Wikipedia

Moesha

Not to be confused withMoesia.

Moesha(/moʊˈiːʃə/) is an American televisionsitcomthat aired onUPNfrom January 23, 1996, to May 14, 2001. The series starsR&BsingerBrandyas Moesha Denise Mitchell, an African-American teenager living with herupper middle classfamily in theLeimert Parkneighborhood ofLos Angeles.[1]It was originally ordered as a pilot forCBS' 1995–1996 television season but was declined by the network.[2]It was then later picked up by UPN, which aired it as amid-season replacement.It went on to become the biggest success for the nascent network and one of the greatest hits over the course of the network's entire run.[3]The series was a joint production for UPN by Regan Jon Productions, Saradipity Productions, and Jump at the Sun Productions in association withBig Ticket Television.

Moesha
GenreSitcom
Created by
Starring
Theme music composerKurt Farquhar
Opening theme"Moesha Main Title" performed byBrandy
Ending theme"Moesha Closing Theme" (Instrumental)
ComposerKurt Farquhar
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No.of seasons6
No.of episodes127(list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Ralph Farquhar
  • Sara V. Finney
  • Vida Spears
  • Jacque Edmonds
  • Warren Hutcherson
  • Fred Johnson
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time21–24 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkUPN
ReleaseJanuary 23, 1996(1996-01-23)–
May 14, 2001(2001-05-14)
Related

Overview

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The series focused on the life of a blackupper-middle-classfamily through the eyes of a typical girl named Moesha. Her father Frank, a widower andSaturncar salesman (and later owner of his own dealership, Brothers Saturn), has married Dee, the vice principal at Moesha's high school, much to Moesha's disapproval. The series was created by Ralph Farquhar, along with the writing team of Sara V. Finney and Vida Spears. The settings for the show include the Mitchell household, teen hangout The Den, and in some cases,Crenshaw High School,the school attended by Moesha, Kim, Niecy, and Hakeem. The sitcom was set in theLeimert Parkneighborhood of Los Angeles.

Issues addressed

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See also:Very special episode

The show dealt with real social issues affecting teenagers, such as premarital sex, the death of a parent,teen pregnancy,drug use, race relations, sexuality,dementia,and day-to-day issues teenagers faced at home and school such as gender prejudice and inequality.[4][5]In one of the most controversial episodes, "Secrets and Lies" (aired February 7, 2000), the Mitchell family learned from Aunt Hattie that Frank is the biological father of Dorian, whom the Mitchells and Dorian himself believed to be Frank's nephew. The shocking news of Frank'sinfidelityduring his first marriage turned the family upside-down and resulted in Dorian's rebellion and Moesha moving out of the family home and into a dorm room.

Moesha was also the first Black-cast sitcom to have an episode devoted to teenagers and non-heterosexuality. The episode, "Labels" (aired October 1, 1996), concerned Hakeem's cousin Omar showing up at the Mitchell's home and the family fears he could be another Hakeem. Instead, he seems to be nice and responsible. Moesha, still grieving about her break-up with Q, goes out on a date with Omar. After attending a movie, they meet Omar's friend, Tracy, leading Moesha to believe that Omar may be gay. Moesha later tells Kim and Niecy her suspicions, and it doesn't take long until everyone in school knows the latest gossip. When Hakeem hears the news, Moesha realizes that she may have jeopardized their friendship. "[6][7]

Episodes

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Main article:List of Moesha episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
114January 23, 1996May 21, 1996
224August 27, 1996May 20, 1997
323August 26, 1997May 19, 1998
422October 6, 1998May 25, 1999
522August 23, 1999May 22, 2000
622September 4, 2000May 14, 2001

