If you only know Larenz Tate as the guy who plays Councilman Rashad Tate, you’re kinda missing out on one of the most consistent runs in TV history. Honestly, it’s rare for an actor to transition from a 90s teen icon to a powerhouse in a multi-billion dollar franchise like the Power Universe, but Tate has basically been doing this since he was a kid. He doesn't just show up; he anchors shows.
Most people associate him with the big screen—Menace II Society, Love Jones, Dead Presidents—but the Larenz Tate TV shows catalog is where he really refined that signature "guy you love to hate" energy. It didn’t start with expensive suits and political backstabbing in New York, though. It started on the West Side of Chicago and a drama program at the Inner City Cultural Center.
The Early Years: From Family Matters to Redd Foxx
Long before he was trying to become the Governor of New York on Starz, Tate was a staple of 90s sitcom culture. You might’ve forgotten, but he was actually Steve Urkel’s nemesis.
In Family Matters, he played Willie Fuffner, the quintessential high school bully. It was a recurring gig during the show’s second season (around 1990-1991), and even then, you could see he had a presence that most child actors lacked. He wasn't just reading lines; he was intimidating.
The Royal Family Tragedy
One of the more bittersweet entries in the list of Larenz Tate TV shows is The Royal Family. Produced by Eddie Murphy, the show starred the legendary Redd Foxx and Della Reese. Tate played Curtis Royal, the grandson.
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It was a massive deal at the time. Working with Redd Foxx is the kind of mentorship money can’t buy. Unfortunately, Foxx suffered a fatal heart attack on set during a rehearsal. While the show tried to continue with Jackée Harry, it eventually folded. Still, Tate often cites that experience as a pivotal moment in his professional development. He saw the work ethic of the old guard firsthand.
The Gritty Shift: South Central and Rescue Me
In 1994, Tate took a lead role in South Central. It was a short-lived but critically acclaimed drama that tried to show a more nuanced, realistic version of life in LA than the typical "hood movies" of the era. He played Andre Mosely. The show was gritty, honest, and maybe a little too ahead of its time for network TV, as it only lasted one season.
Fast forward about a decade, and Tate joined the cast of Rescue Me.
- Role: Bart "Black Shawn" Johnston.
- Vibe: A pro-athlete turned firefighter.
- The Hook: He joined in Season 4 and eventually became a series regular.
- Impact: This showed he could handle the ensemble "prestige TV" format, mixing dark comedy with intense drama.
The Power Universe: The Era of Councilman Rashad Tate
You can’t talk about Larenz Tate TV shows without spending some time on the Starz Power universe. When he first appeared in Power Season 4, Rashad Tate was a slick, ambitious councilman from Jamaica Queens.
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He was the perfect foil for Ghost (Omari Hardwick). While Ghost was a criminal trying to look legitimate, Rashad was a "legitimate" man who was willing to act like a criminal to get what he wanted.
Power Book II: Ghost
The character was so popular—or perhaps so effectively annoying—that he became a main fixture in the spin-off, Power Book II: Ghost. Seeing him interact with Tariq St. Patrick is like watching a masterclass in manipulation. Tate plays the character with a specific kind of arrogance that makes you want to see him fail, yet you can't help but admire the hustle.
In Season 3 and beyond, we see the cracks in his political armor. He’s no longer just a caricature of a crooked politician; he’s a man who will stop at nothing to reach the governor’s mansion. Honestly, it’s one of the best "villain" evolutions on modern television.
Why His TV Work Still Matters
Tate’s career is a blueprint for longevity. He didn't get stuck in the "90s actor" box. He adapted. He moved from multi-cam sitcoms to single-cam dramas and eventually into the world of streaming and high-budget premium cable.
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Aside from the acting, he’s a producer. Through TateMen Entertainment, which he runs with his brothers Larron and Lahmard, he’s been pushing for stories that don’t usually get told. A great example? Bronzeville. While technically an audio drama (podcast), it has the production value of a top-tier TV series. It’s set in 1940s Chicago and covers the "policy" numbers games. It’s essentially a TV show for your ears, and it’s been a massive hit with over 20 million listens.
Key TV Roles You Should Revisit
If you’re looking to binge some of his work, here’s a quick list of the essentials:
- Power Book II: Ghost – The peak of his "corrupt politician" era.
- Rescue Me – Watch this for his chemistry with Denis Leary and the firehouse crew.
- South Central – A must-watch if you can find the old episodes; it's a piece of TV history.
- Game of Silence – A shorter-lived 2016 thriller where he played Shawn Cook.
- House of Lies – He played Malcolm Kaan (Don Cheadle's brother), showing off his comedic timing.
The sheer variety in Larenz Tate TV shows proves he isn't just a "movie star." He’s a television veteran who knows exactly how to command a scene, whether he's wearing a firefighter's helmet or a $3,000 political suit.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to dive deeper into the Tate filmography, start by streaming Power Book II: Ghost on Starz to see his current work. After that, look for Bronzeville on any major podcast platform; it’s the best way to see how he’s evolving as a storyteller and producer in 2026. For a nostalgia hit, most of his early guest spots like Fresh Prince or Family Matters are available on various streaming services like Max or Hulu.