Sparks : The Pilot

I DON'T OWN THIS SHOW. I just STARRED on it!
Original Air Date Aug 26th 1996
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Alonzo Sparks (James Avery (RIP)) is a lawyer who has a practice in Compton. His two sons Maxie and Greg join the practice. Maxie (Miguel A. Nunez Jr.) is basically an "ambulance chaser" who doesn't do things by the book. Greg (Terrance D. Howard) is the complete opposite but lacks self-confidence. Wilma Cuthbert (Robin Givens) is an attractive lawyer who joins the practice and the boys battle over her. Darice Mayberry (Kym Whitley) is Alonzo's secretary and Lamarr Hicks (Arif S. Kinchen) is the firms errand boy.

[@tmgrambo9731]

is it just me or do anybody else wish we could go back in time to these days???

[@Dreamsareareality]

I wish. It was so fun back then.

[@lasetlivingstin7752]

All the time..😝

[@ebonyrushharrington2197]

Yes / (something)

[@latashaedwards6522]

I'm with you. Let's go back. I'll go back in a heartbeat.

[@metcalfhottie6305]

heck yeah!

[@blackalbundy8070]

MAN! 90's had the best black Sitcoms hands DOWN!!!

[@Otto8845]

Amen to that.

[@wiglafsfilms8418]

Well...no. Actually, the '70's and the early '80's did.

[@Fly-Crippin-blu-boi-187OnPigs]

@@wiglafsfilms8418 Best thing to do is to agree to disagree.

[@Miracle_Mama016]

Right I can’t stand what’s on tv now

[@___thurmattic___1671]

Big facts

[@sha11235]

James Avery could never get enough of playing a lawyer or judge. He did this on LA Law, Fresh Prince, and now Sparks. RIP to a great actor.

[@michaelmclendon6368]

Wasa is your first day going with you today to see what your friends

[@NikkiKNuvo]

I like to think that in another life, he was/is a real magistrate judge. 🥰 lol

[@lasetlivingstin7752]

Damn...He played on LA Law???

[@lasetlivingstin7752]

Guess I was too mesmerized by Blair Underwood to notice...lol😜😆😆😆

[@Harlow65220]

He also played a judge in a episode of Dallas in 1988.

[@johnboutwell112]

gotta love terrence Howard he went from being a lawyer to running an empire. lol

[@anonimato1987]

I just found out he ain't Cuba gooding jr rofl

[@yamasoe6055]

@@anonimato1987 always mistake those two

[@deathrager2404]

ya mfs blind if u cant see the difference between hoard and gooding jr

[@RickMichaels-if5eq]

Young Lucious Lyon!🦁😂😭💀😏

[@jazzeeq]

Terrence Howard, Robin Givens, Kim Whitley, and Uncle Phil-James Avery!! This show should’ve been bigger.

[@NikkiKNuvo]

90s-2000s sitcoms had star studded casts. It was so normal that we didn't realize how magical it was.

[@handsomeX]

​@@NikkiKNuvoExactly. There was such a log jam of great sitcoms back then. Not enough room for everyone.

[@jahminastephens8026]

Terrence Howard’s face when Kim Whitley took off her wig took me OUT!

[@Avant402]

I remember this show! It was James Avery’s show after Fresh Prince ended. It introduced us to Terrence Howard and Kim Whitley . Love the 90’s!!

[@certifiedyaminspector-dadd6224]

@Scorpio Bradley Yup. Kym Whitley played Ms Wheatley. I also remember Terrance Howard from Dead Presidents when Larenz Tate beat him up at the pool hall.

[@hotcumodity7777]

Terrence Howard actually played on a show called Tall Hopes...that was his first sitcom that came on A.B.C but he sure did work his way up the ranks on television & movies ✌🏾

[@sha11235]

I first saw TH in Mr. Holland's Opus the year before this premiered.

[@metcalfhottie6305]

yup

[@wally6914]

@sha11235 one of my favorite movies

[@JoiDior]

I’ve NEVER heard of this show. Shout out to KZbin for the recommendation.