Cast and characters

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Overview

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Actor Character seasons
1 2 3 4 5 6
Brandy Norwood Moesha Denise "Mo" Mitchell Main
William Allen Young Franklin "Frank" Mitchell Main
Countess Vaughn Kimberly Ann "Kim" Parker Main Archive footage
Marcus T. Paulk Myles Mitchell Main
Lamont Bentley Hakeem Campbell Main
Yvette Wilson Andalusia Louise "Andell" Wilkerson Main Does not appear
Sheryl Lee Ralph Deidre "Dee" Mitchell (née Moss) Main Recurring
Shar Jackson Denise "Niecy" Jackson Recurring Main
Fredro Starr Quinton "Q" Brooks Does not appear Main Guest Recurring
Ray J Dorian Long Does not appear Main

Main

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Season 1 cast ofMoesha
  • Brandy Norwoodas Moesha Denise "Mo" Mitchell – Like many teenagers, Moesha is trying to find her place in life. Moesha narrates the series about life lessons that she learns at the end of the episode. At every turn, Moesha, along with her friends and family, experiences new challenges and hilarious situations associated with the pressures and demands of growing up in an often confusing world. Moesha is headstrong, independent, and at times stubborn, but stands up for what she believes is right. She can sometimes be rebellious toward her father and stepmother. Through the first five seasons, Moesha would open the show speaking her thoughts into her diary. In Season 5, it's revealed that Moesha has a second brother, Dorian. She moves out after hearing this. Moesha is 15–16 years old in season 1, and is 20-21 by season 6.
  • William Allen Youngas Franklin "Frank" Mitchell – ASaturncar dealer and father to Moesha and Myles. Originally thought to be Dorian's uncle, he is later revealed to be the young man's father. Frank is also a member ofKappa Alpha Psifraternity. He is a graduate ofSouthern University and A&M College.Frank and Dee are strict disciplinarians to their children. He married Dee after his first wife, Moesha and Myles's mother, died.
  • Sheryl Lee Ralphas Deidre "Dee" Mitchell (Seasons 1–5; recurring in Season 6) A high school principal attempting to balance her career with two additional roles as wife to Frank and stepmother to Moesha and Myles. Dee is also a strict disclipinarian to the kids. She is originally fromJamaicaand would speak in a thick Jamaican accent when talking about her childhood or when angered. It is implied that Dee is a member ofDelta Sigma Thetasorority due to a quote in the episode "Niece" in which Moesha says that she wouldn't be persuaded by Dee withDeltapicnics. Ralph left her role as a main cast member following season 5. She did not appreciate the storyline in which the family discovered that Frank was Dorian's real father.
  • Countess Vaughnas Kimberly Ann "Kim" Parker (Seasons 1–4) – Moesha's boy-crazy best friend who has a crush on Hakeem during the first two seasons, but later dates Michael. She leaves the show after the fourth season to star in her own spin-off seriesThe ParkerswithMo'Nique,who played her mother, Nikki Parker. She and Nikki graduate from Crenshaw High School in 1999 and go on to study atSanta Monica College.Kim originally planned to go to the Fashion Institute of Leimert, but ended up going to SMC after the former shut down suddenly toward the end of her senior year of high school.
  • Marcus T. Paulkas Myles Mitchell — Moesha's pesky younger brother. Early in the series, he is known mostly for playing practical jokes on his sister and her friends. Throughout the series, he progresses from 3rd grade to 8th grade.
  • Lamont Bentleyas Hakeem Campbell — A frequent visitor to the Mitchell household, he is Moesha's lifelong friend and neighbor, and later her boyfriend. In the spin-offThe Parkers,it was revealed that he and Moesha were no longer in a relationship. He dated Kim's best friend Stevie Van Lowe (played byJenna von Oÿ).
  • Yvette Wilsonas Andalusia Louise "Andell" Wilkerson (Seasons 1–5) — Moesha's adult friend and owner of the neighborhood hangout The Den. During season 5 she sells her establishment to a local funeral director. Andell is featured on the spin-off showThe Parkers,where she owns a self-named restaurant and bar.
  • Shar Jacksonas Denise "Niecy" Jackson (Seasons 2–6; recurring in Season 1) — Moesha's best friend and later her roommate. She has four brothers and four sisters whom she has to care for during high school, so she does not find time to work during high school like her friends Hakeem and Moesha. Niecy also made a guest appearance in a season 1 episode ofGirlfriends.
  • Fredro Starras Quinton "Q" Brooks (Seasons 2 & 3; recurring Seasons 4–6) — Moesha's longest-running love interest. He is fromNew York Cityand had an on-and-off relationship with Moesha until departing in the middle season 3 to manage a hip-hop group. Frank dislikes him, because he feels is a bad influence on Moesha. In season 6, Q proposes to Moesha and she accepts, but the engagement is called off when Q wants to sell Moesha's engagement ring to help support his hip-hop group on Thanksgiving.
  • Ray Jas Dorian Long (Seasons 5 & 6) — Moesha and Myles' long lost half-brother, previously said to be their cousin. Dorian is originally fromOakland, California,but runs away from his mother's home to live with the Mitchells. He was known to be a troublemaker back in Oakland so the Mitchells did not treat him lightly. Dorian is also an aspiring rapper going by the nickname, "D-Money". He graduates from high school during season 6.

