Mayor sitcom: 1986 ABC hit

Remember the days when television brought us some truly unique stories? Back in 1986, ABC aired a sitcom called “He’s the Mayor,” a show that dared to put a young, 25-year-old Black man in the mayor’s office of his hometown. The lead was played by Kevin Hooks, who brought Mayor Carl Burke to life, navigating the often-hilarious challenges of leading a city at such a young age. It was a refreshing premise that offered a different perspective on leadership and Black representation on screen during that era.

The cast brought a solid ensemble to support Kevin Hooks’s portrayal of the young mayor. We saw Al Fann as Alvin Burke, likely a father figure or close family member offering guidance, and David Graf as Councilman Harlan Nash, probably a seasoned politician navigating the political landscape with or against our young mayor. Wardell Halsey, played by Wesley Thompson, and Margot Rose as Kelly Enright also rounded out the characters, suggesting a mix of advisors, constituents, or maybe even a love interest. Stanley Brock as Ivan Bronski and Pat Corley as Chief Walter Padget hinted at the everyday workings of city hall and law enforcement, adding layers to the fictional town’s dynamics.

While the show only ran for a brief period, from January 10 to March 21, 1986, its premise of youth and Black leadership in a prominent political role was ahead of its time. It’s the kind of show that sparks conversations about representation and the kinds of narratives we’ve seen (and still need to see) on television. Thinking about shows like He’s the Mayor reminds us of the diverse stories that have graced our screens, even if for a short while. You can often find clips or discussions about these shows by searching on platforms like He’s the Mayor, allowing us to revisit and appreciate these moments in television history. It’s a testament to the evolving landscape of media and the ongoing journey for authentic Black stories to be told and celebrated.

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For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.