[@seanhayes9829]

This show is called sparks&sparks and it came on bet back in 1997

[@RahYisrael99]

Sparks was a great show. Most people dont remember this show( I'm old 😁) I also would love to see Out All Night with Vivica Fox, Morris Chestnut , Duane Martin and Patti LaBelle.

[@dankkush1159]

Out all Night was my shi* lol

[@doriansimmons6913]

In The House, with LL cool J and Debbie Allen and KIm Waynes.

[@shannondbrown1552]

Out all night and In the house are on KZbin. Both were awesome. Terrance played in another failed sitcom called Tall Hopes with George Wallace as his dad and he was the favorite son who wants to go to the NBA.

[@PressPauseProductions]

This debuted summer of 96? Wow James Avery wrapped Fresh Prince in the spring of that year and had a new gig that fast lol

[@UncleDuTheWatchman]

Press Pause Productions Yep They were already promo'ing the show before Prince ended.

[@NikkiKNuvo]

OG was booked & busy lol

[@mississippimeatloaf1637]

This show debuted in 1994 and ended in 1995

[@sha11235]

@@mississippimeatloaf1637 No, it was from 1996-98.

[@sha11235]

Well, a few of the actors from Fresh Prince immediately went into a new series the next year. That does happen, if you are in demand.

[@nishkaevelyn4094]

#RIPJamesAvery I was so honored to be acting with all of these amazing people

[@henryydiamond]

HOW DO I GET THE COMPLETE SERIES... REALLY MISSED THIS SHOW, NEED TO WATCH IT ALL OVER AGAIN

[@saywhat7992]

What character did you play?

[@saywhat7992]

@TV Show Reviews I just asked a question.

[@gmcneoplan84]

@@saywhat7992 What's messed up is the chick who started this thread hasn't answered your question in more than 3 years.

[@gmcneoplan84]

@@saywhat7992 Plus, I looked at the guest star list of the entire run of the show and her name aint nowhere on there. Nishka Evelyn probably was either a featured extra with no lines, a walk-on extra, or something.

[@DMVAUDITS]

When she took off the wig! Lmaoooo

[@jameshall284]

Yooooo! I know they did that scene like 8 times. Lol

[@latoyanicolethefaceslayer4555]

Ok 😂😂😂

[@jacobrichardson1952]

I fell on the floor laughing so hard.

[@LittleMissSunshine721]

I remember that scene like it was yesterday! Hilarious!

[@JesusGirl850]

😂😂😂

[@andredupuis5461]

I remember being an Extra on this show. It was fun to work on at Raleigh Studios.

[@kalebparham]

WHY DID THIS SHOW NOT STAY ON LONGER?? THIS IS EASILY ONE OF THE GREATEST SHOWS I'VE SEEN IN A HOT MINUTE, BRUH.

[@justinalbritton9866]

They were all such good and great actors and actresses that they had no choice but to blow up.

[@sha11235]

Ratings weren't high enough.

[@handsomeX]

There was such a log jam of great shows back then. Unfortunately there wasn't enough room for everyone.

[@tarzangrant123]

i loved this show so much!!! this was a golden age for black entertainment, with networks actually airing great black shows with black men and women in positive careers. thanks for sharing and we appreciate your talent

[@sha11235]

This was on one of the newest networks that concentrated on having black shows.

[@tarzangrant123]

@@sha11235 it was on UPN9 here in NYC, along with Moesha, Homeboys from Outer Space, Malcolm & Eddie, The Parkers

[@Otto8845]

This was one of the greatest UPN sitcoms ever aired. A Shame it only lasted for two seasons because the ratings were too low.

[@xbrandi12345x]

Now I understand why I don't remember this show. I grew up in Orrington, Maine. That means I got cable in fall of 1992 and we didn't have UPN. We had WBSK out of Boston and it was a few more years before UPN would be shown in place of WBSK so I missed out on a lot of UPN shows. This show is actually pretty good!!

