Moesha
Encyclopedia
Moesha is an American sitcom
series that aired on the UPN
network from January 23, 1996 to May 14, 2001. The series stars R&B
singer Brandy Norwood
as Moesha Mitchell, a high school student living with her family in the Leimert Park neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles.
, the death of a parent, and day-to-day issues teenagers faced at home and school. In one of the most controversial episodes, "Secrets and Lies," the Mitchell family learned from Frank's Aunt Hattie that he is the biological father of Dorian, whom the Mitchells and Dorian himself believed to be Frank's nephew. The shocking news of Frank's infidelity
during his first marriage turned the family upside-down and resulted in Dorian's rebellion and Moesha's relocation from her home.
for her own show, The Parkers
, which premiered on August 30, 1999 on UPN
. It centered on the adventures of Kim attending community college with her mother, played by comedian Mo'Nique. Leaving Moesha, Yvette Wilson joined the cast of The Parkers as Andell in 2000.
Several Moesha cast members (including Brandy Norwood) made crossover appearances on The Parkers.
Although the same recording of the theme song was used for the last three seasons, A different opening was used for each of the last three seasons.
with Myles being kidnapped by a rival of Dorian, Moesha considering moving in with Hakeem, and an unknown positive pregnancy test being found in the trash at Moesha's dorm room. Entertainment Weekly
reported that certain plots were to be resolved on The Parkers
, but the storylines were never resolved.
, Fox
and The WB affiliates from 2000 to 2005, then on WGN America from 2005 to 2009. It began airing on The N in 2005, but ceased in 2009.
In the UK, Moesha aired on Channel 4 from 1996 until 1998, only showing the first three seasons. It also aired on Nickelodeon UK
(edited for kids viewing) from 1996 to 2000 showing the first four seasons, Paramount Channel UK and Trouble TV UK.
Since 2008, The show has been running in syndication in Spain, Italy, Israel, Russia, France, Germany, Ireland, Holland, UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Liberia, Jamaica, Japan, China, India, Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Australia, and Mexico.
Situation comedy
A situation comedy, often shortened to sitcom, is a genre of comedy that features characters sharing the same common environment, such as a home or workplace, accompanied with jokes as part of the dialogue...
series that aired on the UPN
UPN
United Paramount Network was a television network that was broadcast in over 200 markets in the United States from 1995 to 2006. UPN was originally owned by Viacom/Paramount and Chris-Craft Industries, the former of which, through the Paramount Television Group, produced most of the network's...
network from January 23, 1996 to May 14, 2001. The series stars R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
as Moesha Mitchell, a high school student living with her family in the Leimert Park neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles.
Overview
The show focused on the life of a middle class African-American family through the eyes of a typical girl. Her father Frank, a widower and Saturn car salesman (and later owner of his own dealership, Brothers Saturn), has married Dee, the vice-principal at Moesha's school, much to Moesha's dismay. The series was created by Ralph Farquhar, along with the writing team of Sara V. Finney and Vida Spears. The settings for the show include the Mitchell household and the teen hangout, The Den.Issues addressed
The show dealt with real teen social issues such as teen pregnancy, drug use, race relations, premarital sexPremarital sex
Premarital sex is sexual activity, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex, practiced by persons who are unmarried. Although it has always been practiced, in the West it has increased in prevalence since the mid-1950s...
, the death of a parent, and day-to-day issues teenagers faced at home and school. In one of the most controversial episodes, "Secrets and Lies," the Mitchell family learned from Frank's Aunt Hattie that he is the biological father of Dorian, whom the Mitchells and Dorian himself believed to be Frank's nephew. The shocking news of Frank's infidelity
Infidelity
In many intimate relationships in many cultures there is usually an express or implied expectation of exclusivity, especially in sexual matters. Infidelity most commonly refers to a breach of the expectation of sexual exclusivity.Infidelity can occur in relation to physical intimacy and/or...
during his first marriage turned the family upside-down and resulted in Dorian's rebellion and Moesha's relocation from her home.
Primary cast
- Moesha MitchellMoesha MitchellMoesha Denise Mitchell is a fictional character on the television show Moesha played by Brandy Norwood.- Character information :Moesha Mitchell was born in Los Angeles on January 30, 1981. Like many teens, Moesha's trying to find her place in life...
