Robert Townsend

Robert Townsend

Robert Townsend (born February 6, 1957) is an American actor, director, comedian, and writer. Townsend is best known for directing the films Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Eddie Murphy Raw (1987), The Meteor Man (1993), The Five Heartbeats (1991) and various other films and stand-up specials. He is especially known for his eponymous self-titled character, Robert Peterson as the starring role as on The WB sitcom The Parent 'Hood (1995–1999), a series which he created and of which directed select episodes. Townsend is also known for his role as Donald "Duck" Matthews in his 1991 film The Five Heartbeats. He later wrote, directed and produced Making The Five Heartbeats (2018), a documentary film about the production process and behind the scenes insight into creating the film. Townsend is also known for his production company Townsend Entertainment which has produced films Playin' for Love, In the Hive and more. During the 1980s and early–1990s, Townsend gained national exposure through his stand-up comedy routines and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Townsend has worked with talent including Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Chris Tucker, Beyoncé, Denzel Washington and many more.

  • Title: Robert Townsend
  • Popularity: 4.473
  • Known For: Acting
  • Birthday: 1957-02-06
  • Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • Homepage: https://www.roberttownsend.com/
  • Also Known As:
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Robert Townsend Movies

  • 1981
    imgMovies

    Senior Trip

    Senior Trip

    4.2 1981 HD

    A group of graduating students from a midwestern high school comes to New York City on a trip to celebrate the impending end of school. The students...

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  • 1993
    imgMovies

    The Meteor Man

    The Meteor Man

    5.8 1993 HD

    One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the...

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    The Mighty Quinn

    The Mighty Quinn

    6.187 1989 HD

    Police chief Xavier Quinn investigates the gruesome murder of Donald Pater, one of the wealthiest residents on a Caribbean island. He was found...

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  • 1984
    imgMovies

    A Soldier's Story

    A Soldier's Story

    6.8 1984 HD

    In a rural town in Louisiana, a black Master Sergeant is found shot to death just outside the local Army Base. Military lawyer, Captain...

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  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Hollywood Shuffle

    Hollywood Shuffle

    6.364 1987 HD

    Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor catches the ire of his grandmother for auditioning for a role in the regrettably titled...

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  • 2003
    imgMovies

    Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!

    Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!

    8 2003 HD

    This documentary praises comedian Richard Pryor by showing fragments of various shows Pryor made and having famous comedians talk about the...

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  • 1991
    imgMovies

    The Five Heartbeats

    The Five Heartbeats

    7.32 1991 HD

    In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats. After an initially rocky...

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  • 2009
    imgMovies

    Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

    Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

    8 2009 HD

    Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of...

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  • 1988
    imgMovies

    I'm Gonna Git You Sucka

    I'm Gonna Git You Sucka

    6.4 1988 HD

    Jack Spade returns from the army in his old ghetto neighbourhood when his brother, June Bug, dies. Jack declares war on Mr. Big, powerful local...

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  • 1986
    imgMovies

    Odd Jobs

    Odd Jobs

    4.2 1986 HD

    Four students who work on different jobs during their vacations in summer are tired of doing the same thing every year. Therefore they decide to open...

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  • 2009
    imgMovies

    Directors on Directing

    Directors on Directing

    1 2009 HD

    A look at the development of film making and its contribution to the social and political times form the perspective of Black film makers.

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  • 1986
    imgMovies

    Ratboy

    Ratboy

    3.4 1986 HD

    A failed window dresser exploits a being with rat-like features in an effort to make money.

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  • 1979
    imgMovies

    The Warriors

    The Warriors

    7.67 1979 HD

    Prominent gang leader Cyrus calls a meeting of New York's gangs to set aside their turf wars and take over the city. At the meeting, a rival leader...

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  • 2003
    imgMovies

    Black Listed

    Black Listed

    2.5 2003 HD

    Alan Chambers (Townsend) is a lawyer and sick of his job. He corrals his friends into forming a vigilante group. Everyone goes along with it at...

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  • 1986
    imgMovies

    Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me

    Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me

    8.8 1986 HD

    Rodney Dangerfield hosted this HBO special which includes fantastic performances by some of the best new talent of 1986. Comedians include Jeff...

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  • 1999
    imgMovies

    Taxman

    Taxman

    3 1999 HD

    After a homocide that the police believe is over gasoline theft, a tax investigator discovers the Russian mafia is involved and that they are...

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  • 2008
    imgMovies

    Of Boys and Men

    Of Boys and Men

    7.7 2008 HD

    Robert Townsend stars as the patriarch of a family devastated when his wife is killed in a senseless auto accident. Reeling with grief, each family...

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  • 2007
    imgMovies

    Tao of The Golden Mask

    Tao of The Golden Mask

    1 2007 HD

    In the 70's, Langston Faizon Santisima, barely 18, left his native Cuba on an impossible quest- to direct a film starring Bruce Lee. Against all...