[@scottrogue946]

Robin Givens know she was looking snatched 🥰

[@kelvinfiler7805]

This show was actually based on MY law practice in the City of Compton !!!!1

[@mhillvo]

Yes, We know...and loved your dad too, Kelvin. So glad to see this uploaded now...and he was a great man and Councilman too, as I recall. Helped me with a probate matter walking around the office in socks and gym shorts. He was very proud of you and family. The man never gave up and finally...passed his bar exam. Now you have a new generation in the profession and I'm smiling at that. Dad would be so proud. Still looking for the orignal opening sequence with the shots of Adam's Funeral Home, however...but so glad I found this uploaded finally!! God bless...great show. Wish we had something else like it now based on our great city. Much love...

[@saywhat7992]

That's so cool.

[@kelvinfiler7805]

I saw your response on another episode ?? i had a private law practice at 363 W Compton Blvd for 11 years from 1982 until 1993 when I came on the bench ! i am now a Judge in the Compton Courthouse.

[@geneviasims7617]

@@kelvinfiler7805 Oh wow!!!! Im sorry I didnt know who you are but this is so cool!!! I used to love watching this.....

[@kelvinfiler7805]

@@geneviasims7617 Thank you Genevia !!! It is funny how the popularity of the show seems to be resurfacing ! thank you for the kind words !

[@amyareed1640]

Omjjjjjjj Kym and Terrence 😭😭it’s so crazy hearing their young voices

[@RickMichaels-if5eq]

I remember when I was a kid, this show is where I first saw Terrence Howard acting.🎭

[@kitchentalk7186]

This was one of my favorite shows . So funny and all the actors were so on point .

[@kristelglenn6777]

I was 18 years old when this show came out. I remember recording every episode commercial free on my VCR tapes.

[@mycatsheenacashappid4240]

I met Miguel Nunez in March 2018 at the Fox Empire premiere. It was at the Fairfax and 3rd theaters. He walked in looking like new money. 💰

[@guarogee]

Miguel and Kim should be on a few episodes of Empire, just to give them some shine!

[@eugenedantzler4485]

The last min of this episode gets me everytime.... Tv will never be this good again... Rip uncle phil😢

[@ms.nblank2537]

MY FAVVVVVVVV. This show should have lasted much longer than it did. I laugh so hard when I watch this show.

[@gigiloc131]

The Law Office, in the intro, is a law office on Compton Boulevard in Compton California. We were so excited when we seen that when it first premiered. yes yes the good old 90's!

[@kelvinfiler7805]

GiGi J. That was my former law office - the show was based on my law practice. !!! Thank you for the kind words !

[@josegonzalezjr7413]

I miss 1990s

[@Da19Realist]

I LOVED this show. I was only 5 when it premiered, but by the time it came to BET me & my mother Never missed it. It seems like it lasted so much longer than 2 seasons (another great show cancelled to early) smh. Great show & great memory of my childhood.

[@darianlynch2687]

Man this was my show! Maxi was a fool and I loved Robin Givens!

[@Dimples718]

Awwwh man, this show should've picked up for more seasons it had a whole lot of potential. SMH

[@justblase5270]

Yes

[@hazenow7039]

Who would know years later Terrence Howard would be the future "Lucious Lyon" on Empire.

[@LateBlmr]

I miss this show! everytime I pass by the Law office in Compton (it still looks the same kinda)I think about it and Im glad I found the episodes!

[@tajdollaz]

For all my real Terrance Howard fans

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Oh yeah.

[@arifskinchen]

Thanks for all the love and props y'all, especially you Suga Raye & Brandon Blair . Yall "make" and "made" it all worth it. GOD Bless y'all

[@tiffaniebeltran3487]

do you have this tv show on dvd....or where can I get this dvd from....my dad loved that show me too....its not fair they didn't get picked up for another season...back then please reply

[@kateannlavender]

I was looking for this show on Netflix and Amazon Prime. I can't find it. :( Is this show available on DVD?

