ABC’s hit sitcom “Black-ish” has been known to handle serious issues with humor since its premiere in September 2014 — and Wednesday’s episode was no exception.
The latest installment of the show starring Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis, Ross Yara Shahidi and Laurence Fishburne titled “Hope” dealt with the topical and controversial issue of police brutality, and inevitably sparked strong reactions on social media.
It took place almost entirely in the Johnson family’s living room as they watch the news and wait for a grand jury’s decision regarding a fictional police brutality case, while debating how much they are going to tell their children about it.
“Can we please not freak the kids out without giving justice a chance to be served?” asks Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson (Ross). “The evidence in this case is pretty clear.”
“At some point, whether we like it or not, our kids are going to ask [hard] questions that we have to answer,” says her husband, Dre (Anderson).
The conversation mirrored those between real-life families across America following the deaths of Freddie Gray, Michael Brown, Eric Garner and other African Americans.
“#blackish was on point tonight! Powerful episode talking about things most shows would be afraid to tackle,” one Twitter user wrote.
Another viewer called it “television gold,” while a third said: “What an important episode of #blackish tonight. Addressing such an important, vital issue in our country today.”
“Black-ish” airs Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. on ABC.
See the tweets below.
"Is anyone going to explain to us what's happening?" – Diane #blackishhttps://t.co/OyvzCc3LLx
— black-ish (@blackishabc) February 25, 2016
#blackish was on point tonight! Powerful episode talking about things most shows would be afraid to tackle. #truth
— Eric Kallenborn (@comics_teacher) February 25, 2016
"@black_ishABC: "If you're asking us to lie to Jack and Diane… I can't support you on that." – Pops #blackishhttps://t.co/7jnMul0niA"🍴🍌
— Maureen 🌴🏖 ✍🏾😷🖖🏾 (@Maureen2) February 25, 2016
And with that, there's goosebumps and tears. Bravo @black_ishABC @TraceeEllisRoss @anthonyanderson
— Shevaun Bryan (@shevaun_bryan) February 25, 2016
This scene on #blackish was television gold pic.twitter.com/ftxMbU2eqZ
— Gary (@CatchGifUCan) February 25, 2016
This scene was so real #blackish pic.twitter.com/Tif57a8QvH
— Jaie (@_ohhmyJaie) February 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/crawford_joshua/status/702696041452314624
#Blackish is 21st century representation. #freedom
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) February 25, 2016
Anthony Anderson just had the realest moment I've ever seen on TV. I was scared when Barack & Michelle got out that limo. #blackish
— Carron J. Phillips (@carronJphillips) February 25, 2016
The debate is – when do we have the "Talk"? #blackish pic.twitter.com/r6c8rGYS5v
— Sons & Brothers (@sonsandbros) February 25, 2016
What an important episode of #blackish tonight. Addressing such an important, vital issue in our country today.
— Thomas Sanders (@ThomasSanders) February 25, 2016
I love how #blackish uses each family member to show the different opinions the black community has on these tough topics…
— Sylvia (@SylviaObell) February 25, 2016
"They're not just children, they're black children." This #blackish episode is soo necessary. All truth, straight facts! #BHM
— xoNecole (@xonecole) February 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/YaraShahidi/status/702683171737829376
https://twitter.com/_deathtoHYPE/status/702682418004652032
We’re tackling an important topic tonight and you dont want to miss it. I promise you. Tune in! #blackish pic.twitter.com/wrGDnFOH8y
— Anthony Anderson (@anthonyanderson) February 25, 2016