Amen (TV series)
| Amen | |
|---|---|
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| Genre | Sitcom |
| Created by | Ed. Weinberger |
| Starring |
Sherman Hemsley Clifton Davis Anna Maria Horsford Roz Ryan Jester Hairston Barbara Montgomery (1986–90) Rosetta LeNoire (1987–89) Bumper Robinson (1990–91) Elsa Raven (1988–90) Tony T. Johnson (1988–91) Montrose Hagins (1989–91) |
| Theme music composer | Andraé Crouch |
| Opening theme | "Shine on Me" by Vanessa Bell Armstrong |
| Composer(s) | Bruce Miller |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| No. of episodes | 110 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
James R. Stein Bob Illes Lloyd David Arthur Julian Ed. Weinberger |
| Producer(s) |
Jim Geoghan Marilynn Loncar Peter Noah Bob Peete |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 24 minutes |
| Production company(s) |
Carson Productions Stein & Illes Productions (season 5) |
| Distributor |
MCA TV NBCUniversal Television Distribution |
| Release | |
| Original network | NBC |
| Audio format | Stereo |
| Original release | September 27, 1986 – May 11, 1991 |
Amen is an American sitcom produced by Carson Productions that aired on NBC from September 27, 1986 to May 11, 1991. Set in Sherman Hemsley's real-life hometown of Philadelphia, Amen stars Hemsley as the deacon of a church and was part of a wave of successful sitcoms on NBC in the 1980s which featured predominantly black casts – others included The Cosby Show, A Different World, Family Matters, and 227.[1]
Premise
The series revolves around Ernest Frye, a deacon of the First Community Church of Philadelphia, who also works as a lawyer. He is often dishonest and frequently gets into trouble with his many harebrained schemes. Frye has a single daughter named Thelma. Reuben Gregory is the new, young pastor of the church, and also the object of Thelma's affection. The two get married during season four, despite the fact that Gregory and Frye often butt heads.[2] In the series finale, Thelma gives birth to the couple's first child.[3]
Cast and characters
- Sherman Hemsley as Ernest Frye
- Anna Maria Horsford as Thelma Frye Gregory
- Clifton Davis as Reuben Gregory
- Jester Hairston as Rolly Forbes, the high-spirited and lively senior citizen, who often acts as the voice of reason
- Roz Ryan as Amelia Hetebrink, one of the chattering sisters at the church
- Barbara Montgomery as Casietta Hetebrink (1986–90), the other sister
- Elsa Raven as Inga (1988–90), the Swedish housekeeper
- Rosetta LeNoire as Leola Henderson Forbes (1987–89), Rolly's love interest and eventual wife
- Montrose Hagins as Leola Henderson Forbes (1989–91)
- Bumper Robinson as Clarence (1990–91), a young street kid and protégé of Deacon Frye's
- Franklyn Seales as Lorenzo Hollingsworth (1986–87)
Themes
The show often addresses issues of family and community in a humorous manner. Storylines include guest characters dealing with teenage pregnancy, suicide prevention, jealousy and other issues. These issues are dealt with in a non-preachy manner. Frye's legal career is the subject of many jokes and storylines. A few episodes deal with Frye defending the church or other main characters in legal battles.
Episodes
List Of Amen (TV Series) Episodes
Ratings
Syndication
Amen was sold into syndication shortly after finishing its run on NBC and Universal Pictures' MCA Television unit was awarded the syndication rights. Those rights are now in the hands of Comcast through its NBCUniversal Television Distribution division.
The series has aired on BET, TVOne, Centric, TBS, Gospel Music Channel and local stations over the years.
Reruns air on Starz Encore Black.
References
- ↑ "A Look At New TV Season". Ebony. Johnson Publishing Company. 41 (12): 145. October 1986. ISSN 0012-9011.
- ↑ Collier, Aldore (February 5, 1990). "Clifton Davis and Anna Marie Horsford Tie Knot On TV's 'Amen'". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. 77 (17): 60–61. ISSN 0021-5996.
- ↑ ""Deliverance" Episode Ends Fifth Season of "Amen"". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. 80 (4): 60. May 13, 1991. ISSN 0021-5996.
- ↑ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090395/
- ↑ ClassicTVHits.com: TV Ratings > 1980's
- ↑ ClassicTVHits.com: TV Ratings > 1980's
- ↑ ClassicTVHits.com: TV Ratings > 1980's
External links
- Amen at the Internet Movie Database
- Amen at TV.com