When ‘In Living Color‘ premiered in 1990, the series quickly became a cultural staple that pushed boundaries and highlighted the talent of Black and brown comedians. Produced by Keenan Ivory Wayans, ‘In Living Color’ stood out from other shows during that time, mainly for biting social commentary and its use of hip-hop and R&B music. However, the show’s success stretched far beyond television, making its way to one of the biggest stages in America: the NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show.
To give you a little backstory on the comedy show, ‘In Living Color’ gave a voice to underrepresented individuals in Hollywood. With a star-studded cast such as The Wayans family, Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and the unforgettable Fly Girls dance group, the show became a hotspot for emerging talent. Its sketches touched on topics including race, politics, and the entertainment industry, to bring awareness comically.
So, even though the show was highly successful, just how did ‘In Living Color’ influence the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show? Well, despite the halftime show being known as a high-profile event, that was not always the case. For years, the NFL featured marching band performances during its Super Bowl halftime show, which wasn’t effective in capturing the attention of younger audiences. But, in 1992, things took a turn at Super Bowl XXVI, with ‘In Living Color’ at the center of the transformation.
According to Marlon Wayans, the youngest brother of Keenan Ivory Wayans, the production team for the comedy show saw an opportunity to increase the viewing of ‘In Living Color,’ which came at a cost to the NFL. During the scheduled halftime show, ‘In Living Color’ aired a special episode, leading to millions of viewers opting to watch the series instead. The success of the show’s counterprogramming eventually led to the NFL rethinking its approach to halftime performances.
The following year, the NFL secured late singer Michael Jackson to headline the Super Bowl XXVII halftime show. The decision quickly transformed the event into a concert-style production that we prepare to see every year. As of now, Jackson’s halftime performance stands as the most iconic show in Super Bowl history, not just for the performance itself but also being the turning point for mainstream media. The shift has set the stage for other heavy-hitting artists, including Rihanna, Beyonce, and Usher, to get some shine and attract a new wave of fans.
Nonetheless, ‘In Living Color’ was ahead of its time as a platform for combining Black culture. Its influence extends far beyond the comedy and laughter that resonates with us today. The show’s blend of comedy and pop culture is still a blueprint for how entertainment has shaped the times. When we look back at the evolution of ‘In Living Color,’ it’s impossible to mention the boldness that ultimately changed the landscape of the Super Bowl. This sketch series has left a lasting legacy not just in television but also on one of the most-watched events in the world. So, hats off to Keenan Ivory Wayans for being a risk-taker!
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