Scratchin' and Survivin': Hustle Economics and the Black Sitcoms of Tandem Productions

In the 1970s, a single company, Tandem Productions, created nearly all notable Black sitcoms, giving Black actors, writers, and producers opportunities to break into the television industry. However, they struggled to get the economic privileges and creative autonomy regularly granted to their white counterparts. "Scratchin' and Survivin'" explores the parallels between the behind-the-scenes drama at Tandem and the plotlines of their sitcoms, as both real and fictional African Americans devised strategies for getting their fair share. The book highlights the Black talent whose creative agency and labor resilience helped to transform the television industry.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2023
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

The 1970s was a remarkable era for the portrayal of African American life on television sitcoms, with iconic shows like Sanford & Son, Good Times, and The Jeffersons emerging. What's even more surprising is that nearly all these notable Black sitcoms were created by a single company, Tandem Productions. Founded by two white men, Norman Lear and Bud Yorkin, Tandem was responsible for groundbreaking opportunities for Black actors, writers, and producers to break into the television industry. However, despite their significant contributions, these Black auteurs often faced challenges in obtaining the economic privileges and creative autonomy typically granted to their white counterparts.

In his book "Scratchin' and Survivin': The Story of Tandem Productions and the Black Sitcom," author Adrien Sebro delves into the behind-the-scenes drama at Tandem and explores the striking parallels between the plotlines of their sitcoms and the strategies employed by real and fictional African Americans to navigate systems that often exploited their labor. Sebro refers to these tactics as a form of "hustle economics," highlighting the ways in which Black women, including renowned actresses like LaWanda Page, Isabel Sanford, and Esther Rolle, had to hustle for recognition and recognition.

Through his comprehensive examination of Tandem's complex legacy, including their hit racially mixed sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, Sebro showcases the incredible talent and resilience of Black individuals who played a pivotal role in transforming the television industry. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of these Black creators, who faced numerous obstacles but persevered to leave a lasting impact on the world of television.

The 1970s was a golden age for representations of African American life on TV sitcoms, and Tandem Productions played a significant role in shaping this era. By providing opportunities for Black talent and challenging the status quo, Tandem Productions helped to pave the way for greater diversity and representation in the television industry. Their legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of entertainment today.

Weight: 50g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978834835