Recurring

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  • Bernie Macas Bernard Jefferson "Bernie" Mitchell (Seasons 1–4) Moesha's uncle and Frank's brother; Andell's boyfriend
  • Ricky Harrisas Javon Aramis "J.W." Willis (Seasons 1–3), a mechanic working for Frank; Andell's boyfriend
  • Merlin Santanaas Ohaji (Season 1; guest appearance in Season 4), Moesha's first boyfriend
  • Kara Brockas Sara (Season 1), a friend of Moesha, Kim and Niecy
  • Antwon Tanneras Michael (Seasons 2 & 3; guest appearance in Season 1), Kim's boyfriend and Q's teammate on the basketball team
  • Kellie Shanygne Williamsas Charrisse (Seasons 2 & 4), Moesha's cousin who is in college
  • Dwight Woody as Coach Vines, Crenshaw High's basketball coach (Seasons 2 & 3)
  • Dru Mouser as Haley Dillard (Season 3), Moesha's first friend at Bridgewood
  • Usher Raymondas Jeremy Davis (Season 3; guest appearance in Season 4), a love interest of Moesha who goes to Bridgewood
  • Dante Bascoas Marco (Season 3), a friend of Moesha's at Bridgewood
  • Monica McSwain as Mary Ellen Hobbs (Seasons 3 & 4) a stuck-up girl at Bridgewood who clashes with Moesha
  • Jon Huertasas Antonio Avalan (Season 4), a friend of Hakeem and high school student at Crenshaw High School
  • Brandon Quintin Adamsas Aaron (Season 4), Moesha's college-aged boyfriend
  • Mo'Niqueas Nicole "Nikki" Parker (Season 4; guest appearance in Season 6), Kim's mother who goes back to high school in order to graduate with her daughter and her friends
  • Jo Marie Paytonas Bernetta Campbell (Seasons 4 & 5), Hakeem's mother, who works at theMagic Johnsontheater
  • Alexis Fields as Alicia (Seasons 5 & 6; guest appearance in Season 4), Moesha's rival at California University. She later shares a suite with Moesha, Niecy, and Brenda during their sophomore year
  • Marissa Jaret Winokuras Theresa (Season 5), Moesha's roommate during her freshman year of college
  • Master Pas Patience (Season 5), a thug that Dorian associates with and later gets him into trouble
  • Lahmard Tate as Jerome (Seasons 5 & 6), a friend of Hakeem's who attends college with him; Niecy's on-and-off boyfriend
  • Iona Morrisas Sandra "Sandy" Mitchell-Long (Seasons 5 & 6) Moesha's aunt and Dorian's adoptive mother fromOakland, California
  • Ginuwineas Khalib (Season 6), a group member of Q's and later a love interest of Moesha
  • Jazsmin Lewisas Lanae Foster (Season 6), an older woman that Dorian has a short-lived love affair with
  • Olivia Brownas Barbara Lee (Season 6), Dorian's birth mother and sister-in-law of Maya Wilkes fromGirlfriends
  • Bree Turneras Brenda (Season 6), one of Moesha's and Niecy's roommates in sophomore year
  • Kym Whitleyas Gertrude "Gertie" Lowe (Season 6), a woman who dated Frank, and later Nikki's best friend inThe Parkers

Production

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Opening credits

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There have been different versions of the opening credits theme song, which was performed byBrandy.One version was used for season 1, a second version was used for seasons 2 and 3, and a third version was used for the final three seasons. Although the same recording of the theme song was used for the last three seasons, two different openings were used for each of the first three seasons.