(played by Brandy NorwoodBrandy (entertainer)Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
) - Like many teens, Moesha is trying to find her place in life. At every turn, Moesha—along with her friends and family—experiences new challenges and hilarious situations associated with the pressures and demands of growing up in an often confusing world. Moesha is headstrong, independent and at times stubborn, but stands up for what she believes is right. - Frank Mitchell (played by William Allen YoungWilliam Allen YoungWilliam Allen Young is an American actor best known for playing a role of Frank Mitchell on UPN's Moesha in 1996 and directing a few episodes of the show, and made a guest appearance on UPN's The Parkers as Frank Mitchell...
) - A Saturn dealer and father to Moesha and Myles. Originally believed to be Dorian's uncle, he is later revealed to be the young man's father. - Deidra "Dee" Mitchell (played by Sheryl Lee RalphSheryl Lee RalphSheryl Lee Ralph is an American actress, singer, and activist.-Personal life:Raised between Mandeville, Jamaica, and Long Island, New York, Sheryl Lee Ralph was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to an African American father and a Jamaican mother. Sheryl attended Uniondale High School in Uniondale, NY...
, Seasons 1–5, recurring in Season 6) - An educator attempting to master two additional careers — as wife to Frank and stepmother to Moesha and Myles. - Kimberly "Kim" Parker (played by Countess VaughnCountess VaughnCountess Danielle Vaughn is an American actress and singer. She is perhaps best known for her role as Kim Parker on the UPN television sitcom Moesha and its spin-off The Parkers.-Early life and career:...
, Seasons 1–4) - Moesha's boy-crazy best friend who has a crush on Hakeem. - Myles MitchellMyles MitchellMyles Mitchell is a fictional character on the UPN sitcom, Moesha.-Character information:Myles is the annoying younger brother of Moesha Mitchell and was known mostly in the beginning of the series for playing practical jokes on his sister and her friends...
(played by Marcus T. PaulkMarcus T. PaulkMarcus Paulk is an American actor, rapper and dancer best known for his role as Myles Mitchell in the UPN sitcom Moesha, which aired from 1996 through 2001....
) - Moesha's pesky younger brother. - Hakeem Campbell (played by Lamont BentleyLamont BentleyLamont Bentley was an American actor and rapper. He was known for his role as Hakeem Campbell on Moesha and the series' spin-off The Parkers.-Career:...
) - A frequent visitor to the Mitchell household, he is Moesha’s lifelong friend and neighbor, and later boyfriend. - Andell WilkersonAndell WilkersonAndell Wilkerson is a fictional character that first appeared on UPN television show Moesha then its spin-off show, The Parkers.- Character information :...
(played by Yvette WilsonYvette WilsonYvette Wilson in Los Angeles, California is an American comedian and actress. She is best known for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the UPN sitcom Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers. She has appeared on many comedy films such as House Party 2, House Party 3, Friday, and on Russell Simmons' Def...
, Seasons 1–5) - Moesha's older friend and owner of the neighborhood hangout, The Den. - Niecy Jackson (played by Shar JacksonShar JacksonSharisse "Shar" Jackson is an American television and film actress, reality television personality and rapper/singer best known for her portrayal of Niecy Jackson on the UPN show Moesha.-Early life and career:...
, Seasons 2–6, recurring in Season 1) - Moesha's friend and confidante who could never keep a secret. - Quinton "Q" Brooks (played by Fredro StarrFredro StarrFredro Scruggs better known by his stage name Fredro Starr, is an American rapper and actor from South Jamaica, Queens, New York best known as a member of hardcore hip hop group Onyx.-Music career:...
, Seasons 2–3, recurring thereafter) - Moesha's longest-running love interest. - Dorian LongDorian LongDorian D-Money Long is a fictional character on Moesha.-Character information:Dorian is Moesha and Myles Mitchell's paternal half-brother. Frank Mitchell got Dorian's mother pregnant, but they could not take care of Dorian at the time, so they let his aunt adopt him. He thought his aunt was his...
(played by Ray J, seasons 5-6) - Moesha and Myles' cousin, who is later revealed to be their paternal half-brother.
