Amen (1986)
Sherman Hemsley leads this beloved NBC sitcom as a scene-stealing Philadelphia church deacon across five spirited seasons.
Amen - Series Information
- Original Title: Amen
- First Air Year: 1986
- Last Air Year: 1991
- Created by: Ed. Weinberger
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 110
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 27, 1986 (United States - TV-G)
- Networks: NBC
- Production Countries: United States of America
Amen - Plot
Amen is an American television sitcom produced by Carson Productions that ran from September 27, 1986 to May 11, 1991 on NBC. Set in Sherman Hemsley's real-life hometown of Philadelphia, Amen stars Hemsley as the deacon of a church and was part of a wave of successful sitcoms on NBC in the 1980s which featured entirely or almost-entirely black casts. Others included The Cosby Show, A Different World, and 227.
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Amen - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ed. Weinberger
Main Cast
- Sherman Hemsley
- Clifton Davis
- Anna Maria Horsford
- Roz Ryan
- Jester Hairston
- Barbara Montgomery
- Tony T. Johnson
- Elsa Raven
- Bumper Robinson
- Rosetta LeNoire
Writers
- Eric Cohen
- David Lloyd
- Peter Noah
- Jace Richdale
- James R. Stein
Amen - FAQs
What is Amen the TV series about?
Amen centers on Deacon Ernest Frye, a sharp-tongued, self-important deacon at a Philadelphia church. Played by Sherman Hemsley, Frye navigates church politics, family dynamics, and romantic entanglements alongside Reverend Reuben Gregory and a colorful congregation of recurring characters.
Who are the main cast members of Amen?
The ensemble features Sherman Hemsley as Deacon Ernest Frye, Clifton Davis as Reverend Reuben Gregory, Anna Maria Horsford as Thelma Frye, Roz Ryan as Amelia Hetabrink, Jester Hairston as Rolly Forbes, Barbara Montgomery as Casietta Hetebrink, and Bumper Robinson as Clarence, among others.
How many seasons does Amen have?
Amen ran for five seasons on NBC, totaling 110 episodes. Season 1 had 22 episodes, Season 2 had 21, Season 3 had 22, Season 4 had 23, and Season 5 wrapped the series with 22 episodes, concluding in May 1991.
When did Amen first air on NBC?
Amen premiered on NBC on September 27, 1986, and ran until May 11, 1991. It was part of NBC's dominant Saturday night lineup during the late 1980s, a period when the network dominated primetime television with its celebrated Black-cast sitcoms.
Was Amen part of NBC's 1980s Black sitcom wave?
Absolutely. Amen was a proud member of NBC's remarkable 1980s lineup of Black-cast sitcoms, sharing the era with The Cosby Show, A Different World, and 227. Together, these shows represented a landmark moment in American television, bringing Black family life and culture to mainstream primetime audiences.
Where was Amen set and filmed?
Amen is set in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — the real-life hometown of star Sherman Hemsley. The show's church-community setting gave it a warm, neighborhood feel rooted in urban Black culture, though like most sitcoms of its era, it was produced on studio soundstages in Los Angeles.
What is the content rating for Amen?
Amen carries a TV-G rating, making it one of the most family-friendly sitcoms of its era. Its clean humor, faith-based setting, and wholesome storylines made it suitable for viewers of all ages, and it remains a safe, enjoyable watch for families today.
Where can viewers watch Amen today?
Streaming availability for Amen varies by region and platform. For the most current and complete list of viewing options — including streaming, rental, and purchase — check JustWatch, which tracks real-time availability across all major platforms in your area.
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