The opening sequence for season 1 shows Moesha dancing in front of a fountain, walking with friends, dancing in a moving car, and winning at a game of chess while waving at a guy as he walks away.

The opening sequence for seasons 2 and 3 features the same scenario with some changes. Moesha was still dancing in front of the fountain but with abass guitarplayer behind her. Instead of just depicting Moesha with her friends, this intro sees her playing basketball and baseball with her friends and family, driving with her friends, strutting down a block with Kim and Niecy, teaching Kim how to rollerblade (later replaced with footage of Moesha & Q chasing Myles), and once again being served a meal at the diner by Andell while seated with her family. When Moesha is again distracted by a cute guy walking by, Frank tries to cover Moesha's eyes.

Season 4 showed the cast around the neighborhood and Moesha, Kim, and Niecy dancing at the fountain while wearing red outfits.

Season 5 showed the cast dancing in a panoramic view as Norwood lip-syncs to the theme song on a background of clouds and a rising sun. The introduction for season 6 is similar to that of season 5, but features a twist. SinceYvette WilsonleftMoeshato join the cast ofThe ParkersandSheryl Lee Ralph's character Dee became a recurring character, the season 6 opening features footage of Norwood lip-syncing over the portion of the theme song whereYvette WilsonandSheryl Lee Ralphappeared in the previous season's opening.

Spin-off and Brock Akil universe

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Given her popularity for four seasons onMoesha,Countess Vaughn left the show in1999for her spin-off,The Parkers,which premiered on August 30, 1999, onUPN.It centered on Kim attending community college with her mother, played by comedianMo'Nique.LeavingMoesha,Yvette Wilson joined the cast ofThe Parkersas Andell Wilkerson, Nikki's childhood friend.

SeveralMoeshacast members (including Brandy Norwood, William Allen Young, Shar Jackson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Marcus T. Paulk) madecrossover appearancesonThe Parkers.Lamont Bentley, being the most frequent, appears in three episodes.

Though not a direct spin-off ofMoesha,the showGirlfriendswas created byMoeshawriterMara Brock Akiland exists in the same universe asMoesha.The character Maya Wilkes (Golden Brooks) fromGirlfriendslives in Leimert Park like the characters ofMoesha,and appeared in an episode babysitting for her sister-in-law Barbara Lee, who happened to be Dorian's birth mother. Niecy appeared in a season 1 episode ofGirlfriends.

The CWseriesThe Gamewas spun off fromGirlfriendswith the loose thread of main characterMelanie Barnett(Tia Mowry) being a cousin ofGirlfriendsmain character Joan Clayton (Tracee Ellis Ross). The Melanie and Derwin characters re-appeared in theGirlfriendsSeason 7 finale episode at Joan's engagement party. OnMoesha,Brandy played herself as a celebrity doppelganger to Moesha, and ironically Brandy joined the cast ofThe Gamein its fifth season as Chardonnay Pitts, further complicating the notion of the show existing in the same universe.[8]

Cancellation

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By the sixth season, ratings forMoeshahad dropped and UPN opted not to renew or air the series for a seventh season.[9][10][11]The series ended on an unresolvedcliffhangerwith Myles being kidnapped by a rival of Dorian, Moesha considering moving in with Hakeem or her best friend Niecy, and a positive pregnancy test being found in the trash at Moesha's dorm room, without positive identification as to whose it was.Entertainment Weeklyreported a rumor that certain plots were to be resolved onThe Parkers,[12]but those storylines were ultimately never resolved.[11]