Recurring cast
- Bernie MacBernie MacBernard Jeffrey McCullough , better known by his stage name, Bernie Mac, was an American actor and comedian. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Mac gained popularity as a stand-up comedian. He joined comedians Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D. L...
as Bernie Mitchell, Moesha's uncle and Frank's brother; Andell's boyfriend (Seasons 1–5) - Ricky Harris as Javon 'J.W.' Willis, a mechanic working for Frank; Andell's boyfriend (Seasons 1–3)
- Merlin SantanaMerlin SantanaMerlin Santana was an American actor and rapper. He is best known for his role as Keshia Knight Pulliam's admirer, Stanley on The Cosby Show and the high school student, Romeo Santana on The WB sitcom, The Steve Harvey Show.-Early life:Born in Upper Manhattan, New York to Dominican parents,...
as Ohaji, Moesha's first boyfriend (Season 1) - Kara BrockKara BrockKara Brock , is an American television and film actress, who is perhaps best known for her recurring role as Regina Foster on the television series, The Parkers, where she portrayed a sorority sister nemesis to Kim Parker . She was born in Long Beach, California, but was raised primarily in Kansas...
as Sara, a friend of Moesha, Kim and Niecy (Season 1) - Christian Coleman as Freddie (Seasons 1-2)
- Nicole Pantenberg as Teresa, a friend of Moesha who butts heads with Kim (Season 2)
- Dwight Woody as Coach Vines (Seasons 2-3)
- Antwon TannerAntwon TannerAntwon Tanner is an American actor, mostly known for his role as Antwon "Skills" Taylor on the CW drama series One Tree Hill.-Biography:...
as Michael, Kim's boyfriend (Seasons 2-3) - UsherUsher (entertainer)Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
as Jeremy Davis, a love interest of Moesha who attended Bridgewood (Season 3) - Dru Mouser as Haley Dillard, Moesha's first friend at Bridgewood (Season 3)
- Dante BascoDante BascoDanté Basco is an American actor, voice actor, poet, and dancer. He is best known for playing Rufio in the 1991 live-action Peter Pan film Hook...
as Marco, a classmate of Moesha's at Bridgewood (Season 3) - Jaime Elysee as Morgan, a classmate of Moesha's at Bridgewood (Season 3)
- Monica McSwain as Mary Ellen, a classmate and rival of Moesha's at Bridgewood (Season 3)
- Jo Marie PaytonJo Marie PaytonJo Marie Payton is an American television actress, and singer, who starred most notably as Harriette Winslow on the ABC sitcom, Family Matters, and its parent series Perfect Strangers. From 2001 to 2005 Jo Marie Payton provided the voice for Suga Mama Proud on Bruce W. Smith's The Proud Family,...
as Bernetta Campbell, Hakeem's mother (Seasons 4–6) - Alexis Fields as Alicia, a rival and later roommate of Moesha and Niecy (Seasons 4–6)
- Jon HuertasJon HuertasJon Huertas, born Jon William "Scott" Hofstedt and sometimes credited as John Huertas, is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his role as Sergeant Antonio 'Poke' Espera in HBO's Generation Kill the miniseries as well as Joe Negroni in the film Why Do Fools Fall in Love and homicide...
as Antonio, a friend of Hakeem (Season 4) - Brandon Quintin AdamsBrandon Quintin AdamsBrandon Quintin Adams is an American actor known for his playing Jesse Hall in the first two Mighty Ducks movies and Kenny DeNunez in The Sandlot....
as Aaron, Moesha's boyfriend (Season 4) - Lahmard TateLahmard TateLahmard J. Tate aka Cuba Jr. is an American actor and is the older brother of famed actor Larenz Tate.Lahmard Tate is famously known for his roles in Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood as Ashtray's father and Sabretooth as Leon.Another famous role was in...
as Jerome, Hakeem's friend and love interest of Niecy (Seasons 5–6) - Marissa Jaret WinokurMarissa Jaret WinokurMarissa Jaret Winokur , sometimes credited as Marissa Winokur, is an American actress known for her performance as Tracy Turnblad in the highly successful Broadway musical adaptation of John Waters' film Hairspray, as well as her work on the Pamela Anderson sitcom Stacked...
