ReLiving Single Podcast Episode Summary: "The Pre-Show: Back to the Beginning"

Introduction to the Episode

In the premiere episode titled "The Pre-Show: Back to the Beginning," hosts Erika Alexander and Kim Coles delve deep into the origins of the iconic sitcom Living Single. Released on May 7, 2025, this episode sets the stage for the podcast's mission to unearth behind-the-scenes stories, explore memorable moments, and reintroduce the beloved stars to both longtime fans and newcomers.

The Birth of ReLiving Single Podcast

The conversation kicks off with Kim Coles proposing the idea of creating a podcast that diverges from the repetitive fan questions about potential reboots or character updates. Instead, she suggests sharing their personal stories about how Living Single came to life.

Kim Coles [00:46]: "So I was thinking, instead of answering the same questions over and over and over again, why don't we tell our story? How Living Single got started, all the backstage stories."

Erika Alexander hesitates initially but quickly warms to the idea, emphasizing the need for authenticity and a genuine connection with their audience.

Erika Alexander [01:18]: "You know, if we're going to do it, then we need a set, we need some lighting... Let's do it for the people. I'm starting to feel it."

Kim Coles' Journey Before Living Single

Kim shares her early career struggles, including being fired from In Living Color and navigating the uncertain waters of the entertainment industry. She recounts attending a pivotal meeting with Les Moonves at Lorimar Productions, where the concept for a show centered around black women’s friendships and careers was first introduced.

Kim Coles [03:16]: "I go up to Warner Brothers, and this is... there they say they want to do a show about women, about black women, about their friendships and relationships and career and sex and, you know, all the things."

Her integrity shines as she stands firm against a concept that she feels is overly negative towards men, showcasing her commitment to authentic storytelling.

Kim Coles [04:43]: "I said, I'd love to do something like that, but if the show is about bashing men, I'M not interested."

Meeting Yvette Denise Lee and Show Creation

The hosts discuss the critical role Yvette Denise Lee played in shaping the show. Yvette, being young and talented, was tasked with developing the characters and overarching vision of Living Single. Kim highlights the importance of having a black showrunner who could authentically tell their stories.

Kim Coles [07:59]: "Yvette was chosen as the one that could have this opportunity to create the show. And she had been at Hanging with Mr. Cooper, and she had been with Different World. Right? Right. Yeah."

Navigating the Network Dynamics

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding Fox's strategic positioning in the television landscape. Unlike established networks like NBC and ABC, Fox aimed to capture younger, urban, and minority audiences, which provided an opportunity for shows like Living Single to thrive.

Kim Coles [40:07]: "So they built with communities that had not been seen. So, yes, you had Cosby on NBC, but I think that Fox decided to go young, to go urban, to go black, to go Latino."

Erika and Kim reflect on how Fox’s approach was both a blessing and a challenge, especially when network strategies shifted over time.

Casting and Character Development

The hosts delve into the casting process, highlighting the dedication to authenticity and representation. They discuss casting Regina (Regine) Fields and Overton, ensuring that each character brought something unique to the ensemble.

Kim Coles [10:35]: "Regine was made to be bougie. She wanted a date. She wants to meet a man."

Erika shares her audition experiences, including her callback strategies and the emotional resilience required to secure her role as Maxine Shaw.

Erika Alexander [29:19]: "I put Living Single, second position, Mantis in first. If I did not get chosen in Mantis on the final callback, I had to audition for Living Single."

Overcoming Challenges and Network Constraints

Despite securing key roles, Erika and Kim faced numerous challenges, from limited budgets to inadequate marketing support. They recount how executive decisions often sidelined the show's potential, leading to creative tensions and eventual conflicts with network standards.

Kim Coles [48:02]: "They didn't put the money into the show. So we didn't have the same anything that the network shows had."

Erika emphasizes the disparity between their production conditions and those of other network shows, underscoring the resilience required to produce quality content under constrained circumstances.

Erika Alexander [50:00]: "They kept going. I went up to one of the promotions, said, why aren't we going to Peoria?... And they had no explanation."

Reflections on Race and Colorism in the Industry

A poignant segment of the episode addresses the pervasive issues of colorism and racial politics within the entertainment industry. Erika and Kim discuss how skin tone impacted their opportunities and the broader implications for representation on television.

Erika Alexander [36:33]: "I'm dark skinned. I'm not even the darkest skinned person in the room. But I talk about it because somebody needs to talk about it."

Kim adds her perspective, reflecting on her upbringing and the societal pressures related to skin color.

Kim Coles [36:30]: "I have a mother who's brown skinned and was the darkest one of her sisters and grew up in the south and is aware of the contrast."

They both critique the labeling of shows as "black shows," arguing that such categorizations can limit the potential and recognition of the content.

Erika Alexander [44:34]: "If you are suddenly in a space where somebody can create a narrative around you, they can also create that landscape to have drought, to say, we don't have to support that show because the black people are watching, it's a black show."

Success and Legacy of Living Single

Despite the hurdles, Living Single achieved significant success, resonating with a diverse audience and becoming a cultural touchstone. The hosts proudly recount how the show was embraced by viewers across different demographics, thanks to its relatable characters and universal themes of friendship and love.

Kim Coles [49:35]: "We had a wide range of audience and ages and people and people sitting down to watch it together that will be listening to this too."

Erika emphasizes the show's number one ranking and its lasting impact on television history.

Erika Alexander [49:58]: "It was recognized. It was number one. And also beloved in many households."

Conclusion: Bond and Future of the Podcast

The episode concludes with Erika and Kim reaffirming their strong friendship and shared passion for Living Single. They express excitement about continuing the podcast, promising more in-depth conversations and nostalgic looks back at the show's legacy.

Erika Alexander [51:05]: "We just had so much fun. I think we should do this more. Don't you think?"

Kim Coles [51:40]: "It was recognized. It was number one. And also beloved in many households. Very much so. And I'm grateful for that because I think that our audience found us."

Finally, they officially announce the launch of the ReLiving Single podcast, setting the tone for future episodes filled with heartfelt reminiscences and insider anecdotes.

Kim Coles [52:22]: "Welcome to Reliving Single, the official unofficial Rewatch podcast."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kim Coles [00:46]: "So I was thinking, instead of answering the same questions over and over and over again, why don't we tell our story? How Living Single got started, all the backstage stories."

• Erika Alexander [01:18]: "You know, if we're going to do it, then we need a set, we need some lighting... Let's do it for the people. I'm starting to feel it."

• Kim Coles [04:43]: "I said, I'd love to do something like that, but if the show is about bashing men, I'M not interested."

• Erika Alexander [36:33]: "I'm dark skinned. I'm not even the darkest skinned person in the room. But I talk about it because somebody needs to talk about it."

• Kim Coles [45:40]: "If you are suddenly in a space where somebody can create a narrative around you, they can also create that landscape to have drought, to say, we don't have to support that show because the black people are watching, it's a black show."

• Erika Alexander [49:58]: "It was recognized. It was number one. And also beloved in many households."

This comprehensive episode serves as a foundational narrative, establishing the podcast's intent to celebrate and dissect the legacy of Living Single. Through candid conversations and shared memories, Erika and Kim offer listeners an intimate look into the making of a show that not only entertained but also shaped television history.