill Moves and the neighbourhood dollar-grabbing, Jerome. For decades, almost unbreakable bonds have formed within the Black community and you may know or know of individuals that have a role in their communities’ identity, no matter how big or small.
The final season of the coming-of-age show was full of expectations. Chris was finally in High School (Tattaglia High School) and creating new situation-ships with his nerdy-but-loveable charm. Of course, season 4 wouldn’t be complete with a racist teacher and that role was taken by Mr Thurman (Paul Ben-Victor). Battling his personal and school life wouldn’t get any easier as he was dealt with a consequence, repeating a school year and later choosing to drop out.
The decision to drop out was a blessing in disguise. Rock is now labelled as one of the best comics to grace a mic. He was inspired by the late great, Richard Pryor and we are provided with a wholesome scene in season 3, when Chris discovers the man that sparked his interest in stand-up comedy.
Not leaving empty-handed, Rock went on to obtain his GED (general education diploma), which was the case in reality. Although the final episode left us on a Sopranos-inspired cliffhanger, the events that commence after are known to all, including the unfortunate passing of his father. Chris began to tour the comedy circuit in his late teens, with one night changing his life forever. Whilst performing in New York City, he was scouted by none other than Eddie Murphy, who provided him with his debut movie role in Beverly Hills Cops II and the rest, as they say, is history.
Three Grammys, four Emmys and many live shows later, Chris Rock has cemented his place into the elites of comedy.
Rock has dedicated most of his life to making people laugh, with some appreciating and others slapping it out of him; however, the latter shouldn’t be what he is known for from now on. He is an icon and deserves the respect he gets. Without him, there wouldn’t be Everybody Hates Chris and I wouldn’t be writing this.
Chris Rock. A legend in the game. Everybody Hates Chris. One the GOAT Black sitcoms.