as Theresa, Moesha's roommate (Season 5) - Olivia BrownOlivia BrownOlivia Margarette Brown is an American actress.Brown was born in Frankfurt, Germany and raised in Livonia, Michigan, United States. Her family eventually moved to California and she is also a graduate of Santa Monica High School. She played Det. Trudy Joplin on Miami Vice and Vanessa Hargraves on...
as Barbara Lee, Dorian's birth mother (Season 6)
U.S. Television Ratings
| Season | Season Premiere | Season Finale | TV Season | Ranking | Viewers (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | January 23, 1996 | May 21, 1996 | 1996 | #141 | 3.5 |
| 2nd | August 27, 1996 | May 20, 1997 | 1996-1997 | #134 | 3.5 |
| 3rd | August 26, 1997 | May 19, 1998 | 1997–1998 | #141 | 4.0 |
| 4th | October 6, 1998 | May 25, 1999 | 1998–1999 | #137 | 3.3 |
| 5th | August 23, 1999 | May 22, 2000 | 1999–2000 | #130 | 2.4 |
| 6th | September 4, 2000 | May 14, 2001 | 2000–2001 | #130 | 3.3 |
DVD release
On September 27, 2011, CBS Home Entertainment released Moesha- The First Season on DVD in Region 1 via Amazon.com's CreateSpace program. This is a Manufacture-on-Demand (MOD) release, available exclusively through Amazon.com.| DVD Name | |Release dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region 1 | Region 2 | Region 4 | ||
| The Complete 1st Season | 14 | September 27, 2011 | TBA | TBA |
| The Complete 2nd Season | 24 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| The Complete 3rd Season | 23 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| The Complete 4th Season | 22 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| The Complete 5th Season | 22 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| The Complete 6th Season | 22 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
Spin-off
Given her popularity for four seasons on Moesha, Countess Vaughn left the show in 19991999 in television
The year 1999 in television involved some significant events.Below is a list of television-related events in 1999.For the American TV schedule, see: 1999-00 United States network television schedule.-Events:-Debuts:-Miniseries:...
for her own show, The Parkers
The Parkers
The Parkers is an American sitcom . A spin-off of UPN's Moesha, The Parkers featured the mother-daughter team of Nikki and Kim Parker . The Parkers' signature "Heeyyy" greeting made its way into popular vernacular in the early 2000s.-Premise:The series centered around a mother and daughter who...
, which premiered on August 30, 1999 on UPN
UPN
United Paramount Network was a television network that was broadcast in over 200 markets in the United States from 1995 to 2006. UPN was originally owned by Viacom/Paramount and Chris-Craft Industries, the former of which, through the Paramount Television Group, produced most of the network's...
. It centered on the adventures of Kim attending community college with her mother, played by comedian Mo'Nique. Leaving Moesha, Yvette Wilson joined the cast of The Parkers as Andell in 2000.
Several Moesha cast members (including Brandy Norwood) made crossover appearances on The Parkers.
Opening credits
There have been four versions of the opening credits theme song.- Used for Season 1
- Used for Season 2
- Used for Season 3, which was nearly identical to the season 2 version, but with elements from the first theme, as well
- Used for the last three seasons
Although the same recording of the theme song was used for the last three seasons, A different opening was used for each of the last three seasons.
- Season 1 showed Moesha dancing in front of a fountain, walking with friends, dancing in a driving car,and playing a game of Chess,..winning, while waving at a guy as he walks away # Season 2 & 3 had the same scenario as season one but had some changes. Moesha was still dancing in front of the fountain but with a bass player behind her. Instead of being with just her friends, she was shown to be playing basketball and baseball with her friends and family, driving with her friends and once again having a meal at the diner served by Andell with her family.
- Season 4 showed the cast around the neighborhood and shows Moesha, Kim, and Niecy dancing at the fountain.
- Season 5 showed the cast as Norwood lip-syncs to the theme song.
