For decades, the entertainment industry operated under a "fixed" set of rules regarding Black plus-size bodies. Historically, these women were pigeonholed into the "Mammy" archetype: desexualized, nurturing, and existing solely to support the growth of white or thinner protagonists. From the early days of cinema to the sitcoms of the 90s, the "sassy best friend" or the "boisterous neighbor" were the only available slots.

Several influential black BBW content creators have made significant contributions to the growth and popularity of this type of entertainment. For example:

Often seen in period pieces or domestic dramas, this archetype focuses on the emotional labor the character provides for thin or white protagonists, often stripping the character of her own romantic life or personal ambition.

In recent years, several performers have broken these molds, securing leading roles that feature romantic depth, professional success, and complexity.