Now, stars of the ABC sitcom are reflecting on the show’s universal appeal to audiences across the country and the globe ahead of its upcoming series finale.
Speaking with PEOPLE at theBlack-ishseries finale event at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday,Anthony Andersonsaid the show’s appeal comes from its “authenticity,” “being unapologetic,” and “fighting for what you believe in.”
“And that’s what made our show appealing,” the 51-year-old actor said. “And with the worldwide audience, wanting to better ourselves and live the American dream and have the best for all of our family, that’s what it was all about.”
Paul Morigi/ABC via Getty
Tracee Ellis Rossoffered a similar analysis, noting that “the characters are so relatable” to viewers.
“I feel like each one of our characters has their own viewpoint. There’s no stagnation. They’ve all grown throughout the years and changed their opinions like real people do. We all grow up and we all change,” Ross, 49, explained to PEOPLE at Saturday’s event. “I think it’s a beautiful thing and people see themselves in these characters.”
Despite being a comedy-based series,Black-ishhas not shied away from tackling serious topics such as police brutality, social anxiety, racism, and more.
Miles Brown, who was just 9 years old when the show premiered in 2014, told PEOPLE that it was “an honor for us to even be able to showcase these topics” on the show, in addition to representing the Black community on television.
“And this reminds me of my family,” he added, noting, “I think that’s one of the biggest things that I’m super proud of the show.”
The series also starsYara Shahidi, Marsai Martin, Laurence Fishburne, Jeff Meacham, Jenifer Lewis, Peter Mackenzie, Deon Cole, Katlyn Nichol, and August and Berlin Gross.
TheBlack-ishseries finale airs Tuesday, April 19 on ABC.
source: people.com
