Mediaweek

How Black-ish's Stars and Producers Pushed ABC to Bring the Show Back for Fall

An early October election special began development after the comedy was originally held for midseason

Screenshot of Black-ishs upcoming animated episode — Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross pitched the idea of doing an animated special because she was worried about going back to set during a pandemic. ABC/Smiley Guy Studios

By Kelsey Sutton

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When ABC announced in June that Black-ish would not be part of its fall schedule and would instead be held for midseason, the sitcom’s stars were not happy—and they made it known to network execs.

During an ABC virtual press event promoting the show’s seventh season, which premieres at 8 p.m. on Oct. 21, the show’s cast said they pushed for the show to return quickly following a summer that has been marked with nationwide protests against racism and racial injustice.

Kelsey Sutton

Kelsey Sutton is the streaming editor at Adweek, where she covers the business of streaming television.

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