Black Families Shown Thriving in Suburban Settings

For a long time, Black families were rarely shown living in suburban neighborhoods on TV and in movies. Now, these stories are much more common and are often a central part of popular shows and films. These depictions frequently explore themes of career achievement, owning a home, and the challenges and rewards of balancing cultural identity with life in mostly white or wealthy communities. By showing everyday life in these neighborhoods, these productions offer a look at the diverse experiences within the Black middle and upper classes. Here’s a list of movies and TV shows that portray Black families successfully living suburban lives.

‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)

After growing up in Philadelphia, Will Smith moves in with his affluent aunt and uncle in the exclusive Bel-Air neighborhood. His Uncle Phil is a judge and Aunt Vivian a professor, offering a privileged upbringing to their children. The show humorously contrasts Will’s down-to-earth upbringing with the Banks family’s wealthy, suburban lifestyle. It’s celebrated for showcasing the diversity within the Black community, focusing on success and professional life, and remains a memorable portrayal of a thriving Black family.

‘Black-ish’ (2014–2022)

Dre and Rainbow Johnson are a successful professional couple raising their five children in a well-to-do suburb of Southern California. Dre works in advertising, and Rainbow is a doctor. The show centers on Dre’s efforts to keep his cultural background alive while navigating life in a mostly white community. It uses humor to explore important issues related to race and society, all within the lively, multi-generational setting of the Johnson family home.

‘Family Matters’ (1989–1998)

The Winslows are a typical family living in the suburbs of Chicago. Carl is a police officer, and Harriette works in management. Their home is also shared with Carl’s mother, and later, their quirky neighbor, Steve Urkel. The show focuses on the everyday lives and challenges faced by this loving family and their community. It was a popular 1990s sitcom known for its positive depiction of family life and the stability of suburban neighborhoods, highlighting the importance of strong family bonds.

‘My Wife and Kids’ (2001–2005)

Michael Kyle is a hardworking entrepreneur who owns a trucking company and lives with his family in a beautiful suburban home in Connecticut. He and his wife, Jay, navigate the ups and downs of raising their three children using a blend of humor and firm guidance. The show highlights Michael’s commitment to a classic family life, even as his kids face today’s challenges. It’s a relatable and positive portrayal of a successful Black family enjoying a comfortable, upper-middle-class lifestyle, and showcases the rewards of their hard work through their home and the life they’ve built.

‘The Bernie Mac Show’ (2001–2006)

Bernie Mac plays a version of himself in this show, taking on the unexpected role of guardian to his sister’s three children. Along with his successful wife, Wanda, he adjusts to family life in a comfortable Los Angeles suburb. The show humorously explores Bernie’s attempts to raise the kids, balancing discipline with providing them a good life, and how he adapts from a fast-paced celebrity lifestyle to a more settled, suburban routine.

‘Bel-Air’ (2022–present)

This new take on the beloved sitcom tells the story of Will Smith’s move from West Philadelphia to the wealthy community of Bel-Air. The Banks family is now a powerful and modern couple – Philip is a politician, and Vivian is a successful artist. They live a life of luxury and influence on a large estate. The show examines how the family navigates challenges both within themselves and from the outside world, while also showcasing Black success and achievement at a high social level.

‘Our Kind of People’ (2021–2022)

This series is set in Oak Bluffs, a historic and wealthy Black community on Martha’s Vineyard. It centers around a single mother who relocates her family there, immersing them in a world of established, powerful families. The show explores the intricate social dynamics and ambitious businesses of these elite residents, portraying a thriving resort community where Black success is the norm. It celebrates the long-standing traditions and achievements of affluent Black families in this unique neighborhood.

‘The Neighborhood’ (2018–present)

Dave and Gemma Johnson relocate from the Midwest to a Black neighborhood in Pasadena, California, becoming neighbors with Calvin and Tina Butler, a long-established and respected family on the block. The show follows the developing friendship and cultural connections between these two families as they navigate life in a close-knit, suburban community. A key focus is the importance of homeownership and successful local businesses to the families who live there, with the Butlers embodying a family that has achieved comfort and influence through years of dedication to their neighborhood.

‘All American’ (2018–present)

Okay, so the show starts with our main character, Spencer James, living in South Central L.A., but it quickly moves to Beverly Hills, and that’s where most of the action happens. He ends up living with the Bakers – the dad’s a football coach, the mom’s a lawyer, and they’re seriously well-off. Their house is amazing, and honestly, it really sets the stage for all the drama. The show really dives into what it’s like to navigate that world of privilege and the intense pressure that comes with it. They’re a family that’s totally embedded in that whole Southern California elite suburban lifestyle, and it’s a big part of what the series is about.

‘Run’s House’ (2005–2009)

I’m a big fan of this show! It follows Rev Run, the legendary rapper, and his whole family as they navigate life in their amazing New Jersey home. What I love most is seeing how they balance all the luxury with really strong family values and faith. Rev Run is so insightful, always sharing lessons from his music career and how he approaches being a dad. It’s just cool to see a successful Black family thriving in a fancy suburban area, and how they manage everything – their careers, their public image, and keeping things stable at home.

