black-ish: A Celebration – An ABC News Special

As the cameras rolled in on a typical day at the set of 'black-ish', the cast and crew are seen going through the motions of another long day of filming. The cameras follow the crew as they prepare for a final table read of the entire series, with all the original castmates and a few surprise guest stars making their way to the table. The sense of nostalgia is palpable as the crew looks back on eight seasons of comedy and drama, laughter and tears, and the impact it has had on the world. One of the most interesting and insightful moments is when the film cuts to exclusive interview clips with the cast and crew. Anthony Anderson, the charismatic actor behind Dre Johnson, talks fondly about his time on the show and the character that started it all. "Dre's journey has taken him from being a clueless suburban dad to learning to be a better husband, father, and community leader," he says with a smile. "I think that's what makes this show so special – it's not just a comedy, it's a show that tackles real issues and starts real conversations." Meanwhile, Tracee Ellis Ross, who plays Dr. Rainbow Johnson, opens up about her own real-life struggles and experiences that have inspired her portrayal of her character. "Growing up as a mixed-race person in a society that often wants to categorize and box us into specific identities, I think Rainbow's struggle for identity and acceptance really resonated with me," she says. "I wanted to bring that realness to the character, and I think that's why audiences have responded to her the way they have." Another key part of the special is the feature on original audition tapes. Seeing the likes of Trae Ellis Ross's first audition for the role of Rainbow, and the hilarious initial reactions from Anderson and Jenifer Lewis will bring back those early memories and show viewers the early growth of their beloved 'black-ish' characters before they came into their own roles on the show. The crew's perspective is also shared throughout the special. Kevin Hench, an executive producer on the show, talks about the origins of the series and how they developed the concept of the show. "We wanted to create a show that explored the African American experience in a way that was authentic, funny, and relatable," he says. "We knew that we had a unique opportunity to use comedy as a tool for social commentary, and we ran with it." One of the most memorable and emotional moments in the special is a conversation with Marsai Martin, who has been a part of the show since its early days as the precocious and outspoken Diane Johnson. Marsai opens up about the real-life struggles she has faced, from being bullied to experiencing racism and colorism. "Growing up on this show, I have been able to speak out about issues that affect me and my community, and I'm grateful for that," she says. "I hope that my character has inspired young people to speak up and stand up for what they believe in." In addition to Marsai, other young stars, such as Miles Brown and Miles Brown's co-star and close friend of 10 years, Yara Shahidi also share their experiences about what it was like working on 'black-ish' for a decade, as well as how the show had affected their lives personally and their perceptions of the world in which they live in. As the final table read wraps up, the cast and crew are overcome with emotion as they reflect on the impact the show has had on their lives and the lives of their fans. "This show has been more than just a job to me," Anthony Anderson says through tears. "It's been a family, and I'll carry that with me forever." In the end, 'black-ish: A Celebration' is not just a tribute to a beloved show, but also a testament to the power of television to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a renewed appreciation for the work that has gone into creating a truly iconic series, and the lasting impact that 'black-ish' will have on television for years to come.