1990s: Modern Icons

The 1990s saw more on-screen representation, particularly in African and Caribbean and Asian led comedy. The Real McCoy ran from 1991 to 1996, featuring African and Caribbean and Asian comedians and actors. The sketch comedy format allowed an array of comedians to feature. Both Meera Syal and Kulvinder Ghir worked on The Real McCoy and went on to create Goodness Gracious Me, which aired in 1998. Goodness Gracious Me was a hugely significant show, depicting British South Asian culture and people in a refreshing, funny way. South Asians started to appear more on television, with shows such as Network East (1987–2001), a pioneering BBC 2 magazine show that covered music, arts, and current affairs for Britain’s Asian community.

Other significant series include Porkpie (1995-1996), the successor to Desmond’s and also created by Trix Worrell, starring Ram John Holder and Derek Griffith. Lenny Henry’s comedy, Chef, ran from 1993 to 1996.

Nevertheless, due to increasing commercialisation, African and Caribbean-specific programming on Channel 4 declined. This was partly due to other broadcasters looking to diversify their programming, without a focus on diversifying behind the camera. In 1997, the European Media Forum’s report found that between 1988 and 1995, Channel 4's 'ethnic minority' Programming went from 163 hours to 64 hours of programming, and multicultural output had dropped from 3 to 1 per cent of the channel's total output (Sarita Malik, 2002).

Despite ongoing struggles, the 1990s saw a wave of South Asian-led comedy and the BBC’s first news and current affairs programme created for African and Caribbean viewers. There was also increase of African, Caribbean and Asian television presenters, such as Andi Peters, Madhur Jaffrey, Ortis Deley, and Derrick Evans (Mr Motivator), featuring more on our screens.