‘This Is Us’ (2016–2022)

Randall Pearson is a successful businessman who lives with his wife, Beth, and their daughters in a comfortable New Jersey suburb. Beth is a professional dancer, and together they’ve created a home life built on emotional understanding and financial security. This suburban setting is important to Randall, as he strives to provide a stable life for his family. The show depicts their home as a safe and nurturing place where they grow, resolve conflicts, and achieve their career goals, highlighting the strength of their relationship and their comfortable lifestyle.

‘The Boondocks’ (2005–2014)

I absolutely love this show! It centers around Huey and Riley, two brothers who relocate from the busy city of Chicago to the super-organized suburb of Woodcrest with their grandfather, Robert. He just wants a peaceful life, and his house is perfect for it. It’s funny because Woodcrest is so different from where the boys grew up, it’s a really nice, well-to-do neighborhood. What I think is brilliant is how the show uses that contrast to poke fun at American culture and the way we talk about race. It’s a family that’s made it financially, and it explores what that means when you’re living in a place like that.

‘Guess Who’ (2005)

The film centers on Percy and Marilyn Jones, who welcome their daughter and her boyfriend to their beautiful New Jersey home for a weekend celebration of their parents’ vow renewal. Percy, a successful banker, is very proud of the life he’s created for his family and is protective of them. The story explores the tensions that surface during this gathering, highlighting the family’s achievements and comfortable lifestyle, which are a testament to Percy’s hard work and success.

‘Are We There Yet?’ (2010–2013)

As a big fan of the original film, I’ve been enjoying the TV series! It centers around Nick and Suzanne as they try to combine their families and build a life in a lovely Connecticut suburb. It’s really relatable watching Nick figure out how to be a stepfather, while Suzanne balances her career and everything that comes with running a home. They’ve got a beautiful house and are really involved in the local community – school events, neighborhood activities, the whole nine yards. What I love most is that it feels authentic; it’s a really positive portrayal of a modern Black family finding their place and succeeding in the suburbs, and how they make a blended family work in a typical neighborhood.

‘Mixed-ish’ (2019–2021)

This series is a prequel to ‘Black-ish,’ telling the story of Rainbow Johnson’s childhood. It follows her family’s move from a communal living situation to a typical suburban neighborhood in the 1980s. Her parents, Paul and Alicia, work hard to create a stable home life – Alicia balancing a corporate law career – as they adjust to suburban life and the social norms of the time. The show explores the ups and downs of a family finding their footing in a more traditional setting, and Alicia’s early career journey as they build a successful life.

‘The Wonder Years’ (2021–2023)

This new series takes place in the late 1960s and follows the Williams family living in Montgomery, Alabama. We see Dean, a middle schooler, as he grows up with his father, Bill, a professor and musician, and his mother, Lillian, an accountant. The family lives in a close-knit, secure, and successful Black neighborhood. The show celebrates their strength and happiness during a time of great change in American history, portraying a vibrant family life amidst the Civil Rights movement.

‘Reed Between the Lines’ (2011)

Dr. Carla Reed is a psychologist, and her husband, Alex, is a college professor. Together, they’re raising their three children in a supportive and intellectually rich home in the Atlanta suburbs. The series follows their lives as they juggle demanding careers with a happy and fulfilling family life. It showcases a successful Black couple who are thriving both professionally and personally, and who make their family’s well-being a top priority. The show highlights the value of open communication and education within a successful family.

‘The Hughleys’ (1998–2002)

Darryl Hughley and his family make a big change, moving from the city to the mostly white suburbs of West Hills, bringing with them his thriving vending machine business. The show follows Darryl and his wife, Yvonne, as they navigate their new surroundings and raise their two children in a larger home. It explores Darryl’s worries about holding onto his culture in a wealthier, more residential area, but ultimately shows the family finding happiness, security, and a sense of community. The series focuses on what it’s like for a self-made entrepreneur to adjust to suburban life.

‘Almost Christmas’ (2016)

Every year, the Meyer family comes together for the holidays at the home of their father, Walter, in a peaceful Birmingham suburb. Walter, who used to work in the auto industry, welcomes his four grown children, each successful in their own careers. The story unfolds in their spacious and comfortable family home, highlighting the values of hard work and the importance of staying connected to their family and community. This house symbolizes everything Walter has worked for throughout his life to give his children a stable and fulfilling future.

‘Instant Mom’ (2013–2015)

After Stephanie marries Charlie, she quickly finds herself a stepmother to his three children. They settle into a comfortable life in the suburbs, where Stephanie tries to juggle her social life with the demands of family life. Charlie offers a secure and successful home for everyone. The show follows their funny experiences as they navigate the ups and downs of modern parenting and blended family life, all while pursuing their careers and building a strong, happy family in an affluent community.

Tell us which of these suburban families is your favorite to watch in the comments.

2026-01-25 04:17