ReLiving Single: “When Men Show Up” (feat. TC Carson)
Podcast: ReLiving Single
Hosts: Erika Alexander, Kim Coles
Guest: T.C. Carson ("Kyle Barker" from Living Single)
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Main Theme: Exploring masculinity, Black love, and the cultural legacy of Living Single—especially focusing on the episode "Five Card Stud" and the evolving conversation around how Black men show up to support Black women.
Episode Overview
This episode features a heartfelt and funny reunion between hosts Erika Alexander (Maxine Shaw), Kim Coles (Synclaire James), and their guest, T.C. Carson (Kyle Barker). Together, they revisit the Living Single episode "Five Card Stud," reflect on depictions of Black masculinity and friendship, and discuss the show's enduring cultural impact—particularly regarding protection, respect, and trust between Black men and Black women.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Revisiting "Five Card Stud" (03:40–14:40)
- Plot Recap: Kyle faces a moral dilemma when his colleague, who is dating Regine, spreads lies about her. Kyle must choose between career advancement and defending his friend.
- Behind the Scenes: The cast recalls guest stars, wardrobe choices, and the dynamic between Kyle and Overton.
- Cultural Relevance: The episode's themes of workplace loyalty, sexism, and Black male responsibility continue to resonate.
"Either way, there's risk on both sides...you lose your job, you lose your friend."
— T.C. Carson (12:33)
2. Male Friendship and Representation (05:41–06:49)
- T.C. Carson reflects on the contrast between Kyle's sophistication and Overton's "down-home" charm.
- The cast highlights the importance of authentic, multidimensional Black male characters.
"It was really nice to see the sophistication but to see the down home stuff really outweigh the sophistication."
— T.C. Carson (05:41)
3. Black Men Protecting Black Women (26:09–27:35, Reverb Section)
- The group discusses the show's portrayal of Black men standing up for Black women, stressing its rarity both then and now.
- T.C. Carson and Kim Coles invoke Malcolm X’s quote about Black women's societal position, emphasizing the importance of allyship.
"I think that's one of the things that in our community that we kind of are losing. I don't think we take care of the kids and the women in our community."
— T.C. Carson (26:13)
4. Healthy vs. Toxic Masculinity (27:22–27:37)
- Kyle and Overton are cited as examples of healthy masculinity—protective, supportive, and loving—contrasted with toxic tropes in media and real life.
- Both men believed Black women, pushed back against workplace disparagement, and modeled respect.
"Fragile and toxic masculinity versus healthy masculinity, which you and Overton, the Kyle character, were versions of."
— Kim Coles (27:25)
5. The "Manosphere" and Modern Relationship Critiques (27:36–32:15)
- The hosts unpack the rise of online influencers who promote misogynistic and harmful narratives about Black women (e.g., Kevin Samuels, Andrew Tate).
- They critique the fixation on materialism, beauty standards, and transactional concepts of value in relationships, noting its emotional toll on Black women.
"If you have a fixation on beauty and all of these outward materialistic things, you never ask that person, what are your dreams? ... it's so cruel."
— Kim Coles (28:57)
6. Relationship Dynamics, Femininity, and Partnership (30:29–32:15)
- Erika and Kim stress that partnership is about reciprocity, care, and mutual support—not about submission or hierarchy.
- They argue for defining relationships personally, outside societal or digital expectations.
"I do think there's something really okay with...a give and take. He does the same for me."
— Erika Alexander (30:29)
7. Social Media, Dating Culture, and Loneliness (32:15–34:18)
- T.C. Carson reflects on the pressures of social media and AI-driven "fakeness" in modern dating.
- Rapid “swiping” can lead to anxiety and a lack of relationship skills.
"This puts so much pressure...on everybody...to present something a certain way. Even if you don't have it, you can make it up."
— T.C. Carson (32:29)
- Living Single provided positive examples of Black men in relationships, shaping viewers’ real-life expectations and behavior.
8. Black Love: The Max and Kyle Romance (38:32–41:49)
- Listener question: “Were Max and Kyle a good representation of Black love, given their rocky beginning?”
- T.C. Carson says their storyline was “a universal love story,” but significant for centering two dark-skinned Black characters as romantic leads.
- Kim emphasizes their dynamic negotiation, boundaries, and Max’s independence.
"I tell you, it was the love affair of my lifetime. It really was. I got to do it on screen. Yay."
— T.C. Carson (41:17)
9. Cultural Impact & Emmy Overlook (21:10–21:53)
- The cast laments how Black sitcoms were rarely recognized with major awards, despite handling significant, timely issues.
- Living Single’s influence extended beyond laughs to community uplift and representation.
"Black sitcoms were never really looked at as Emmy material. And that's one of the reasons...they were seen as black sitcoms as opposed to sitcoms."
— Kim Coles (21:40)
10. Music, Sexuality, and Shifting Cultural Norms (36:09–37:22)
- Discussion veers to how music lyrics and media about sexuality have changed, sometimes leaving young women scared or overwhelmed by explicitness.
- Hosts recall earlier eras when lyrics emphasized love and vulnerability.
- There's a call to "support the lovers" and reject hostility in cultural products.
"We need more duets...We need love. And if we start rejecting all of this hostility...and start to bring in the lovers...the art will sell."
— Kim Coles & T.C. Carson (36:50–37:22)
Notable Quotes and Moments
-
"Every time I hear a brother call a girl a bitch, trying to make a sister feel low, you know, all of that's got to go."
— Kim Coles quoting Queen Latifah, referencing UNITY (00:34, 18:52) -
"Can a brother get some popcorn?"
— T.C. Carson, comic relief during poker night scene (11:10, recurring) -
“We learned real early that it was something special for our community, which is why we fought for the things we fought for. Because it wasn't...a throwaway.”
— T.C. Carson (33:36) -
"I want people to know how much we love men. Kim is always talking about that conversation."
— Erika Alexander (34:20) -
"It was the love affair of my lifetime. ...I got to do it on screen. Yay."
— T.C. Carson on Max and Kyle (41:17) -
"You all can't get rid of me. It's too late."
— T.C. Carson on the enduring bonds of the cast (41:49)
Important Timestamps
- Intro/mini opening banter: 00:00–01:13
- Recap and episode set-up: 03:40–05:41
- Behind the scenes & character dynamics: 05:41–07:15
- Morality, loyalty, and workplace dilemmas: 11:51–14:40
- Poker night, gender dynamics, & Queen Latifah meta-moment: 16:04–20:47
- Reverb segment: Black men protecting Black women: 26:09–27:35
- Manosphere and relationship commentators: 27:36–32:15
- Modern dating pressures & social media: 32:15–34:18
- Listener Q: Max & Kyle’s love: 38:32–41:49
- Closing reflections on community, healthy love, and gratitude: 41:56–43:13
Tone & Style
The conversation maintains a lighthearted, candid, and deeply affectionate tone, peppered with inside jokes, mutual respect, and knowledgeable analysis. The hosts are unafraid to tackle tough topics—like sexism, toxic masculinity, cultural misrepresentation, and the importance of healthy relationships—while always rooting their commentary in lived experience, community love, and hope for the future.
Conclusion
This episode stands out as one of the most reflective and honest yet, blending nostalgia and critical discussion. The cast’s on- and off-screen chemistry drives home why Living Single remains a touchstone for discussions of Black love, masculinity, and communal responsibility. Listeners old and new are reminded: showing up for each other is radical, beautiful, and necessary—on television and in real life.