Erika Alexander, star of the groundbreaking 1990s sitcom Living Single, experienced firsthand the fierce loyalty fans have for the show during a 2020 social media exchange with Friends actor David Schwimmer.
The debate was sparked when Schwimmer, in an interview, suggested the idea of an all-Black or all-Asian version of Friends due to criticism around the original show’s lack of diversity.
According to People, Alexander, who starred on Living Single, which actually aired before Friends and is widely recognized as a pioneering series featuring a predominantly Black cast, responded to Schwimmer’s comments, igniting a wave of support from fans and the influential Black Twitter community.
She explained that the NBC president had originally passed on Living Single before picking up Friends, which debuted a year later.
Describing the unexpected “Twitter war” that followed, Alexander said it underscored the deep connection and protectiveness fans feel for Living Single’s place in television history.
She also penned an essay to elaborate on why Schwimmer’s remarks mattered within the broader context of representation in media.
Despite the heated exchange, Alexander and Schwimmer have since reconciled, with Schwimmer apologizing and Alexander acknowledging his good intentions.
Meanwhile, Alexander and former co-star Kim Coles recently relaunched their podcast ReLiving Single, where they revisit the show’s episodes and share behind-the-scenes stories, delighting longtime fans with fresh conversations and renewed appreciation for the series’ cultural impact.
