Mixed-ish

About Mixed-ish

In 2019, ABC launched an American television sitcom, 'Mixed-ish'. The program is a prequel spin-off to 'Black-ish' and chronicles the early years of the show's mixed-race character, Rainbow Johnson. The plot is set in the 1980s and captures Rainbow's struggle to fit in after her parents move from a hippie commune to a typical suburban neighborhood. The essence of the show revolves around Rainbow's mixed identity and her navigation through cultural identity, familial bonds, and acceptance.

Making / Production

The idea of 'Mixed-ish' was conceived by Peter Saji and Kenya Barris, who developed the show as a way to delve deeper into Rainbow's backstory. The pilot episode was aired on September 24, 2019. The series beautifully mirrors the socio-cultural dynamics of the 1980s, reflecting a perfect blend of comedy and subtle critical commentary.

Actors

• Arica Himmel as Rainbow 'Bow' Johnson: She flawlessly portrays the lead character who is grappling to understand the dynamics of her mixed-race identity.
• Tika Sumpter as Alicia Johnson: Alicia is Rainbow's mother, a lawyer by profession, and diligently helps her children cope with mainstream society.
• Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Paul Johnson: Rainbow's well-meaning father, who is open-minded and non-traditional.
• Gary Cole as Harrison Johnson III: Harrison is Paul's father, whose conservative views often clash with those of his son and granddaughter.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'Mixed-ish' marked one of the few instances a spin-off show was launched even before character's backstory was entirely revealed on the original show.
• The show is set in the 1980s, based on the life of a young Rainbow Johnson, and is the second spin-off from 'Black-ish.'
• The show's theme song 'In the Mix' was performed by Mariah Carey.

Awards

'Mixed-ish' has yet to win any major awards, however, it has received positive reviews for its portrayal of mixed-race families and the societal challenges they face.

Quotes

• "Just because we're a family of color doesn't mean we're immune to the same pitfalls as the white community. We have to police our own." - Alicia Johnson
• "I am going to be my own kind of black." - Rainbow Johnson

Music, Soundtrack

• 'In the Mix', the show’s theme song, is performed by Mariah Carey.
• The 1980s setting of the show allowed for music featuring iconic tracks from that era.