Step back into the vibrant nightlife of the 90s as Erika Alexander and Kim Coles revisit Season 1, Episode of Living Single, titled “Great Expectations.” This episode is a delightful mix of humor, dating adventures, and the club scene—capturing the essence of what it meant to be young, single, and out on the town. But beyond the laughs, Erika and Kim share candid reflections on their personal experiences, the realities of the era, and the cultural shifts that have shaped how we socialize today.
Setting the Scene: The Club as a Meeting Ground
“Great Expectations” centers around the ladies’ quest for their dream men at Club Zena, a hotspot in town. While the women navigate the challenges of meeting new people and dodging unwanted advances, the men are also trying to get into the club, creating a hilarious parallel storyline. Miguel Nunez Jr., known for his charismatic role as Goldie, shines in this episode, bringing warmth and humor that resonated deeply with fans.
Erika and Kim reminisce about how, unlike today’s digital dating world, nightlife in the 90s was all about physically showing up and engaging with people in real time. “We were analog kids,” says Kim. “You had to go out and meet people. Being bored was a whole other definition.” Erika adds that in New York, there were fewer social rules at clubs—you didn’t wait for a guy to ask you to dance; you just went for it with your friends.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Memorable Episode
While Kim confesses she didn’t initially “dig” this episode, feeling it was a bit like the “freshman fifteen” of the season—meaning it felt a little flabby and could have been cut without missing much—she has since embraced its charm. Erika highlights the episode’s constant movement and dancing, crediting director Ellen Falcon (later Ellen Giddleston) for keeping scenes lively and dynamic.
The episode also features a fun tidbit about the choreography. Erika reveals she enlisted the help of Milo LaVelle, a fitness dance instructor known for working with big names like Diana Ross and Sandra Bullock, to create the dances. Interestingly, Milo taught her how to “dance badly” on purpose, which Erika nailed perfectly—adding to the episode’s authentic yet playful vibe.
Kim and Erika also share hilarious insights into the prep rituals of the characters and themselves—everything from shaving legs (and the “landing strip” theory) to the meticulous grooming of the men, especially Goldie’s signature gold tooth sparkle. These candid moments provide a humorous and relatable look at the lengths people went to look their best before hitting the club.
The Reality of 90s Nightlife and Comedy Clubs
Beyond the episode, Erika and Kim dive into the real-life atmosphere of 90s nightlife, which was often “tame” on TV compared to the gritty reality. They talk about the dangers of going out at the time—gang colors, the risk of getting jumped for wearing gold chains or the wrong shoes, and the general roughness of nightlife spots. “Timberlands weren’t just a fashion statement; they were also a weapon,” Kim recalls.
Erika shares her experience performing in comedy clubs that often doubled as nightclubs, like the Limelight—a converted church in Manhattan. These clubs were spaces of opportunity but also carried their own risks, especially with no rideshare options back then. Getting to the club was often the most dangerous part of the night.
Breaking Barriers: Black Women in Comedy and Nightlife
Kim and Erika shed light on the challenges Black women faced in the male-dominated and predominantly white comedy club scene. They explain how only one Black woman would typically be allowed on a club’s roster at a time, creating silos of performers who rarely shared the stage. Despite this, a sisterhood of trailblazing women like Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Angela Scott, and Wanda Sykes paved the way for future generations.
This background enriches our understanding of the characters in Living Single, who embody the ambition, resilience, and creativity of young Black professionals in the 90s.
Characters’ Ages and Ambitions: The Ageless Vibe of Living Single
A fan question about the characters’ ages sparks a thoughtful discussion. While the characters are in their twenties, they appear remarkably accomplished—Maxine, for example, is a lawyer at a top firm, Khadijah runs a magazine, and others have thriving careers. Erika and Kim explain that these portrayals reflect the creator Yvette Lee Bowser’s own ambition and drive, as well as a nod to the reality of many young Black professionals who were making strides early in their careers.
Kim jokes about being president of her high school class all four years—not because she was particularly political, but because she made people laugh, proving that charisma and community-building were always part of her journey.
Reflecting on the Past and Looking Forward
The conversation wraps with reflections on how times have changed. Erika and Kim note the shift from active, physical socializing to today’s “generation relaxed,” where people often gather yet remain glued to their phones. They emphasize the importance of getting out, moving, and creating connections—because when you move, the world moves with you.
They also share some humorous and candid talk about 90s fashion, hairstyles, and beauty products—from Vaseline’s comeback as a skincare staple to the infamous jheri curl era and the challenges of maintaining perms and braids.
Kim even reveals a little-known fact: she once rapped in a group called The Players to boost her acting opportunities! Their album was humorously titled Payback’s a Bitch. This story highlights the multifaceted talents and hustle that defined many entertainers of the era.
Final Thoughts: Wisdom From the Living Single Ladies
Erika and Kim leave us with sage advice: life’s challenges exist in every generation, but the tools to create and succeed are always within reach. They encourage managing expectations, feeding your mind, and making the most of your time and circumstances. Whether it’s launching a website today or building a career in the 90s, the spirit of creativity and ambition remains constant.
And of course, they remind us to celebrate the progress made—from safer sexual practices with condoms to appreciating the comforts of modern life like refrigeration and flushing toilets. Every generation faces its own battles, but the resilience and joy of the past continue to inspire.
So, if you’re ready to relive those club nights, the laughter, and the timeless charm of Living Single, take a moment, hit play, and dive into the rich stories and reflections shared by Erika Alexander and Kim Coles.
Remember, the door’s wide open, baby.
Got questions or want to share your own stories? Reach out to the ReLiving Single Podcast and join the conversation.
