227

In a Washington, D.C. apartment building, Mary Jenkins, a sharp-tongued yet warm housewife, spends long afternoons on the stoop talking with neighbors and family. The series plays out through those conversations and everyday interactions, showing domestic squabbles, neighborhood gossip, parenting dilemmas and romantic missteps with a light touch. Scenes shift between Mary, her practical husband Lester, her outspoken best friend Rose Lee, glamorous tenant Sandra and young Brenda, capturing generational clashes and small victories. Episodes are driven more by character dynamics than big plots, so the laughs come from personal quirks, neighborhood politics and relatable family issues. It celebrates small triumphs.

It premiered in 1985 and was created by Michael G. Moye. The ensemble cast includes Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry and a young Regina King, who all helped shape the show's comic rhythms and stoop-side warmth.

Jackée Harry earned an Emmy Award in 1987 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Sandra Clark, a recognition that raised her national profile. Her Emmy drew attention to the show's character work and wider recognition among audiences.

227 helped normalize a sitcom centered on a predominantly African American building, showing everyday middle-class concerns with humor and heart. Sandra Clark's flamboyant persona and Mary Jenkins' stoop-side commentary became memorable elements, and the show helped launch Regina King's career, which continued into major film and television success and national recognition.

Critical responses were generally positive, with viewers praising the ensemble chemistry and domestic, neighborhood-focused comedy. It's earned a user vote average of 6.7/10 from 40 votes. Recurring themes include family responsibility, neighborly rivalry, mentorship across generations and finding humor in ordinary struggles. It remains appreciated for its warm humor.