[@arifskinchen]

kateannlavender no its not :( Sucks huh? Maybe one day. But I TRULY hope to post 2-3 more eposodes soon

[@kateannlavender]

OOO I can't wait til you post the other episodes. I really wish that Sparks was available on Netflix or Amazon Prime.

[@cheezmaka1237]

arifskinchen Please do so... I really enjoyed this show.

[@kevinhagan17]

I really miss UPN and this show! Thanks for posting it

[@tnawcwvictoria]

The Biggest Mess-Up was having upn and The WB merge into The CW in 2006 They both had great black sitcoms along with FOX back in the 90's Speaking of FOX, the only thing I watch now is the NFL and MLB as well as Pac-12 Football and I haven't watched The CW since SMACKDOWN left the network

[@REDD_BLITZ]

This used to be my show back in the day 😄😄😄

[@LibraGoals]

Bruh i haven't seem this show since it went off air! When watching tv was good!

[@V59971]

90s....wish you could come back..

[@V59971]

+loveskimonos U missed alot...Ask yo bros n sisters or anyone who was born in e 70s and 80s..and they will tell u hw e 90s was like...i was born 86..

[@bastet1667]

maDeiNtHe80s that's right.

[@hotmama9772]

maDeiNtHe80s yup 82 baby!!

[@jacobrichardson1952]

Thank God I'm an old soul

[@goodamericanjeansstylist]

Nunez is sharper than new money 💰

[@ajouriabradford8435]

90s and early 2000s had the best tv shows

[@Mrheavystorm_est1992]

Robin Givens was so fine back then and she still is now 😍😍😍

[@arifskinchen]

faxxxxxx

[@vwadebiz03]

This set looks like the "Half and Half" set. Thanks for these episodes!

[@user-vb4jo7sv7r]

They just don't make them any more like they did in the 90's! I miss so many hilarious comedies from this time period. I have been looking over the internet and can't find them anywhere, so grateful to have come across this gem!

[@justblase5270]

I watched every single episode.. this show was so underrated

[@nme.00104]

it really was, 💯💯👏👍👆☝️🗣️💬

[@MsPiggywiggy1]

True it was a great show

[@Fly-Crippin-blu-boi-187OnPigs]

I just found out about it. Great classic!

[@freeshabazz8033]

Wow Damn Good Memories havent seen this show since i was 7 Thanks brother bless

[@arifskinchen]

thanx!

[@freeshabazz8033]

+Kasim rowe Lol its not that bad Ol head that was like "99

[@kateannlavender]

I miss this show so much. I loved watching this. I was in 7th grade when this show first came out. I been a huge fan of Terrence Howard since this time. I was so happy to start seeing him in movies.

[@adam.muzzik]

Ohhhh...I forgot all about this show! From what I remember I found it entertaining but I was very young.

[@lej7898]

I remember this pilot. I did not recall the series lasted 2 years.

[@darlanagreen4318]

Rest Easy 💐 James Avery ♥️ Amen 🙏

[@markjohnson9485]

This was a good show hated to see it get canceled

[@ADawg3]

Thanks so much for posting these episodes on KZbin. I loved this show back in the day and I hate that's it is not on DVD.

[@arifskinchen]

thanks for the love

[@blazinlikefire041]

LOVED this show r.i.p James Avery I miss UPN :( lol

[@DavidRichardson95]

Super ass throwback. I remember BET used to rerun this looooong ago.

[@MsLady-ss7eb]

This was my show! Pure comedy. It was cut off of the air wayyyyy to early.

[@TruthWarriorB88]

R.I.P. James Avery

[@tnawcwvictoria]

Yes indeed, God Bless James Avery, R.I.P. Uncle Phil/The Shredder/Alonzo Sparks and plus, Joseph Marcell who played his butler Geoffrey on Fresh Prince has outlived Uncle Phil and plus, Judge Joe Brown, Richard Moll and Fred Dryer has also outlived Uncle Phil

[@tatanishawilliams-thompson7117]

The moment I first fell in love with Terrence Howard

[@ritaharris2271]

first show I ever saw Terrence Howard on

[@markiegreen5214]

Rita Harris me too...first time I saw him

[@LYBism]

Do y'all remember him in the "Jacksons: An American Dream"?

[@johnmoore6192]

Lolita Brown Hell yeah

[@antrenagardner533]

He played one episode LIVING SINGLE. Maxine Shaw's boytoy.

[@sbrooks729]

He was Max’s college age bf on living single

[@charlita25]

I miss these kind of sitcoms 📺

[@happyorganist]

I remember this show, It was ahead of this time!!!

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Awww why is everyone always yelling at lamarr?? He was just adorable.

[@grandma651]

I had such a crush on Robin Givens back in the day. She was a beautiful black woman.

[@tsungaimutongwizo4022]

Thank you for uploading Sparks! AND we all used to have a crush on you when we were in high school watching Sparks. I just love this show . Back to a time when TV was great!

[@T-REX-44]

Miguel Nunez Jr. is hilarious. He always delivers when it comes comedy

[@charlita25]

He whipped his sneaker 👟 out so fast 💨 lol 😆

[@ChantzKacey]

Wow man, I remember watching this show all the time....what a great cast and such a good show! They don't make'em like this anymore!

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

arif puts so much life into regular lines I love how he makes a simple phrase like that's what i'm doing so great he brings such life to his craft what a personality I wish I knew a guy who could make me laugh like this instead of watching him on tv lol.

[@shermamitchell2033]

This pilot i can’t believe i remember this word for word😂😂😂

[@alexiscox2766]

Man I forgot all about this here show til I just looked up Robin Givens. I used to watch this.

[@a.b.s_productions]

Deacon Ernie Frye should have moved to L.A because this show has "Amen" all over it. Thanks Ed Weinberger!

[@iluvmyboba]

Isn't this that the truth. He could've played James Avery's brother or something. I thought this show was funny. I remembered when it debuted.

[@a.b.s_productions]

iluvmyboba I remember it all too well. I was like 10 when this show was on and I watched it with my family. Terrence Howard hasn't aged one bit! And I like that idea they should have had Sherman Hensley play James Avery's brother. That would have been hilarious!! I remember he was on a short-lived show the same time as this one called "Good Behavior."

[@tnawcwvictoria]

@@a.b.s_productions James Avery did appear on Amen a couple of times and let's not forget, Sherman and James both worked together on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when Sherman played a corrupt Judge named Carl Robinson

[@tnawcwvictoria]

Ed. Weinberger has created a lot of shows The Original Bill Cosby Show, TAXI, Best of the West, reunited with Mr. Cosby in The Cosby Show, Amen, reunited with Judd Hirsch and Paramount Television in Dear John, reunited with the late James Avery in Sparks, reunited with the late Sherman Hemsley in Good Behavior and reunited with Roz Ryan in Good News Speaking of which, it would've been great to see Sherman Hemsley and Clifton Davis reunite on Good News and they would've given David Ramsey's character Pastor David Randolph and Guy Torry's character Little T Fits lol

[@sha11235]

@@tnawcwvictoria James also appeared on Jeffersons in the episdoe Father Christmas. He played the Jeffersons' landlord in George's childhood flashback.

[@wendelldillard3758]

First I ever heard of this show. Something new to watch

[@rosss1959]

Cast of super characters. "Uncle Phil".....Lucious Lyons.....Miguel (Pretty Ricky what they called him) Nunez.......Robin Givens, Kim Whitley......

[@ohboy97]

hahaha I see someone was also a Martin fan. I don't know, hell I don't even remember this show and I know I did not watch it. I guess going to show and raising 4 kids did keep me from some things. lol

[@ForDemFolks]

it was on UPN at 5:00 am nobody would

[@hotmama9772]

The Black Nostalgia Nerd2 I never knew about this...I grew up in the 90's...with these side TV shows that didn't come on during the day damn lol..maybe I just forgot.

[@nieceycortez6520]

Kim whitley was Aunt Sug on next Friday lol Robin Mrs Mike Tyson Givens was Darlene on The TV show Head if the. class

[@a.b.s_productions]

Rick Ross Miguel (Pretty Ricky and Juwanna Mann) 😂

[@HWolfeIII]

Thanks for posting, I always watched and enjoyed Sparks!

