Living Single fans have long hoped for a revival of the beloved 90s sitcom, and it seems that Erika Alexander, who played the iconic Maxine Shaw, is open to the idea. Known for her role as the quick-witted public defender on the Fox comedy, Alexander recently shared her thoughts about possibly revisiting Living Single more than three decades after it first aired. “We’ll see,” the 54-year-old actress told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “I’m very identified with that show. The minute I put on those braids, especially.”
Contents
- The Enduring Legacy of Living Single
- The Concept of a Living Single Revival
- Erika Alexander’s Thoughts on Revisiting Living Single
- The Cast’s Connection and the Role of Group Texts
- Kim Fields on Being Cautious About Reboots
- The Influence of Living Single on Pop Culture
- Where the Living Single Cast Is Today
- Erika Alexander’s Career Beyond Living Single
- The Future of Living Single
- Conclusion
The Enduring Legacy of Living Single
Since its premiere in 1993, Living Single has become a cult classic, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of friendship, career challenges, and romance among young Black professionals living in New York City. The series ran for five seasons, concluding in 1998, and starred a stellar cast including Queen Latifah, Kim Fields, Kim Coles, T.C. Carson, and John Henton. Living Single was often compared to Friends, a similar NBC sitcom that debuted a year later. Many fans and critics consider Living Single the predecessor to Friends, as both shows focused on a group of young friends navigating life in the big city.
The Concept of a Living Single Revival
Talks about a Living Single revival have been circulating for years, especially as the demand for nostalgic reboots of 90s shows continues to grow. Queen Latifah hinted at the possibility during a 2017 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, mentioning that a relaunch was “in the works.” However, despite the fan enthusiasm and interest from the cast, a revival has yet to materialize.
Erika Alexander’s Thoughts on Revisiting Living Single
Erika Alexander, who played the unforgettable Maxine Shaw, initially had mixed feelings about a revival. She explained that while she is deeply connected to her Living Single character, she was concerned about being typecast and wanted to explore different opportunities in her career. “I didn’t know if I wanted to do it, because I thought I’m not going to be able to transcend it,” Alexander said. “I’m a person who would love to do it. I’m not trying to push it away.”
However, Alexander’s perspective seems to have shifted over time. She expressed a newfound openness to the idea of a revival, particularly considering the show’s impact and continued relevance. “And yet I’ve even grown past that [thinking] a bit, so we’ll see,” she noted. “I always thought it’d be great animated. Everybody has such unique voices.”
The Cast’s Connection and the Role of Group Texts
Even though the original Living Single cast no longer works together every day, they have maintained a strong bond over the years. Alexander revealed that they keep in touch via a group text, which helps them stay connected despite their busy schedules. “It’s changed. We didn’t have one for years, and then suddenly someone made it,” she shared. This ongoing connection has fueled conversations among the cast members about potentially reviving the show in some form, whether it be a traditional reboot or an animated series.
Kim Fields on Being Cautious About Reboots
While the idea of a Living Single revival excites many fans, some cast members have expressed caution. Kim Fields, who played the fashion-forward Regine Hunter, has voiced her concerns about reboots. In a 2022 interview on Today, Fields explained, “I think you have to be really careful with reboots because if you don’t get it right, you are messing with people’s beloved characters.” Her sentiments echo the challenges faced by many revival projects, where capturing the original magic while adapting to modern sensibilities can be a delicate balance.
The Influence of Living Single on Pop Culture
Living Single holds a significant place in television history as one of the first sitcoms to focus on the lives of Black professionals. Its influence extended beyond its own success, paving the way for future shows that centered around diverse casts and highlighted Black culture. The chemistry among the cast members, combined with the show’s relatable and often humorous storylines, made Living Single a staple of 90s TV.
The show’s legacy is also intertwined with its connection to Friends. In a 2017 interview, Queen Latifah mentioned that Warren Littlefield, a former NBC executive, expressed admiration for Living Single before Friends was created. This comparison has led to ongoing discussions about representation and the recognition of Living Single as a pioneer in the sitcom genre.
Where the Living Single Cast Is Today
Beyond Erika Alexander, the other cast members of Living Single have continued to thrive in their careers:
- Queen Latifah (Khadijah James): Queen Latifah, who played the ambitious magazine editor Khadijah James, went on to become a multi-talented star, achieving success as a rapper, singer, actress, and producer. She has appeared in hit films like Chicago, Hairspray, and Girls Trip and stars in the CBS drama The Equalizer. Queen Latifah remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
- Kim Fields (Regine Hunter): After her role on Living Single, Kim Fields continued acting and ventured into directing. She has directed episodes of popular TV shows and appeared in series like The Upshaws and The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Fields is known for her versatility and commitment to storytelling.
- Kim Coles (Synclaire James-Jones): Kim Coles, who portrayed the lovable Synclaire, has stayed active in the entertainment world. She has appeared on reality TV shows, hosted events, and performed stand-up comedy. Coles also focuses on motivational speaking and empowerment, sharing her journey with audiences across the country.
- T.C. Carson (Kyle Barker): T.C. Carson, known for his role as the suave Kyle Barker, found success in voice acting, notably as Kratos in the God of War video game series. He has continued to work in television and music, showcasing his diverse talents.
- John Henton (Overton Wakefield Jones): John Henton, who played the charming handyman Overton, took a break from acting after a serious car accident but returned to stand-up comedy. He remains active in the comedy circuit, bringing laughter to audiences across the nation.
Erika Alexander’s Career Beyond Living Single
Erika Alexander’s portrayal of Maxine Shaw remains one of her most iconic roles, but her career extends far beyond Living Single. After the show, Alexander appeared in several television series and films, including Judging Amy, In Plain Sight, and the acclaimed horror film Get Out. She also starred in the Amazon Prime series Bosch and had a recurring role on the sitcom Last Man Standing.
In addition to her acting career, Alexander has ventured into other creative fields. She co-created the graphic novel series Concrete Park, which explores themes of social justice and science fiction. Alexander is also actively involved in political and social causes, advocating for voter rights and diversity in media. Her multifaceted career reflects her passion for storytelling and making a positive impact.
The Future of Living Single
While no official plans for a Living Single revival have been announced, the possibility remains open, especially with the cast members’ enthusiasm and ongoing discussions. The success of other 90s sitcom revivals suggests that Living Single could find a new audience while reconnecting with longtime fans. Whether it returns as a live-action series, an animated show, or even a limited special, the potential for Living Single to make a comeback is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Living Single remains a beloved part of television history, and the idea of a revival continues to generate excitement among fans and cast members alike. Erika Alexander’s openness to revisiting her role as Maxine Shaw offers a glimmer of hope that the iconic series could return to our screens. As the entertainment industry embraces nostalgia and diversity, the time might be right for Living Single to make a triumphant comeback. Until then, the show’s legacy lives on through its impact, reruns, and the fond memories of those who watched it.
