25 of the Best Black Sitcoms Ever — and Where to Watch Them

Different Strokes follows the lives of African-American brothers Arnold (Gary Coleman) and Willis (Todd Bridges). After their mother dies, they are taken in by her employers, the Drummonds, a wealthy white couple and their teenaged daughter.

Although a comedy, the show addresses heavy topics such as interracial families, race relations, the class system, drug use, sexual assault, and more. The series aired for nine seasons and spawned the spinoff The Facts of Life.

Fun fact: Janet Jackson stars as a recurring character throughout three seasons!

Where to watch: Amazon, iTunes