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  • 2000
    imgMovies

    Up, Up, and Away

    Up, Up, and Away

    5.677 2000 HD

    A boy is the only family member without superpowers in this Disney Film. The world depends on him saving his family from computerized brainwashers....

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  • 2006
    imgMovies

    Edge of Outside

    Edge of Outside

    5.8 2006 HD

    An hour-long documentary designed to celebrate the spirit of the independent filmmaker from D.W. Griffith to Quentin Tarantino. Interview footage and...

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  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Uptown Comedy Express

    Uptown Comedy Express

    1 1987 HD

    TV Special with a variety of comedians

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  • 1988
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2

    1 1988 HD

    Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This second riotous...

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  • 1999
    imgMovies

    Mercenary II: Thick & Thin

    Mercenary II: Thick & Thin

    4.7 1999 HD

    Mercenary Captain "Hawk" is in Acion again to save a hostage. But he and his team are betrayed. Nothing is as it seems...

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  • 1990
    imgMovies

    Robin Harris: One Night Stand

    Robin Harris: One Night Stand

    1 1990 HD

    American stand-up comedian Robin Harris performs his legendary comedic jokes as part of HBO's classic comedy series One Night Stand.

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  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1

    1 1987 HD

    From comedian and filmmaker Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) comes this collection of comedy sketches starring some of the biggest names in show...

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3

    1 1989 HD

    Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This third riotous...

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4

    1 1989 HD

    Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This fourth and final...

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  • 1975
    imgMovies

    Cooley High

    Cooley High

    6.9 1975 HD

    In the mid-1960s, a group of high school friends who live on the Near North Side of Chicago enjoy life to the fullest...parties, hanging out, meeting...

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  • 2002
    imgMovies

    I Was a Teenage Faust

    I Was a Teenage Faust

    5.5 2002 HD

    15 year old Brendan Willy hates himself for being un-cool when he falls in love with the girl of his dreams. Enter Mr. Five, a no good tempter from...

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  • 2015
    imgMovies

    Playin' for Love

    Playin' for Love

    5 2015 HD

    Coach Banks (Robert Townsend) is used to calling all the shots for his championship high school basketball team and in his own love life. But...

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    That's Adequate

    That's Adequate

    4.2 1989 HD

    This mockumentary about fictional movie studio Adequate Pictures boasts an interesting cast. Tony Randall hosts, and James CoCo (practically on his...

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  • 1984
    imgMovies

    Streets of Fire

    Streets of Fire

    6.9 1984 HD

    Raven Shaddock and his gang of merciless biker friends kidnap rock singer Ellen Aim. Ellen's former lover, soldier-for-hire Tom Cody, happens to be...

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  • 2002
    imgMovies

    Undercover Brother

    Undercover Brother

    5.841 2002 HD

    An Afro-American organization, the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., is in permanent fight against a white organization "The Man" defending the values of the...

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  • 1994
    imgMovies

    The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder

    The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder

    1 1994 HD

    Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as "King of the...

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  • 1982
    imgMovies

    In Love with an Older Woman

    In Love with an Older Woman

    4 1982 HD

    A 29-year-old lawyer falls for a 43-year-old woman.

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  • 2019
    imgMovies

    A Walk with Charles Burnett

    A Walk with Charles Burnett

    1 2019 HD

    Filmmaker Robert Townsend executive-produced the following fifty-six-minute program for Criterion’s Meet the Filmmakers series in 2018. In it,...

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  • 2002
    imgMovies

    Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs

    Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs

    10 2002 HD

    Book of Love delivers humor along with the mysteries of unrequited love and relationships gone bad. The film's story line focuses on three men...

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  • 2012
    imgMovies

    Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire

    Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire

    7.7 2012 HD

    Scooby and the gang have their first musical mystery in “Scooby Doo: Music of the Vampire.” It begins when they take a sing-a-long road...

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  • 1999
    imgMovies

    Joseph's Gift

    Joseph's Gift

    1 1999 HD

    Joseph is the youngest member of a large family that owns a successful garment business in Los Angeles. His father, Jacob, makes no attempt at hiding...

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  • 1980
    imgMovies

    Willie and Phil

    Willie and Phil

    4.4 1980 HD

    Life imitates art when two Manhattanites — pompous teacher Willie and quiet photographer Phil — become friends after a thought-provoking...

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  • 1985
    imgMovies

    American Flyers

    American Flyers

    6.2 1985 HD

    When Dr. Marcus Sommers realizes that he and his troubled, estranged brother David may be prone a fatal brain disease that runs in their family, he...

