Under One Roof

Was a wonderful American tale, of an mixed generational, loving, African American family, headed by the brilliant actor, James Earl Jones, who together, worked to resolve their differences and trials - such as death, infidelity, teenage rebellion and others. The show dealt with issues relative to every age. This timeless classic was cut much too short. The show was familiar to many of us regardless of ethnicity or class. My only regret is that I did nothing to help save the show. Maybe it's not too late....like characters "killed off" on the soap operas. It is my hope, that quite possibly, CBS or another major network would review it, appreciate it and reconsider airing this rich American tale, with very minor changes.

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

Under One Roof was an excellent drama about the trials and tribulations of a Black family living in Seattle. The show featured a strong ensemble headed by the legendary James Earl Jones. It was very refreshing to see a Black family portrayed on TV without the usual negative stereotypes. If you are looking for loud, buffoonish caricatures... thankfully, you won't find them on this series. I watched all 6 episodes when they originally aired on CBS. Of course, CBS didn't keep it around. Luckily, the new cable channel TV One started showing reruns on 1/26/04. So if you missed it the 1st time around and are lucky enough to have TV One on your cable system (it's currently only offered through Comcast), make it a point to check out Under One Roof.

"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 too enjoyed this all-too-brief television series. Unfortunately, like "Frank's Place" before it, programs of high quality like "Under One Roof" are not always rewarded with ratings or renewal.

How can we get this great program re-released on DVD or video? In my opinion it's worth the investment.