The sitcom Black-ish has delighted fans since 2014, and with the announcement that the eighth season would be it's last, it's a good time to look back at how the characters have progressed through the years. While eldest daughter Zoey moved on after season five to star in her own spin-off series Grown-ish, the rest of the cast has remained pretty constant.
The show is praised for being funny while also delving into sociopolitical issues, particularly when it comes to social classes and race. While there are always comedic undertones, the series hasn't shied away from more serious topics, too. The strategy works, in large part due to the talented cast.
Janine
Janine is technically only a recurring character, but she makes a splash whenever she appears. However, it's usually not for pleasant reasons. She is the nosy neighbor who often makes passive racist remarks, even when she doesn't realize she's doing it (and sometimes when she does).
While she tries to be friendly, she always has an agenda. So, though her short scenes are often entertaining, she isn't the best character on the show.
Jack Johnson
Jackson "Jack" Johnson, played by Miles Brown, is the sweeter more naïve twin son. A self-professed nerd, he garners viewer sympathy because of how his twin sister often takes advantage of or talks down to him while he often seems blissfully unaware.
He doesn’t have as distinct a personality as the others, which makes him less memorable. Nonetheless, he's a sweet shining light amidst his more extroverted, loud, and emotional family members.
Andre Johnson, Jr.
It's really tough to dislike Andre, Jr., the eldest Johnson son who is played by Marcus Scribner. He is a kind, sweet soul who idolizes his mother and even took on the responsibility of helping out with his youngest baby brother Devante after moving back home.
Andre is goofy and unique, which doesn't necessarily make him unlikable. But his storylines are usually not as interesting as the other more layered characters on the show. And the fact that he put his parents through a lot by dropping out of college didn't sit well with some viewers.
Andre "Dre" Johnson
It might sound odd that the patriarch of the family Andre "Dre" Johnson, played by Anthony Anderson, isn't near the top of the list as one of the best characters.
Dre is egotistical, competitive, sometimes selfish, and can come across as preachy. His wife Bow has learned to sometimes just let him go on a rant or do what he wants because she knows he will eventually come around. And while he has his moments and is often at the center of every story, he can be overshadowed by the more subtle nature of his family members.
Earl "Pops" Johnson
It's impossible not to like a character played by the iconic Laurence Fishburne, and he does a wonderful job at portraying Dre's father who lives with the family in their lavish home. Earl is enjoying every last moment of his retirement, usually found sipping on some whiskey while reading the paper.
But when his family needs him, he is there to dole out advice or retell a wild story from his questionable past that might, or might not, be relevant. But Earl began as someone who was very emotionally closed off. Of all the characters, he has had the best arc and has changed the most, for the better.
Diane Johnson
The fact that there's something deeply troubling about Diane, played by Marsai Martin, is what makes her so interesting. Since Black-ish is a comedy, it's handled in a funny way, suggesting that Diane's interest in darkness is simply just a humorous quirk.
She is sarcastic, delivering some of the most noteworthy clapbacks on the series. She is clever, strong, and independent, wise beyond her years, both as a teenager and a school-aged child when the series began.
Mr. Leslie Stevens
What makes Dre.'s boss Mr. Stevens so interesting is that he has a clear implicit bias, often making racist remarks without realizing he's doing it. The personification of white privilege and obscene wealth, he uses his position to say whatever he wants, often unaware of the fact that he is being completely ignorant to others and the way working class people live. He's an exaggerated character, which is precisely what makes him so hilarious.
But digging deeper, Mr. Stevens is also an important character who brings to light how subtleties in conversations or actions are and can be, racist. While the intention is for the character to be ridiculous, a lot of what he says or does actually happens in real life. Peter Mackenzie does a wonderful job in the role, helping bring the character to life.
Charlie Telphy
Charlie is totally eccentric and downright weird, which is what makes him so appealing. He's different and makes no apologies for that. His not-so-subtle desires for his best friend Dre's wife Rainbow along with his constant fear that Diane is out to hurt him add to the ridiculousness of his character.
Played by Deon Cole, it's no surprise that Charlie also works on the spin-off series Grown-ish as the same character. It makes little sense that, in addition to holding down a full-time job at an advertising firm, he would also be the dean of a local university; especially considering he's easily the least intelligent person on the show. But the fact that he joined the cast of a spin-off series as well is a testament to how much fans like the character.
Rainbow "Bow" Johnson
Tracee Ellis Ross is brilliant as Dr. Rainbow "Bow" Johnson, which explains why she has been nominated multiple times for Emmys for the role. She is smart, goofy, and never afraid to tell anyone who will listen that she is a doctor.
What's great about Bow is that even though she is clearly the web that ties the family together and holds down the fort, she lets Dre think it's all about him. She's the polar opposite of Dre having grown up with a much different, more free-spirited lifestyle. While she is wealthy as an adult, she still hasn't lost touch with where she comes from.
Ruby Johnson
No matter what the scene or what's happening, Ruby need only walk on camera and utter a word or two and she elicits laughs. Ruby is a no-nonsense, deeply religious grandmother with an edge. If she doesn't like someone or what they are doing, she will tell them.
She is passionate about her race and supporting Black people and open about her exploits, not only as a young woman but also as a single divorcee. Jenifer Lewis is a talented professional and this role was tailor-made for her.