- Season 6 showed the cast as Norwood lip-syncs to the theme song. The same as Season 5 but with a twist. Since Yvette WilsonYvette WilsonYvette Wilson in Los Angeles, California is an American comedian and actress. She is best known for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the UPN sitcom Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers. She has appeared on many comedy films such as House Party 2, House Party 3, Friday, and on Russell Simmons' Def...
left to join the cast for The ParkersThe ParkersThe Parkers is an American sitcom . A spin-off of UPN's Moesha, The Parkers featured the mother-daughter team of Nikki and Kim Parker . The Parkers' signature "Heeyyy" greeting made its way into popular vernacular in the early 2000s.-Premise:The series centered around a mother and daughter who...
and Sheryl Lee RalphSheryl Lee RalphSheryl Lee Ralph is an American actress, singer, and activist.-Personal life:Raised between Mandeville, Jamaica, and Long Island, New York, Sheryl Lee Ralph was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to an African American father and a Jamaican mother. Sheryl attended Uniondale High School in Uniondale, NY...
's character became a recurring cast member in the show, Norwood is shown lip-syncing over where Yvette WilsonYvette WilsonYvette Wilson in Los Angeles, California is an American comedian and actress. She is best known for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the UPN sitcom Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers. She has appeared on many comedy films such as House Party 2, House Party 3, Friday, and on Russell Simmons' Def...
and Sheryl Lee RalphSheryl Lee RalphSheryl Lee Ralph is an American actress, singer, and activist.-Personal life:Raised between Mandeville, Jamaica, and Long Island, New York, Sheryl Lee Ralph was born in Waterbury, Connecticut to an African American father and a Jamaican mother. Sheryl attended Uniondale High School in Uniondale, NY...
once were in the Season 5 opening.
Cancellation
By the sixth season, ratings for Moesha had dropped and UPN opted not to renew the series for a seventh season. The series ended on an unresolved cliffhangerCliffhanger
A cliffhanger or cliffhanger ending is a plot device in fiction which features a main character in a precarious or difficult dilemma, or confronted with a shocking revelation at the end of an episode of serialized fiction...
with Myles being kidnapped by a rival of Dorian, Moesha considering moving in with Hakeem, and an unknown positive pregnancy test being found in the trash at Moesha's dorm room. Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
reported that certain plots were to be resolved on The Parkers
The Parkers
The Parkers is an American sitcom . A spin-off of UPN's Moesha, The Parkers featured the mother-daughter team of Nikki and Kim Parker . The Parkers' signature "Heeyyy" greeting made its way into popular vernacular in the early 2000s.-Premise:The series centered around a mother and daughter who...
, but the storylines were never resolved.
Syndication
The series aired in syndication on UPNUPN
United Paramount Network was a television network that was broadcast in over 200 markets in the United States from 1995 to 2006. UPN was originally owned by Viacom/Paramount and Chris-Craft Industries, the former of which, through the Paramount Television Group, produced most of the network's...
, Fox
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
and The WB affiliates from 2000 to 2005, then on WGN America from 2005 to 2009. It began airing on The N in 2005, but ceased in 2009.
In the UK, Moesha aired on Channel 4 from 1996 until 1998, only showing the first three seasons. It also aired on Nickelodeon UK
Nickelodeon (UK & Ireland)
Nickelodeon is a children's television channel available on Sky, Virgin Media, Smallworld Cable, TalkTalk TV and UPC Ireland in the United Kingdom and Ireland, including on demand on BT Vision. The channel was launched on 1 September 1993...
(edited for kids viewing) from 1996 to 2000 showing the first four seasons, Paramount Channel UK and Trouble TV UK.
Since 2008, The show has been running in syndication in Spain, Italy, Israel, Russia, France, Germany, Ireland, Holland, UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Liberia, Jamaica, Japan, China, India, Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Australia, and Mexico.
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress | Brandy Norwood |
| 1998 | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series The NAACP Image Award winners for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:-Stats:*Most Wins**Terri J. Vaughn & Camille Winbush- 3 wins*Most Nominations**1. Sheryl Lee Ralph, Wendy Raquel Robinson- 5 nominations, 0 wins... |
Countess Vaughn | |
| 2000 | SHINE Awards SHINE Awards The SHINE Awards are annual media awards given by The Media Project since the mid-1980s, resulting from a partnership between the Kaiser Family Foundation and Advocates for Youth... |
Comedy Episode | For episode "Let's Talk About Sex" |
External links
- Moesha at The-N.com