Possible revival

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On November 3, 2017, the cast reunited onThe Realand have expressed interest in reviving the show. "Absolutely, we need a reboot to this show, because we ended on a cliffhanger." Norwood pointed out.[13]In August 2020, Norwood revealed she was in talks for areboot,citing the show's success onNetflix.[14][15]

Syndication

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The show aired in syndication onUPN,Fox,andThe WBaffiliates. The series aired onWGN America(nowNewsNation) from 2005 to 2008,The Nfrom 2005 to 2009,Up TV,BET Her,andBETuntil mid 2016,Fuseuntil 2019,Bounce TVuntil 2021, and currently airs onDablsince 2023. On Up TV, it was edited for content to make it more "family-friendly" and was often edited heavily for broadcast on BET and BET Her due to airtime constraints.

In the UK,Moeshaaired onChannel 4from 1996 until 1998, with only the first three seasons being broadcast. It also aired onNickelodeonfrom 1996 to 2000, who only showed episodes from the first four seasons which were edited so they would be more suitable for broadcast on children's television. Paramount Channel aired the series from 2000 to 2003, as didTroublefrom 2003 to 2006. From 1 November 2019, the programme started airing onTrace Vaultfollowing its rebrand from The Vault.

Since 2008, the show has aired in international syndication in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Israel, the Middle East, Russia, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, Latin America, Brazil, and Australia. In Spain, it ran on Disney Channel from 2005 to 2011 in an edited format deemed suitable for children's television.

The series is currently streaming onNetflixin the US, while spinoff seriesThe Parkersis available to stream on the platform as well.[16]The series is also available to stream onParamount+,BET+,andHulu.[17][18][19]

Home media

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On September 27, 2011,CBS Home EntertainmentreleasedMoesha: The First Seasonon DVD in Region 1 via Amazon.com's CreateSpace program. This is a Manufacture-on-Demand (MOD) release, available exclusively through Amazon.com.[20]

DVD Name Ep # Release dates
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
The Complete 1st Season 14 September 27, 2011[20] N/A N/A

Ratings

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The following table summarizes the U.S. television ratings for the series:

Season Season premiere Season finale TV season Ranking Viewers
(in millions)
1 January 23, 1996 May 21, 1996 1995–1996 #141[21] 3.5[21]
2 August 27, 1996 May 20, 1997 1996–1997 #134[22] 3.5[22]
3 August 26, 1997 May 19, 1998 1997–1998 #141[23] 4.0[23]
4 October 6, 1998 May 25, 1999 1998–1999 #137[24] 3.3[24]
5 August 23, 1999 May 22, 2000 1999–2000 #130[25] 2.4[25]
6 September 4, 2000 May 14, 2001 2000–2001 #130[26] 3.3[26]

Awards

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See also:List of awards and nominations received by Moesha
Year Award Category Recipient Ref.
1997 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Youth Actor/Actress Brandy Norwood [27]
1998 NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Countess Vaughn [28]
1999 SHINE Awards Comedy Episode For episode"Birth Control" [29]
2000 SHINE Awards Comedy Episode For episode"Let's Talk About Sex" [30]