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  • 1999
    imgMovies

    Love Songs

    Love Songs

    8 1999 HD

    Louis Gossett, Jr, Robert Townsend and Andre Braugher come together to each direct a short story, all of which are interconnected through themes of...

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  • 1979
    imgMovies

    Women at West Point

    Women at West Point

    1 1979 HD

    A fictionalized drama about the first women to enter the U.S. Military Academy in 1976 and the reactions they faced.

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  • 1997
    imgMovies

    Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media

    Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media

    8 1997 HD

    Cultural theorist Stuart Hall offers an extended meditation on representation. Moving beyond the accuracy or inaccuracy of specific representations,...

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  • 2000
    imgMovies

    Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light

    Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light

    6 2000 HD

    Actor/director Sidney Poitier discusses his life and career. He tells of his upbringing in Jamaica; the difficulties he encountered in New York City...

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  • 1976
    imgMovies

    The Monkey Hustle

    The Monkey Hustle

    6.2 1976 HD

    A new highway threatens a Chicago neighborhood, so to protest the residents throw a block party.

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  • 1999
    imgMovies

    Jackie's Back!

    Jackie's Back!

    7.8 1999 HD

    A British documentarian profiles washed-up diva Jackie Washington as she prepares for her comeback concert.

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  • 1999
    imgMovies

    From Behind Closed Doors

    From Behind Closed Doors

    1 1999 HD

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  • 1993
    imgMovies

    The Meteor Man

    The Meteor Man

    5.8 1993 HD

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  • 1993
    imgMovies

    The Meteor Man

    The Meteor Man

    5.8 1993 HD

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  • 1993
    imgMovies

    The Meteor Man

    The Meteor Man

    5.8 1993 HD

    img
  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Hollywood Shuffle

    Hollywood Shuffle

    6.364 1987 HD

    img
  • 1999
    imgMovies

    Jackie's Back!

    Jackie's Back!

    7.8 1999 HD

    img
  • 1991
    imgMovies

    The Five Heartbeats

    The Five Heartbeats

    7.32 1991 HD

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  • 1991
    imgMovies

    The Five Heartbeats

    The Five Heartbeats

    7.32 1991 HD

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  • 2009
    imgMovies

    Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

    Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

    8 2009 HD

    img
  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Eddie Murphy Raw

    Eddie Murphy Raw

    7.264 1987 HD

    img
  • 2001
    imgMovies

    Carmen: A Hip Hopera

    Carmen: A Hip Hopera

    6.3 2001 HD

    img
  • 1997
    imgMovies

    B.A.P.S

    B.A.P.S

    5.3 1997 HD

    img
  • 2008
    imgMovies

    Phantom Punch

    Phantom Punch

    5.2 2008 HD

    img
  • 1986
    imgMovies

    Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me

    Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me

    8.8 1986 HD

    img
  • 2000
    imgMovies

    Little Richard

    Little Richard

    6.333 2000 HD

    img
  • 2013
    imgMovies

    Bill Cosby: Far From Finished

    Bill Cosby: Far From Finished

    7 2013 HD

    img
  • 2000
    imgMovies

    Up, Up, and Away

    Up, Up, and Away

    5.677 2000 HD

    img
  • 2012
    imgMovies

    In the Hive

    In the Hive

    5.2 2012 HD

    img
  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Uptown Comedy Express

    Uptown Comedy Express

    1 1987 HD

    img
  • 1988
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2

    1 1988 HD

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  • 1988
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2

    1 1988 HD

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  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Hollywood Shuffle

    Hollywood Shuffle

    6.364 1987 HD

    img
  • 2022
    imgMovies

    Ms. Pat: Y'all Wanna Hear Something Crazy?

    Ms. Pat: Y'all Wanna Hear Something Crazy?

    5.9 2022 HD

    img
  • 2013
    imgMovies

    Bill Cosby: Far From Finished

    Bill Cosby: Far From Finished

    7 2013 HD

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  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1

    1 1987 HD

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  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1

