Honestly, the mid-2000s were a weird, transitional time for network television. You had the giants like NBC and CBS, but then you had these smaller, hungrier networks like UPN and The WB that were actually trying to speak to audiences everyone else ignored. That’s exactly where Second Time Around TV found its niche, even if it only lasted for a blink-and-you-miss-it single season.
It was 2004.
The show featured real-life couple Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker. They played Jackson and Teri, a couple who had been married once, divorced, and decided to give it another shot. It wasn't just some generic sitcom premise; it was actually based on the real-life executive producers Ralph Farquhar and Michelle Turner. People forget that back then, seeing a nuanced, middle-class Black couple navigating the "remarriage" minefield was actually kind of revolutionary. It wasn't just about slapstick or catchphrases. It was about the messy reality of trying to fix something you already broke once.
The Magic of the Kodjoe-Parker Chemistry
You can’t talk about this show without talking about the leads. Boris and Nicole had just come off the massive success of Soul Food the series. Their chemistry wasn't just acting—they were literally falling in love and building a life together in real time. That’s why Second Time Around TV felt different from other UPN comedies like Half & Half or Girlfriends.
There was a weight to it.
When Jackson and Teri argued about their past mistakes, it didn't feel like a writer's room exercise. It felt lived-in. The show tried to balance the heavy lifting of "blended-ish" family dynamics with the standard multi-cam sitcom format, which, looking back, might have been its biggest hurdle. The audience wanted the heat they saw in Soul Food, but the network wanted a 22-minute laugh-track-heavy comedy.
Why UPN Let It Slip Away
So, what happened? Why does Second Time Around TV exist only in the archives of niche streaming services and YouTube clips now?
Television in 2004 was a brutal numbers game. UPN was struggling to find its identity before it eventually merged with The WB to become The CW in 2006. During that pre-merger chaos, shows that didn't immediately pull Moesha-level numbers were often shown the door. The show premiered in September 2004 and was done by January 2005. Only 13 episodes. That’s it.
It’s actually wild when you think about it.
The show was pulling in decent ratings for its timeslot, but the network was shifting toward "urban-lite" content that could potentially crossover to broader audiences. A show about the complexities of divorce and reconciliation in the Black community was apparently "too specific" for the executives at the time. Ironically, that specificity is exactly what makes it a cult favorite today. People are tired of generic. They want the specific.
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The Supporting Cast Nobody Remembers (But Should)
While Boris and Nicole were the draws, the show had a solid foundation. You had Brian White playing Nigel, Jackson’s brother, and Danielle Nicolet as Paula, Teri’s sister. It created this four-way dynamic that allowed the show to explore different stages of relationships.
- Nigel was the classic "man-about-town" bachelor.
- Paula was the skeptical sister who didn't quite trust that the second time would be the charm.
- The tension between the siblings added layers that the lead couple couldn't provide on their own.
Actually, Danielle Nicolet is a great example of the talent this show had. She went on to have a huge career, eventually becoming a staple on The Flash. Seeing her early comedic timing in Second Time Around TV is like finding a time capsule of a star in the making.
The "Must-Watch" Episodes That Defined the Series
If you’re going to hunt down the episodes—and they are out there if you look hard enough—there are a few that stand out. The pilot is essential because it sets the stakes. It doesn't pretend the divorce didn't happen. It treats the "first time" like a ghost haunting their new apartment.
Then there’s "Crack That Whip." It’s an episode that dives into the power dynamics of their new marriage. Who gets to make the big decisions? Since they both lived independent lives for years after the divorce, merging those lives back together wasn't as simple as just moving furniture. It was a power struggle.
And honestly? The fashion. We have to talk about the 2004 aesthetic. The oversized blazers, the specific shade of denim, the hair—it’s a visual feast for anyone nostalgic for that era of Black excellence on screen.
Comparing the Show to Modern Relationship Dramas
If Second Time Around TV were pitched today to a streamer like Netflix or Max, it would probably be a 10-episode prestige dramedy. It wouldn't have a laugh track. It would be moody and shot with single-camera setups.
In 2026, we see shows like Insecure or Run the World that owe a silent debt to what UPN was trying to do. Those shows are allowed to be messy. Back in 2004, you had to wrap up a massive emotional trauma in 22 minutes and end with a joke. That's a hard box to live in.
The show was essentially a pioneer of the "re-coupling" trope that is now a staple in reality TV and modern scripted dramas. It asked the question: can you ever really go back? Or are you just building something entirely new with old materials?
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The Cultural Footprint of Jackson and Teri
Despite its short life, the show solidified Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker as Hollywood’s "It" couple. Their real-life marriage, which has lasted over two decades now, started its public-facing journey right here. Fans who watched Second Time Around TV weren't just watching a show; they were watching the prologue to one of the most enduring romances in the industry.
That’s why people still search for it. It’s not just about the scripts. It’s about the authenticity.
How to Find the Show in 2026
Finding old UPN content is notoriously difficult. Unlike the "Must-See TV" NBC hits, these shows often get lost in licensing hell. However, there are ways to revisit the world of Jackson and Teri:
- Pluto TV and Tubi: These free, ad-supported platforms often rotate Black 90s and 2000s sitcoms. Keep an eye on the "Black Cinema" or "Classic TV" sections.
- YouTube: Various fan accounts have uploaded episodes, though the quality is often "recorded-off-a-CRT-TV" level. Still, the nostalgia hits the same.
- Physical Media: If you can find a DVD set on eBay, grab it. They didn't produce many, and they've become collector's items for fans of the era.
The Legacy of a Cancelled Gem
Was it perfect? No. The multi-cam format sometimes stifled the genuine drama. But was it important? Absolutely. Second Time Around TV proved that you could center a comedy on the aftermath of a failed marriage without making it cynical. It was hopeful.
In a TV landscape that often rewards "will-they-won't-they" tension, this was a show about "they-already-did-and-now-they're-trying-harder."
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into this specific era of television or want to track down the series, here’s how to do it effectively:
- Audit your streaming niche: Check the "Expired" or "Leaving Soon" sections of Paramount+. Since they own much of the old Viacom/UPN library, shows often pop up for a month and disappear.
- Follow the creators: Ralph Farquhar is still very active in the industry (he was a major force behind the Proud Family revival). Following his interviews often gives insight into why these 2000s shows were structured the way they were.
- Look for the Soul Food connection: If you can't find the sitcom, watch the Soul Food series first. It provides the emotional context for why the chemistry in this show worked so well.
- Support Archive Initiatives: Sites like the Paley Center for Media often have records of these shorter-lived series. Supporting media preservation ensures shows like this don't just vanish into digital dust.
The reality is that Second Time Around TV was a victim of timing, not a lack of quality. It arrived just as the sitcom was dying and before the "Peak TV" era of streaming began. But for those 13 weeks in 2004, it gave us a glimpse of what a mature, funny, and deeply Black romantic comedy could look like.
It's a reminder that sometimes the best stories aren't the ones that last ten seasons. Sometimes, the best stories are the ones that remind us that even after a total collapse, you can always try again.
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