[@annequa1]

I remember this show! However watching it again all these years later I don't see Sparks Sparks and Sparks... I see Uncle Phil lucious lyon and juana man! Lol

[@mhillvo]

Thank you for the upload. I've been wondering what happened to those episodes, since I still live in Compton. Knew Maxcy Filer well back in the day, the show based on the Filer Law Firm in our city. Bless you for this...takes me back. Great show, wonderful ensemble cast, but couldn't find episodes until now. You also co-starred in the show as I notice. Very cool, bro. God bless you. We're still here...in the 90221. The show had such funny beats and the acting just comedy totally.

[@mrblue___]

Damn. Didn’t even know this show existed till today. Love finding all these hidden gems.

[@anthonybrownjr.4614]

Its hard 2 believe I remember this show and the fact it was on UPN back in the day WOW classic 90's.

[@ayoonine]

one of my favorite shows growing up

[@NikkiPresents2024]

It's the flie cabinet/closet for me. 😂

[@Dreamsareareality]

Such good memories!! I saw you. I love this!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@nicholefontaine9299]

great show! Thanks for the uploads!

[@NetteJ]

I miss the 90s sitcoms!! Thx for this post

[@serinator101]

Still watch this show lol. RIP Mr Avery.

[@NevaSellmySoul]

i deadass do remember this show i've been looking for the name of this sitcom for a decade i remember when this show was aired on upn network when i was 5 years old '97

[@rocx3908]

i wish you could release more shows. this is one of the funniest shows they had on TV and didn't pick it up for third season. I've saw all the shows but I'm here with laughter of the ones you have posted.

[@TheRozberry]

I was just thinking about this show not long ago and how funny it was and that I miss it! Thanks!

[@OfficialBunnE]

19:12-19:22 LOLOL love it!! I'm a Dallas native. Shouts out the the KIDDO!! #MAVS for LIFE!!!

[@Dom_dtx]

Omg man i use to love this show. 💗💗

[@cornbreadthedog]

This show was so funny and awesome! I loved it! Why isn't this show on DVD? I'd buy every season!

[@IceManLikeGervin]

A really entertaining tv show with a great cast!!!

[@arifskinchen]

thnx

[@mr.pleasanttv]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@arifskinchen]

Thank You So Much... tell everybody to sign up and to #StayTuned

[@Otto8845]

You did nice on the show. I hope we can see more episodes of it in the future.

[@cornbreadthedog]

i fondly remember the tv show, SPARKS, and would love to own this series on DVD! why isn't this show on DVD? SPARKS was a cool and funny show! i tried to catch it whenever it was on!

[@Multifacted_Brotha]

Oh wow! I remember this show!

[@sweetvictory89]

I remember this show I think it used to come on UPN

[@lisagarnier8059]

Loved this show.

[@cityhawk]

Goodness good, that was actually a really good cast. For UPN, I’m impressed. Plus, am I the only one who thought that Robin was a smoke show here. Some set of stems on her. :)

[@marcomacias3960]

how ironic 2 actors played War Machine: James Avery and Terrance Howard appeared on this show

[@arifskinchen]

mind...blown

[@jonathanscrutchensYT]

One of Luscious Lyons side hustle lol

[@cliffjumper1151]

Arifskichen-Thanks for the memories, maayn. I remember this series back in '98 or '99, when it came on UPN. It was funny n y'all had some good talented actors n actresses on there. S/O to James Avery; Lord, rest his soul. I hope all is well with u Arif cuz I know its hard times out here n the struggle is real. Good looking out for this show. I know this post is overdue but I just stumble upon on here by chance. Take care n do ur thing, God bless.

[@cliffjumper1151]

My bad for misspelling ur name-Arifskinchen.

[@arifskinchen]

thanks for this. means a lot. we're still out here hustlin. #StayTuned

[@pagzplay]

Nineties had the best shows man no doubt.