Watch The Parkers
- TV-PG
- 1999
- 5 Seasons
-
6.8 (2,645)
The Parkers was an American sitcom that aired on UPN from 1999 to 2004. The show starred Mo'Nique as Nikki Parker, an overweight, flamboyant, and boisterous single mother who dreams of living the good life while attending college in California. Dorien Wilson played Professor Stanley Oglevee, a cynical and sarcastic college professor who was Nikki's crush and nemesis at the same time. Finally, Countess Vaughn played Kim Parker, Nikki's daughter, who was constantly worried about her mother's love life and striving to improve her own.
The show was a spin-off of the hit show Moesha, which focused on the life of a teenage girl named Moesha Mitchell. Nikki Parker was Moesha's best friend on the show, and their relationship carried over into The Parkers. The show's central theme was the bond between a mother and daughter, as Nikki and Kim not only attended the same college but also lived together.
The Parkers was a lighthearted and funny show that tackled everyday issues with humor and warmth. Nikki Parker was the center of attention, and her larger-than-life personality made her a fan favorite. Her constant antics and wild fashion choices, including bright colors, oversized jewelry, and feather boas, added to her charm. However, Nikki's attempts to live the good life often led her down a path of trouble, and Kim was always there to help her mother out of sticky situations.
One of the primary themes of the show was family, and viewers saw the ups and downs of the relationship between Nikki and Kim. There were moments of tension as they tried to navigate their differing personalities and life goals, but ultimately, their love for each other shone through. Nikki's overbearing personality often caused power struggles between the two, but Kim was a strong-willed young woman who knew how to stand up to her mother.
The show was also known for its fantastic supporting cast, including Nikki's best friend, the sassy and sultry Andell Wilkerson, who owned the local hangout, The Den. Andell was played by Yvette Wilson, who sadly passed away in 2012. In addition, the show featured the comedic talents of Jenna Von Oy as Stevie Van Lowe, Kim's best friend, and Ken Lawson as Thaddeus "T" Radcliffe, a handsome and charming student who caught Kim's eye.
The Parkers was not without its controversies, however. The show was criticized for its portrayal of overweight people, with some arguing that it perpetuated negative stereotypes. In addition, there were concerns that the show's focus on college life could encourage young people to prioritize partying over academics. However, many viewers appreciated the show's efforts to portray a strong mother-daughter relationship in a humorous and uplifting way.
Overall, The Parkers was a hilarious and heartwarming sitcom that tackled real-life issues with a comedic touch. Mo'Nique's performance as Nikki Parker was a standout, and her chemistry with the rest of the cast made the show a joy to watch. While it may not have been groundbreaking television, The Parkers provided viewers with a fun and vibrant escape into the world of college, romance, and family.
The Parkers is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (110 episodes). The series first aired on August 30, 1999.
