You probably remember the theme song. That smooth, 70s-style soul groove that kicked off every episode of The Steve Harvey Show series on The WB. It wasn't just a sitcom. For a lot of us growing up in the late 90s, it was appointment television. Steve Hightower was the guy we all knew—a former R&B star who’d seen better days, forced to trade the glitz of the stage for the chaotic hallways of Booker T. Washington High School in Chicago.
It’s wild to think the show ran for six seasons. 122 episodes.
Back then, The WB was trying to find its identity. While shows like Dawson’s Creek were capturing the suburban teen demographic, Steve Harvey was anchoring a Friday night lineup that felt soulful, hilarious, and grounded. He wasn't alone, though. You had Cedric the Entertainer playing Cedric Robinson, the gym teacher who was basically the peanut gallery to Steve’s ego. Their chemistry wasn't scripted magic; it was real-life brotherhood.
The Secret Sauce of the Booker T. Washington High Crew
People often mistake this show for a standard "teacher saves the kids" narrative. It wasn't that. Honestly, Steve Hightower was often more immature than his students. He was vain. He obsessed over his "Hi-Lites" glory days. He spent half his time trying to woo Regina Grier, played by the incomparable Wendy Raquel Robinson.
Regina was the principal. She was also the girl Steve ignored in high school because she had "thick glasses and a bad perm," a classic trope that the show leaned into with zero apologies.
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Then you had the kids. Romeo Santana and Bullethead.
Merlin Santana (Romeo) was the heartthrob. He had that effortless cool. William Lee Scott (Bullethead) was the quirky, often dim-witted but fiercely loyal sidekick. They weren't just background noise; they were the engine of the show's physical comedy. When you look back at the The Steve Harvey Show series, the humor came from the generational gap. Steve was trying to teach them about "real music" like The Temptations, while they just wanted to rap and wear baggy clothes.
Why the Critics Were Wrong About Steve Hightower
Critics at the time were sometimes dismissive. They called it loud. They called it "formulaic."
They missed the point.
The show was a bridge. It bridged the gap between the classic Motown era and the burgeoning hip-hop culture of the late 90s. It was also one of the first times we saw a Black male lead on a major sitcom who was allowed to be flawed, selfish, and musically gifted without being a caricature. Steve Harvey brought his "Kings of Comedy" energy to the set every single day. If you watch closely, you can see the moments where he’s clearly ad-libbing, and the rest of the cast is just trying to keep a straight face.
Cedric the Entertainer was the ultimate wingman. His character, Ced, lived in the apartment above Steve. They shared a balcony. That balcony was the site of some of the best comedic timing in television history. Whether they were arguing over a woman or planning a ridiculous scheme to get rich quick, the dialogue felt like a barbershop conversation. It was authentic.
The Real Legacy of Merlin Santana
We have to talk about Merlin Santana. It’s impossible to discuss the The Steve Harvey Show series without acknowledging the tragedy that followed. Merlin was a rising star. He had been on The Cosby Show and Moesha, but Romeo Santana was his breakout. He was charming. He had "it."
When Merlin was tragically killed in 2002, shortly after the series ended, it felt like a hole was ripped in the fabric of that era's Black Hollywood. The cast has spoken openly about it for years. Steve Harvey has often choked up talking about Merlin, describing him as a son. It casts a bittersweet shadow over the reruns, but it also immortalizes his talent. He was the perfect foil to Steve's grumpy-old-man persona.
The "Hi-Lites" and the Music
One thing the show did exceptionally well was the music. Since Steve played an ex-musician, the show frequently featured actual musical performances. We saw cameos from Gladys Knight, Snoop Dogg, and even B2K.
It wasn't just fluff. The show treated R&B history with respect.
Steve's fictional group, the Hi-Lites, became a running gag but also a source of genuine nostalgia. The sequined jackets, the synchronized choreography, the falsetto notes that Steve couldn't quite hit anymore—it was a love letter to the 1970s soul scene.
- The Theme Song: " We're Movin' Up" was catchy as hell.
- The Fashion: Regina Grier’s suits were the epitome of 90s professional chic.
- The Slang: "Oh-wa-oh-wa-oh!" became a catchphrase that followed Steve for a decade.
What Most People Forget About the Finale
The show didn't go out with a whimper. The series finale, "The Graduation," which aired in 2002, was a genuine tear-jerker. Steve finally moves on to a new chapter, and the students he's spent years shouting at finally move into the world.
There was a real sense of closure.
Unlike many sitcoms that get canceled abruptly, the The Steve Harvey Show series was allowed to land the plane. It transitioned Steve Harvey from a stand-up comedian into a household name, paving the way for his future as a talk show host, game show legend, and author. Without Steve Hightower, there is no Family Feud Steve Harvey. He learned how to command an audience through the lens of a scripted character first.
Where Can You Watch It Now?
If you’re looking to binge the The Steve Harvey Show series today, it’s a bit of a treasure hunt depending on which streaming service has the rights this month. Usually, you can find it on:
- Pluto TV: They often have a dedicated "90s Sitcoms" channel where it cycles through.
- Tubi: Great for those random 3 AM nostalgia trips.
- Amazon Prime: Available for purchase, though rarely free.
It holds up surprisingly well. Sure, the technology is dated—hello, pagers and giant desktop computers—but the jokes about family, ego, and the struggle to stay relevant are timeless.
Actionable Steps for the Ultimate Rewatch
If you’re diving back in, don't just mindlessly watch. Pay attention to the background.
First, look for the "Kings of Comedy" influence. You can see Steve and Cedric testing out bits that would eventually make it into their legendary stand-up film. The rhythm of their banter is a masterclass in comedic timing.
Second, watch the evolution of Wendy Raquel Robinson. She played Regina Grier with such a perfect balance of "stern principal" and "hopeless romantic." It’s no wonder she went on to have a massive career in shows like The Game.
Finally, check out the guest stars. You'll see early appearances by actors who are now A-listers. It was a launching pad for Black talent in the late 90s.
To get the most out of your nostalgia trip:
- Start with Season 2. The first season is good, but the show really finds its "voice" once the chemistry between Steve and Cedric solidifies.
- Look for the "Lovita Alizay Burrell" episodes. Terri J. Vaughn joined the cast and her character’s relationship with Cedric is comedy gold.
- Pay attention to the "Steve's office" scenes. Most of the best character development happens in those quiet moments between classes.
The The Steve Harvey Show series remains a cornerstone of Black television. It wasn't trying to change the world; it was just trying to make us laugh while acknowledging where we came from. That’s why we’re still talking about it decades later.