References

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  1. ^Schaffstall, Katherine (November 3, 2017)."Moesha' Stars Have Emotional Reunion, Talk Potential Reboot".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJuly 8,2024.The series, which ran on UPN from 1996 to 2001, followed the story of the Mitchell family living in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
  2. ^"William S. Paley Television Festival 1999: Moesha".The Paley Center for Media.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  3. ^Brown, Evan Nicole (February 16, 2022)."How UPN Ushered in a Golden Decade of Black TV — and Then Was Merged Out of Existence".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  4. ^Braxton, Greg (December 6, 1999)."Hot Topics Thicken Plot for 'Moesha': Television: UPN comedy turns to grittier material that veteran staffers call stereotypical".Los Angeles Times.Archivedfrom the original on May 24, 2022.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  5. ^Mifflin, Lawrie (September 26, 1999)."TELEVISION/RADIO; UPN's 'Moesha,' The Nonwhite Hit Nobody Knows".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on February 18, 2015.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  6. ^"Moesha" Labels (TV Episode 1996) - Plot - IMDb,retrievedOctober 1,2023
  7. ^Martin, Jr., Alfred L. (2021).The Generic Closet: Black Gayness and the Black-cast Sitcom(1st ed.). Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.
  8. ^"The Game's Brandy: Chardonnay Will Keep Jason in Check".TVGuide.com.January 9, 2012.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  9. ^Schneider, Michael (May 16, 2001)."UPN deals for 'Roswell,' benches vet 'Moesha'".Variety.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  10. ^Carter, Kelley L. (May 14, 2020)."On TV, a fledgling UPN tried to follow NBC and Fox with black programming".Andscape.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  11. ^ab"Moesha Season 7: Why The Show Was Canceled".Screen Rant.April 7, 2022.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  12. ^Rice, Lynette (June 6, 2001)."'Band' On the Run ".Entertainment Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on April 21, 2009.RetrievedJuly 19,2009.
  13. ^Macke, Johnni (November 6, 2017)."'MOESHA' CAST WEIGHS IN ON POSSIBLE REVIVAL ".People's Choice.E! Online.Archived fromthe originalon March 4, 2018.RetrievedMarch 3,2018.
  14. ^Elizabeth, De (August 15, 2020)."Brandy Reveals She's" In Talks "for a" Moesha "Reboot".Teen Vogue.RetrievedMay 19,2021.
  15. ^Schneider, Michael (December 10, 2020)."'Sister, Sister,' 'Girlfriends' and Other Beloved Black Sitcoms Are Finding New Life on Netflix ".Variety.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  16. ^"Moesha".Netflix.Archivedfrom the original on August 4, 2020.RetrievedAugust 4,2020.
  17. ^"Moesha".Paramount Plus.January 23, 1996.RetrievedMarch 4,2021.
  18. ^"Moesha".Hulu.RetrievedFebruary 9,2021.
  19. ^Bjornson, Greta (February 2, 2021)."'Moesha,' 'Sister, Sister' and More Land on Hulu to Kick Off Black History Month Celebration ".Decider.RetrievedFebruary 9,2021.
  20. ^ab"Moesha Season (1996) Season 1".Amazon.October 29, 2011.Archivedfrom the original on November 6, 2015.RetrievedOctober 29,2011.
  21. ^ab"The TV Ratings Guide: 1995-96 Ratings History".The TV Ratings Guide.RetrievedJune 20,2022.
  22. ^ab"The TV Ratings Guide: 1996-97 Sitcom Scorecard -- Not Much Changed As NBC 1st, Ratings Down Across The Board".The TV Ratings Guide.September 13, 2017.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  23. ^ab"The Final Countdown".Entertainment Weekly.No. 434. May 29, 1998.Archivedfrom the original on November 13, 2014.RetrievedFebruary 12,2010.
  24. ^ab"TV WINNERS & LOSERS: NUMBERS RACKET - A FINAL TALLY OF THE SEASON'S SHOWS".Entertainment Weekly.June 4, 1999. Archived fromthe originalon October 29, 2009.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  25. ^ab"The TV Ratings Guide: 1999-2000 Ratings History".The TV Ratings Guide.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  26. ^ab"The Bitter End".Entertainment Weekly.No. 598. June 1, 2001.Archivedfrom the original on July 26, 2014.RetrievedFebruary 12,2010.
  27. ^Marghitu, Stefania (2021)."Stardom and Moesha: Brandy Norwood".Teen TV.Routledge.ISBN978-1-138-71389-5.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  28. ^Zurawik, David(August 30, 1999)."the laugh track; A funny thing happened on the way to a UPN sitcom for Baltimore's Mo'Nique. Now that she's arrived, the comic actress knows she has the makeup to be a star".The Baltimore Sun.Archived fromthe originalon June 23, 2021.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  29. ^"'Moesha,' 'Felicity' top Shine kudos for sexual health segs ".Variety.October 27, 1999.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
  30. ^"The SHINE Awards—2000 Winners".SHINE Awards.Archived fromthe originalon August 20, 2008.RetrievedMay 24,2022.
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