Da Kink in Canadian TV

So tonight I watched the premier of the new caribbean, dare I say black, focused show on Global. It's called, of course, Da Kink in My Hair. It's a pretty new experience since I can't remember a black focused homegrown show on Canadian TV. I'm not a TV critic, so I'll leave that job to those who are so skilled; nonetheless, I did enjoy the show even though I worry that Da Kink'sappeal might be a bit narrow because of its cultural root. Funny enough, those cultural roots are the vehicle that drives the show and any potential success it might have.

In terms of the significance of the show, I think it's great to see a black focused show that isn't imported from the US. It's a step to have black and urban youth in Canada see a reflection of themselves that isn't presented through some innner city American lense because, in truth, that's not congruent with the Canadian experience.

It's also a bit of a statement for a station to take a chance on a black focused show because, in doing so, they take a chance on ad revenues and the bottom line of their television statement. At least some people, black or other, are doing the work that compels the Canadian television powers that be to realize the significance of black people in Canada. Nothwithstanding the foregoing, who knows what the shows lifespan would be, but let's hope for the best.

Still, with Da Kink and shows like Little Mosque, it's smart for Canadian TV execs to see new avenues of creating homegrown success. It's difficult to create Canadian shows that can create with the CSI's and the Desperate Housewives. Heck, even our reality shows are imported as evidenced by Canadian Idol and Canada's next top model. What the aforementioned shows provide, however, is a chance for Canadian TV to capitalize on their "competitive advantage." Canada has strong cultural communities and that's something that hasn't really been done in the states. In a country as ours that is fairly receptive to its diverse makeup, representing this reality on TV might be beneficial to the viewer and the network.

Now let's just work on the quality.