The Johnsons and “black-ish” return to ABC with a special one-hour television special tomorrow Sunday, October 4th (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. The two back-to-back episodes, which will air ahead of the official season seven premiere on October 21st.
Sunday‘s episodes will follow the Johnsons as they navigate the upcoming election, with Junior (Marcus Scribner) embarking on his journey as a first-time voter and Dre (Anthony Anderson) launching an exploration into local politics. The special will be presented in part as an animated episode. Oscar® winner Matthew A. Cherry (“Hair Love”) is set to direct.
Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter Jhené Aiko, whose #1 album “CHILOMBO” is now certified platinum – has recorded a new original song “Vote,” that will be used in Sunday‘s “black-ish” election special.
“Now more than ever it is vital that we all VOTE,” said Jhené. “It was an honor working with ‘black-ish’ to bring you this song.”
“Put in my vote, I can have it
But that shouldn’t feel like magic
It’s the best to make my voice heard and that should be automatic
That’s my American right
I’m flexin’ my right if I got it”
In “Election Special Pt. 1,” (10:00-10:30 p.m. EDT), Junior is excited for his first time voting but discovers he has been purged from the voter polls so he does a deep dive into why – trying to understand the systems in place for voter registration.
Then, in a special animated episode, “Election Special Pt. 2,” (10:30-11:00 p.m. EDT), Dre’s colleague Stevens (Peter Mackenzie) makes an ill-advised decision to run for Congress, so Dre enlists his family’s help and campaigns against him but gets caught up with fundraising and private interest groups.
Check out our previews below. Airdate and timing are subject to the change due to the NBA Finals schedule.
UB has been there since the start, being invited to the the private screening with the cast back in 2014. In our review then, we stated “there are also many lessons that are taught throughout the show and its’ definitely a great show for the entire family to sit down and watch.” We continued with “It’s amazing to see a new black show with black lead characters on network television. What’s even better is to see that the ABC network truly believes in this program from their relentless marketing campaigns. As long as people tune in and watch, it’s a win-win situation for the entire “black-ish” cast and ABC.” Seven seasons later, and that all still proves to be true.
In its upcoming seventh season, “black-ish” will continue to tell stories that shine a light on current events through the lens of the Johnson family, addressing the global pandemic, systemic racism and the movement for social justice and equality.
The series stars Anthony Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson, Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson, Marcus Scribner as Andre Johnson Jr., Miles Brown as Jack Johnson, Marsai Martin as Diane Johnson, Laurence Fishburne as Pops, Jenifer Lewis as Ruby, Peter Mackenzie as Mr. Stevens, Deon Cole as Charlie Telphy and Jeff Meacham as Josh.
ABC’s “black-ish” was created by Kenya Barris and is executive produced by Barris, Courtney Lilly, Laura Gutin Peterson, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland, E. Brian Dobbins and Michael Petok.
UB Review: ABC’s “black-ish” Starring Tracee Ellis Ross, Anthony Anderson & Laurence Fisburne
