Introduction
An American show, 227 is a sitcom series that aired from 1985 to 1989. It was adapted from a play written by Christine Houston in 1978, called Two Twenty Seven . It is about the lives of women residing in a building occupied largely by black people.
The backdrop of the series was, however, changed to Washington at the time of the series’ release. The main characters of the show include Mary Jenkins, her husband Lester, their daughter Brenda, landlady Rose Halloway and neighbors Sandra Clark and Pearl Shay.
This masterpiece was created by C.J. Banks and Bill Boulware and developed by Jack Elinson. Its executive producers include a number of people in varying time periods, ranging from Marla Gibbs (1985-86) to Irma Kalish (1988-90).
The actors from the series were nominated for various awards for their work in the show.
The series has a total of 5 seasons and 116 episodes.
Why should you stream it?
Revolving around Mary Jenkins, the show followed the lives of people residing in a bourgeois apartment building at 227 Lexington Place. Mary Jenkins is a meddling and sharp-tongued but loving wife, to Lester, a man who has his own construction company, and a loving mother to their daughter, Brenda, a studious and nerdy girl in the prime of her teens, crushing on boys.
Although the show was not based on a new format, it was one of the first ones to portray the life and struggles of a black, middle-class family, residing in a slightly nosy neighborhood.
Despite its comical and jovial basis, the show delves into some real-life lessons that its viewers end up with. The family’s bonds and struggles, and its joy and sorrows are what make the series so gripping.
With the nosy and interfering nature of Mary Jenkins, drama is sure to ensue for her and her funky, often kooky, but most importantly, loving family.
Cast
The series stars Marla Gibbs as Mary Jenkins, Hal Williams as Jester, Regina King as Brenda, Jackee Harry as Sandra Clark, Mary’s younger neighbor who had frequent clashes with Mary due to their differing views on life, a serial dater, and a stylish diva who went through men like a girl going through clothes, Helen Martin as Pearl Shay, a bubbly and kind neighbor famous for snooping and her sense of humor, Aliana Reed Hall as Rose Lee Holloway, Mary’s composed and unruffled best friend and often the voice of reason, and Kia Goodwin as Tiffany, Brenda’s closest buddy as some of the main and lead characters of the show.
This show was also the debut of Regina King on television. She was also nominated for the Young Artist Award in 1986, and 1987.
Jackee Harry was nominated and won 1 Emmy each; got nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Show in 1988 and won the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Show in 1987.
Where to stream it?
The series is streaming on Hulu.
