Synopsis

An analysis of the evolution of television's earlier unflattering portrayal of African-Americans from 1948 until 1988, when they are depicted as prosperous and having achieved the American Dream, a portrayal that is inconsistent with reality. Black actors Esther Rolle, Diahann Carroll, Denise Nicholas, and Tim Reid and Hollywood producers Norman Lear, Steve Bochco, and David Wolper reveal the behind-the-scenes story of how prime time was "integrated." Revisiting the programs "Beulah," "The Nat King Cole Show," "Julia," "I Spy," "Good Times," and "Roots," viewers see how bitter racial conflict was absorbed into non-controversial series. —Fiona Kelleghan

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