Prime Time Blues: African Americans on Network Television

The first comprehensive history of African Americans (AA) on the network series. Traces the changing roles of AA on prime-time -- from the blatant stereotypes of TV s early years to the more subtle stereotypes of recent eras. Another important aspect of TV history is that TV has been invigorated by extraordinary Black performers -- from Ethel Waters and Eddie ''Rochester'' Anderson to Cicely Tyson, Flip Wilson, Redd Foxx, and those power brokers Cosby and Oprah -- whose presence has been of enormous significance to the AA community. This study moves from the postwar era of ''Beulah'' and ''Amos 'n' Andy'' all the way through to the '90s. Also examines TV movies and miniseries such as ''The Autobio. of Miss Jane Pittman'' and ''Roots.'' Photos.