7 Black TV Shows That Ended On A Cliffhanger -

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When it comes to Black television, awaiting news of a renewal or cancellation can be anxiety-inducing for everyone—cast, crew, consumers, etc. Insecure, Pose, The Steve Harvey Show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, A Different World, Scandal, and Sister, Sister were among the few shows that were able to tell their full stories and fulfill character arcs, from start to finish.

However, so many others have gotten the axe from networks far before its run came to a complete end. Compared to its white counterparts, it seems Black TV shows are given far less time and grace to develop over time. In recent years, shows were even deemed “lucky” to be given a second season.

So, while fans and critics alike rejoice in beloved shows like the Power franchises, Abbott Elementary, Harlem, and P-Valley being renewed, let’s take a minute to reflect on seven shows—older and newer—that tragically left us on a cliffhanger.

‘Moesha’

Image Credit: Paramount Television/Courtesy Everett Collection

The Brandy-led series aired on UPN for six seasons and is regarded as one of millennials’ most cherished sitcoms.

Aside from an internal conflict with one of its storylines involving Ray J and William Allen Young that led to divide within the cast — on Sheryl Lee Ralph’s part — the series was a hit and sparked the spin-off, The Parkers. However, by the time the sixth season rolled around, ratings dropped and UPN opted to nix the show.

Fans were forever left wondering the fate of Miles after he was kidnapped and who between Moesha, Niecy (Shar Jackson), and Alicia (Alexis Fields) was pregnant. Cheat Sheet reported that the pregnancy was supposed to be addressed on The Parkers, but it never was.
‘Girlfriends’

Image Credit: Paramount Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection

Mara Brock Akil’s Girlfriends paved the way for current blueprints like Insecure, Run The World, and Harlem. For eight seasons, we followed the adventures of Joan, Maya, Lynn, Toni, and William as they fell in and out of love, got married, had children, followed their dreams, grew up, grew apart, and came back together again. It ended abruptly due to the 2007-2008 writer’s strike, robbing fans of 13 episodes that would’ve completed its final season. Fans never got to witness Joan finally get married after several failed relationships, or see Lynn earn a record deal and gain success as a songwriter.

This may be one show where we do get a proper ending considering actress Persia White (Lynn) recently met with the series EP, Kelsey Grammar—who already discussed the series getting a potential reboot.
‘My Wife And Kids’

Image Credit: ©ABC / courtesy Everett Collection

My Wife And Kids is one of the most underrated sitcoms when it comes to Black TV. Despite the unexpected cast changes — when Jazz Raycole was replaced by Jennifer Nicole Freeman and Meagan Good was replaced by Brooklyn Sudano — the chemistry between Jay (Tisha Campbell) and Michael (Damon Wayans) was unmatched, and the comedic timing was top-tier. Yet, the series was ultimately cancelled after five seasons due to a drop in ratings because of its competition with American Idol.

In the final episode, fans were left pondering about Michael’s vasectomy after Jay reveals that she’s pregnant, the journey of Junior and Vanessa’s parenting, Claire and Tony’s fight against virginity, and the adorable budding relationship between Kady and Franklin.
‘Half & Half’

Image Credit: © CBS / Courtesy: Everett Collection

The dynamic between Big Dee Dee (Valarie Pettiford), Phyllis (Thelma Hopkins), Mona (Rachel True) and Dee Dee (Essence Atkins) is one that needs to be studied. Half & Half had a delightful run on UPN before its tragic demise after four seasons. The unexpected finale left Mona juggling two men, and we never found out who she chose, or if Dee Dee ever hooked up with her arrogant co-worker.

The show was nearly renewed for a fifth season, but The CW instead picked up The Game and renewed All Of Us at the last minute.
‘Rap Sh!t’

Image Credit: Erin Simpkin/Max

Though some saw it coming, that didn’t soften the blow when Max closed the door on Issa Rae’s Rap Sh!t. After two seasons, the dramedy came to an end, and so many questions remain unanswered.

What will The Duke do without Shawna and Mia? Will she seek revenge? Will the duo find the success they desire with Francois? Will Shawna end up in prison along with Maurice? Will her rap career end before it really begins? Will Mia stop self-sabotaging? Will she get back with her child’s father or find new love with Courtney? Or Cash?

The second season proved the series found its footing, and we hope that it will find a new home elsewhere.
‘Love Is__’

Image Credit: Josh Stringer / ©OWN / Courtesy Everett Collection

Mara Brock Akil’s Love Is___ had one of the most tragic conclusions in television history.

After a compelling, heart-wrenching first season, fans were thrilled that the show would proceed with a second season. It ended on the cliffhanger of Yasir finding out that after 20 years, Nuri held onto her old engagement ring — just in case she ever changed her mind regarding their relationship. He was hurt and infuriated while she was apologetic. Yet, we will never know what happened because the end of Love Is___ was laced in scandal.

The move to cancel the show came weeks after series EP Salim Akil was sued by a woman claiming he abused her during an extramarital affair. According to Variety, “Pre-production had already begun [for the new season]. However, the allegations against Salim Akil presented a unique challenge for the future of the season, which had been billed as being based on the real-life romance of Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil. That narrative was viewed as having been compromised.”
‘Star’

Image Credit: Wilford Harewood /©Fox /courtesy Everett Collection

Star was better than Empire. Let’s just get that clear.

The series came when Empire was in its third season, but had an ensemble cast like no other.

The drama series ran for three seasons and starred Jude Demorest, Ryan Destiny, Brittany O’Grady, Queen Latifah, Lenny Kravitz, Quincy Brown, Naomi Campbell, Luke James, Keke Palmer, Evan Ross, Amiyah Scott, Benjamin Bratt, and more. The Lee Daniels-production revolved around Demorest, Destiny, and O’Grady who formed a trio in an attempt to become music’s next big thing. The music was better and the storylines were stronger, but the show ended on a major cliffhanger, which was dubbed the “red wedding”—similar to that of Game Of Thrones. Alex and Derek’s got shot up by a gang; his grandmother was killed and Star and Noah’s son was kidnapped.

Deadline reported that Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier considered the decision to cancel Star to be a “tough choice,” and said it was tied to the fact that the network wanted to prioritize Empire‘s sixth and final season. Fans are still demanding that Daniels give Star its proper ending and he’s reportedly considering it.