Living Single (1993)
The groundbreaking Fox sitcom that put six Black friends, a Brooklyn brownstone, and a whole lot of heart at the center of 1990s television.
Living Single - Series Information
- Original Title: Living Single
- First Air Year: 1993
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Created by: Yvette Lee Bowser
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (30 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 118
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 29, 1993 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: FOX
- Production Companies: SisterLee Productions, Warner Bros. Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Living Single - Plot
Living Single is an American television sitcom that aired for five seasons on the Fox network from August 22, 1993, to January 1, 1998. The show centered on the lives of six friends who share personal and professional experiences while living in a Brooklyn brownstone. Throughout its run, Living Single became one of the most popular African-American sitcoms of its era, ranking among the top five in African-American ratings in all five seasons. The series was produced by Yvette Lee Bowser's company, Sister Lee, in association with Warner Bros. Television. In contrast to the popularity of NBC's "Must See TV" on Thursday nights in the 1990s, many African American and Latino viewers flocked to Fox's Thursday night line-up of Martin, Living Single, and New York Undercover. In fact, these were the three highest-rated series among black households for the 1996–1997 season.
Where to Watch Living Single
Looking for where to watch Living Single?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Living Single - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Yvette Lee Bowser
Main Cast
- Queen Latifah
- Kim Coles
- Erika Alexander
- Terrence 'T.C.' Carson
- John Henton
- Kim Fields
- Mel Jackson
- Shaun Baker
- Bumper Robinson
- Khalil Kain
Writers
- Yvette Lee Bowser
- Roger S.H. Schulman
- Chris Sheridan
- Chuck Tatham
- Edward C. Evans
Living Single - FAQs
Where can you stream Living Single today?
Living Single is available to stream on Hulu and Philo. If you prefer to own it, the series can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Hulu remains the most accessible option for binge-watching all five seasons.
Did Living Single inspire the creation of Friends?
Many fans and critics have long argued that Living Single — which premiered in 1993, a full year before Friends — laid the groundwork for the NBC hit's premise of young adults sharing life in New York City. Creator Yvette Lee Bowser has spoken about the similarities, and the debate remains a lively part of television history.
Who created Living Single and when did it premiere?
Living Single was created by Yvette Lee Bowser, one of the first African-American women to create and produce her own network sitcom. The series premiered on August 29, 1993, on the Fox network and ran for five seasons until January 1, 1998.
Who are the main cast members of Living Single?
The ensemble cast features Queen Latifah as magazine editor Khadijah James, Kim Fields as fashion-obsessed Regine Hunter, Erika Alexander as sharp-tongued lawyer Maxine Shaw, Kim Coles as sweet Synclaire James, Terrence 'T.C.' Carson as Kyle Barker, and John Henton as lovable handyman Overton Jones.
How many seasons and episodes does Living Single have?
Living Single ran for five seasons and 118 episodes in total. The first three seasons each delivered 27 episodes, Season 4 had 24, and the final fifth season wrapped up with 13 episodes before the series concluded on January 1, 1998.
What made Living Single a cultural landmark in the 1990s?
Living Single consistently ranked among the top five shows in African-American households across all five of its seasons. Alongside Martin and New York Undercover, it anchored Fox's Thursday night lineup and drew massive Black and Latino audiences who saw themselves reflected on screen in a way network TV rarely offered at the time.
Is Living Single worth watching for new audiences?
Absolutely. Living Single holds up remarkably well, offering sharp writing, genuinely funny performances, and a warmth that feels timeless. Queen Latifah and Kim Fields are magnetic, and the chemistry among the entire cast makes every episode a pleasure. It's essential viewing for fans of 1990s television and sitcom history.
What shows are similar to Living Single?
If Living Single is your kind of show, A Different World and Family Matters offer a similar blend of humor and heart rooted in Black American life. For broader ensemble comedies with comparable warmth and friendship dynamics, The Carmichael Show and Master of None are strong modern picks worth exploring.
More About Living Single
Explore further details about Living Single on these trusted entertainment databases.