“Everybody Hates Chris is for black people.” This is like saying swimming pools are for wet people. Everybody Hates Chris is great TV! If not for the CW’s utter disdain for sitcoms, EHC would be coming back for a fifth season of solid stories, compelling characters and dynamic narration. What does the CW stand for anyway? Counter Wit? The network that Couldn’t/Wouldn’t support shows focused on fast and funny fiction finds itself with zero ½-hour shows in their 10 hours of primetime programming.
They blame ratings.
If you do not know the show, I blame you.
I understand your skin color can be a large part of your identity. Don’t let it define your imagination. Do not stop yourself from relating to those you will never be able to be like. Has 1991’s bodacious movie Switch taught us nothing? Switch showcases a sizzling Ellen Barkin with the soul of a Stud. Perry King goes from misogynist to egalitarian just by taking a few walks inside Barkin’s sexy, skin suitcase.
Chris Rock’s life serves as a diving board into the many facets of American life in the 1980s. First job, first crush, first car, I can understand why you feel you need to be black to understand that stuff. What would Wayne say? “NOT!”
There is one thing about the show I find more than lacking: the title. I think ”Everybody Hates Chris” was a reactionary choice targeting Everybody Loves Raymond. I believe this because there is absolutely no reason for everybody to hate the main character of this show. He is a bumbler, yes. He often has to do what he doesn’t want to do, and this makes him less than heroic. But he is far from hate-worthy. If the producers wanted a more appropriate copycat name they should have gone with The Blunder Years.
If it isn’t already obvious: I highly encourage you to add EHC to your Netflix list. You’ll quickly see why “Everybody Hates Chris is for black people” is a phrase most at home up the rectum.
