Under One Roof

Although the show was short lived on CBS, it was a great drama about an African American family living together coping with today's issues such as racism, infidelity and unruly children just to name a few. Of course the entire cast were excellent which was headed by the honorable James Earl Jones, Joe Morton, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Essence Atkins and the scene stealer Merlin (The Steve Harvey Show) Santana as the young troubled teen. Its too bad other networks didn't consider picking this prize winner of a drama up when CBS axed it. I'm sure it would have been a hit on the WB or BET networks.

"Under One Roof" was a rare TV series that deserves much better than the half-hearted support it received from the powers-that-be at CBS: a serious, thoughtful drama with the range of life's emotions, serious but with the humor that warms the heart. It was beautifully acted by an ensemble of top-notch actors, not only James Earl Jones and Joe Morton, but every member of the on-screen family, from featured performer to bit player. It's so unusual for TV to show working-class and lower middle-class African American families experiencing the trials and joys, tribulations and successes that are true to their lives, but that also cross class and racial lines,that is, human conflicts. No buffoons, gratuitous violence, four letter words or epithets thrown in for ratings. I have been trying to get a DVD of this series since I joined others unsuccessfully in appealing to, complaining to, berating CBS. Anyone know how we can get it? It deserves to be seen again and again.

I remember this show as well. It was about a family, a real family who loved and cared for each other a lot. Although the cast was African-American, the principles could have been any race. It was that good. It's just that it was so much fun to see James Earl Jones as the family patriarch, the relationship between Joe Morgan and Vanessa Bell Calloway, the children, and the other relatives on TV each week...if you could find the show that is. CBS was very creative in killing the show. By changing the time slot each week, CBS went to great lengths to drive the existing audience away and prevented a potential audience from tuning in and becoming fans.

The show was serious, it was funny, so many situations rang true or felt familiar. It made you think about your own family and if you didn't have a family, they became your family. They were a hard working, intact African-American family long on love and discipline. A family who loved each other and their community. But, I guess without a hip-hop soundtrack or a tribal counsel at the end, it was bound to get bumped.

Just a fan! Debbie

I can help it; It has to be a 10/10. When I came to the US as an exchange student (I'am French), I did't think I would live such an experience. Not only because I got to be an extra on the set (my first experience on a real production) but also because I got to meet James Earl Jones and Joe Morton, two great actors (and get their autographs). The show was very well written. Too bad it didn't last. If anyone has any idea on how to get the DVD or VHS of the episodes...I'm interested. The location was Ballard High School in Seattle. The School has been destroyed and rebuilt since. I heard marlin Santana died...I was his classmate in the show. Too bad, we were the same age. Anyway, I wish the show could be found on DVD or VHS.

Watching Under One Roof was a delight. Of course James Earl Jones is fantastic, but even beyond his presence the program was entertaining and thought provoking.

The characters were real people and had real problems. Ayesha, the daughter who changed her name from that given to her by her parents--Beverly, is a strong female. She is true to herself. When her boyfriend is seeing another woman, she leaves him because it's obvious they don't want the same kind of relationship. She lives with the pain of breaking up, rather than endure being in love with someone who isn't in love with her.

The grandson has many lessons to learn. His behavior reflects modern times, as shown when he calls his mother an obscenity. The son deals with racism on the job, even being the owner of a construction company. The daughter-in-law faces her role in life, and what she wants to do beyond being a wife and mother.

Each week I came to care for these characters a little more. I looked forward to spending time with them. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after being continually switched around in the schedule.

If you have the opportunity to see these episodes, by all means watch them. It's disheartening when they end. You want to see more of the family. Still, it's worth it to see the little taste we have of such a fine treat.