    1 1987 HD

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3

    1 1989 HD

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3

    1 1989 HD

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3

    1 1989 HD

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4

    1 1989 HD

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4

    1 1989 HD

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  • 1989
    imgMovies

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4

    Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4

    1 1989 HD

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  • 2000
    imgMovies

    Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story

    Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story

    7 2000 HD

    img
  • 1991
    imgMovies

    The Five Heartbeats

    The Five Heartbeats

    7.32 1991 HD

    img
  • 2000
    imgMovies

    Holiday Heart

    Holiday Heart

    6.7 2000 HD

    img
  • 1987
    imgMovies

    Hollywood Shuffle

    Hollywood Shuffle

    6.364 1987 HD

    img
  • 2018
    imgMovies

    Making The Five Heartbeats

    Making The Five Heartbeats

    1 2018 HD

    img
  • 2003
    imgMovies

    Black Listed

    Black Listed

    2.5 2003 HD

    img
  • 2002
    imgMovies

    10,000 Black Men Named George

    10,000 Black Men Named George

    4 2002 HD

    img
  • 2009
    imgMovies

    Diary of a Single Mom

    Diary of a Single Mom

    4 2009 HD

    img
  • 2015
    imgMovies

    Playin' for Love

    Playin' for Love

    5 2015 HD

    img
  • 2015
    imgMovies

    Playin' for Love

    Playin' for Love

    5 2015 HD

    img
  • 2019
    imgMovies

    A Walk with Charles Burnett

    A Walk with Charles Burnett

    1 2019 HD

    img
  • 1999
    imgMovies

    Love Songs

    Love Songs

    8 1999 HD

    img
  • 2008
    imgMovies

    Of Boys and Men

    Of Boys and Men

    7.7 2008 HD

    img
  • 1972
    imgS11 E16

    M*A*S*H

    M*A*S*H

    7.9 1972 HD

    The 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital is stuck in the middle of the Korean war. With little help from the circumstances they find themselves in,...

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  • 1995
    imgS5 E11

    The Parent 'Hood

    The Parent 'Hood

    7.2 1995 HD

    The Parent 'Hood is an American sitcom that aired on The WB airing from January 18, 1995 to July 25, 1999. The series starred Robert Townsend and...

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  • 1991
    imgS1 E9

    The Carol Burnett Show

    The Carol Burnett Show

    7 1991 HD

    img
  • 2005
    imgS1 E3

    Black in the 80s

    Black in the 80s

    1 2005 HD

    img
  • 1985
    imgS2 E21

    Amazing Stories

    Amazing Stories

    7.474 1985 HD

    A truly amazing, fantastical, science fiction, funny and odd, and sometimes scary, sad and endearing anthology series presented by Steven Spielberg...

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  • 2022
    imgS3 E10

    The Bear

    The Bear

    8.3 2022 HD

    Carmy, a young fine-dining chef, comes home to Chicago to run his family sandwich shop. As he fights to transform the shop and himself, he works...

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  • 1998
    imgS6 E180

    Hollywood Squares

    Hollywood Squares

    6.5 1998 HD

    On September 14, 1998, a Hollywood Squares revival debuted with Tom Bergeron as its host. In addition to her production duties, Whoopi Goldberg...

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  • 1995
    imgS3 E13

    Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child

    Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child

    6.6 1995 HD

    Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child is an American anthology animated television series.

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  • 2018
    imgS4 E13

    Black Lightning

    Black Lightning

    7 2018 HD

    Jefferson Pierce is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe...

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  • 2024
    imgS1 E7

    Before

    Before

    6.857 2024 HD

    After tragically losing his wife, child psychiatrist Dr. Eli Adler encounters a troubled young boy who seems to have a haunting connection to Eli's...

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  • 1970
    imgS5 E11

    Before

    Before

    7.2 1970 HD

    The Parent 'Hood is an American sitcom that aired on The WB airing from January 18, 1995 to July 25, 1999. The series starred Robert Townsend and...

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  • 1970
    imgS5 E11

    Before

    Before

    7.2 1970 HD

    The Parent 'Hood is an American sitcom that aired on The WB airing from January 18, 1995 to July 25, 1999. The series starred Robert Townsend and...

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  • 1970
    imgS3 E16

    Before

    Before

    7.038 1970 HD

    The Carlin family moves from small town Ohio to Los Angeles to find life's not the same. And neither are they.

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  • 1970
    imgS4 E13

    Before

    Before

    7 1970 HD

    Jefferson Pierce is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe...

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  • 1970
    imgS1 E6

    Before

    Before

    6.8 1970 HD

    The life of athlete Colin Kaepernick and his adoptive parents as they navigate the challenges of raising a black son in a white family and community.

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  • 1970
    imgS1 E9

    Before

    Before

    6.9 1970 HD

    A master thief and his crew attempt an epic and elaborate heist worth $7 billion dollars — but betrayal, greed and other threats undermine...

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  • 1970
    imgS2 E10

    Before

    Before

    7.1 1970 HD

    A coming of age story set in the late 1960s that takes a nostalgic look at a black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama through the...

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  • 1970
    imgS1 E5

    Before

    Before

    6.125 1970 HD

    Legendary talk radio host and happily divorced Poppa has his point of view challenged at work when a new female co-host is hired, and at home where...

    img
  • 1970
    imgS5 E11

    Before

    Before

    7.2 1970 HD

    The Parent 'Hood is an American sitcom that aired on The WB airing from January 18, 1995 to July 25, 1999. The series starred Robert Townsend and...

    img
  • 1970
    imgS E

    Before

    Before

    6 1970 HD

    img