The ‘90s saw the emergence of more than a few notable sitcoms that are still highly regarded to this day. Living Single is one of the shows that can be described as such. Its success is greatly due to the efforts of creator Yvette Lee Bowser, the crew and of course, the pitch-perfect cast headed by Queen Latifah. Each one of the principal characters – and by extension their actors – brought a great deal to the series. Believe it or not though, one character was nearly omitted early on: Maxine Shaw. Bowser recalled how the network implored her to drop the wise-cracking attorney, and I’m so glad that didn’t pan out.
It may be hard to believe, but Living Single turns 30 this year. That’s right, the beloved Fox sitcom made its debut during the fall of 1993. So Yvette Lee Bowser sat down with NBC News to discuss the show’s legacy as well as its conception. Among the fascinating nuggets she shared is the fact that Max (who was ultimately played by Erika Alexander) almost didn’t stay in the pilot script. Judging by her comments, Bowser was taken aback by the idea of erasing her:
