TV Land’s 'The Soul Man' Gives Black Viewers an Alternative to Reality TV

Sitcom starring Cedric the Entertainer follows in the tradition of 'The Cosby Show'

Television has changed drastically in the last five years when it comes to predominantly black programs on both broadcast and cable networks. Gone are the days of our favorite comedies like "Martin" and "The Bernie Mac Show." Family programs such as "The Cosby Show," "227" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" are no more. Instead, bottle throwing, hair pulling and neck rolling reality stars on some of the country’s biggest cable channels have replaced them. However, not every television network is giving into the dramatic reality fad. TV Land, which is known for showing classics that include "The Jeffersons," the Cosbys and even "Gilligan’s Island," to name a few, is not following the reality show blueprint to drive ratings. No, TV Land has made their mark in original programming with their highly-rated show “Hot In Cleveland.” Recently, the network added a bit more diversity to its line-up with the new series, “The Soul Man.”

“The Soul Man” features R&B superstar-turned-minister Reverend Boyce “The Voice” Ballentine (Cedric the Entertainer) who was living the fast life in Las Vegas at the top of the music charts when he received the call to take over preaching duties at his father’s church. The call causes him to relocate to St. Louis with his wife, Lolli (Niecy Nash) and his daughter, Lyric (Jazz Raycole). Suzanne Martin  ("Hot in Cleveland") and funny man Cedric the Entertainer joined forces to create the show.