The landscape of diverse storytelling on TV looks brighter than ever as numerous streaming platforms and television channels are making more strides to share programming featuring and about people of color. The Black diaspora, in particular, is reflected in some of today’s most talked about shows, which is great news for everyone looking to immerse themselves in the richness of the culture.
We’ve taken the liberty to compile a list (in alphabetical order) of some of the best Black shows on streaming platforms and television. Take a look.
1. Abbott Elementary
The now Emmy-winning sitcom is a crown jewel of the ABC network. The series follows a group of elementary school teachers as they try to shape the young minds at a Philadelphia school. At the heart of Abbott Elementary is the overly optimistic Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) who is constantly trying to find her way as a new teacher and as an adult. Thankfully for her, she has her coworkers to help her along the way.
Where to watch in the US: seasons 1-3 are available to stream on Max, Hulu and Disney Plus. Abbott Elementary season 4 starts streaming on Hulu on October 10.
Where to watch in the UK: watch seasons 1-3 on Disney Plus.
2. All American
All American continues to be a show that can captivate fans. Much of the series is inspired by the real-life of NFL player Spencer Paysinger, and yet, also deeply rooted in the fictional storylines created by the writers. With each season the show further blurs the lines between the haves and the have-nots as lead character Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) and his friends continue maturing into adulthood. However, when All American season 7 debuts in 2025, the show will strike a different chord as Spencer will no longer be the focal point of the series.
Where to watch in the US: seasons 1-6 are available to stream on Netflix.
Where to watch in the UK: seasons 1-5 are available to stream on ITV/ITVX in the UK.
3. All American: Homecoming
All American: Homecoming is a spinoff series that follows Simone Hicks (Geffri Hightower) as she navigates her collegiate tennis career at a historically Black college (HBCU). The friends she collects while at school each have their own journeys and experiences that they often find difficult to manage. So naturally, that means some drama is in store. All American: Homecoming wraps with All American: Homecoming season 3 in 2024.
Where to watch in the US: seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Netflix. Season 3 debuts on Netflix on October 15.
Where to watch in the UK: there isn't currently a streaming partner in the UK.
4. Bel-Air
When it was announced that Bel-Air would be a dramatic version of the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, there were plenty of skeptics who wondered what the new show would look like. However, the series is one of Peacock’s biggest hits and it continues to collect fans. With that said, Bel-Air certainly gets our vote of confidence as the reimagined characters have layers that weren’t present in the original show.
Where to watch in the US: Seasons 1-3 are available on Peacock.
Where to watch in the UK: Seasons 1-2 are available on Sky.
5. The Chi
The Lena Waithe series The Chi continues to be a hit with critics and viewers alike. The show follows multiple characters in the city of Chicago as they try to better themselves in their hometown while avoiding the dangers that exist all around. On a side note, the drama does a great job of highlighting the spectrum of sexuality and sexual orientation.
Where to watch in the US: seasons 1-6 are streaming on Paramount Plus with Showtime.
Where to watch in the UK: The Chi episodes are available on Apple TV.
6. Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist
Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist is a new limited series based on the true events that transpired at a party following Muhammed Ali's big return fight to boxing in Atlanta. In what was supposed to be a party with the who's who of the Black criminal world, evolves into a historic robbery. Not only is the storyline intriguing, but the series features some heavy hitters in Hollywood. We're talking about Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle and Terrence Howard.
Where to watch in the US: season 1 is streaming on Peacock.
Where to watch in the UK: season 1 is expected to stream on ITVX.
7. Godfather of Harlem
The dramatized story of Harlem legend Bumpy Johnson is one of the most exciting stories on TV. Starring Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker, Godfather of Harlem takes place in the 1960s in New York City and shows the intersection of The Civil Rights Movement and the underworld’s drug trade.
Where to watch in the US: seasons 1-3 are available on Hulu and MGM Plus.
Where to watch in the UK: seasons 1-3 are available on Lionsgate Plus in the UK.
8. Harlem
If you liked Mara Brock Akil’s Girlfriends, you'll love Harlem. The Prime Video sitcom follows four friends as they do their best to navigate relationships, friendships and the path toward their professional ambitions.
Where to watch in the US and the UK: Seasons 1-3 are available on Prime Video.
9. How to Die Alone
How to Die Alone is a brilliant new comedy starring Natasha Rothwell. It follows her as an airport employee who has a brush with death and uses the occasion to shake up her life. As she tries to elevate her career and figure out love, she hits some bumps in the road, but of course, in a comedic way. If you were a fan of Rothwell on Insecure, you should love this new series.
Where to watch in the US: season 1 is available on Hulu.
Where to watch in the UK: a release date is not yet known.
10. Lupin
Lupin’s Assane Diop (Omar Sy) has easily become one of the world’s favorite gentleman thieves. His superior intellect and suave ability to talk himself out of most bad situations have made him an exceptional criminal. Although to be fair, he’s ironically committing crimes to expose bigger crimes that claimed his father as a victim. The series is recorded in French but is dubbed in English.
Where to watch in the US and the UK: seasons 1-3 are streaming on Netflix.
11. The Ms. Pat Show
Ms. Pat is not your traditional TV matriarch, which is partially why the series continues to grow its viewership. The wife and mother never bites her tongue when talking to anyone and will give her all to make the best of any situation. Even if that situation is being stuck in a small Midwest town where there are only a handful of minorities.
Where to watch in the US: Seasons 1-4 are available to stream on BET Plus.
Where to watch in the UK: Sadly, it's currently not streaming in the UK.
12. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
When the Proud Family premiered on the Disney Channel in 2001, the cartoon instantly grew fans among kids and adults as it showed how Penny Proud dealt with middle-school angst and her interesting, yet funny family. So when Disney Plus debuted The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder reboot series, viewers were full of praise for the brand new episodes with an older Penny.
Where to watch in the US and the UK: Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Disney Plus.
13. P-Valley
P-Valley has certainly earned its place on this list. The drama focuses on the various criminal elements and manipulation that occur behind the scenes of one of Mississippi’s premiere clubs, The Pynk. As the series continues to increase in popularity, we applaud the writers and producers for bravely showing the spectrum of sexuality that truly exists in the Black community.
Where to watch in the US: seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on the Starz app.
Where to watch in the UK: you can find seasons 1 and 2 on MGM Plus.
14. Reasonable Doubt
Reasonable Doubt is a new drama executive produced by Kerry Washington that made quite the impact on viewers in its freshman season. The show follows a brilliant attorney as she represents some interesting clients, all while dealing with her personal life that is in disarray. For those that like soapy dramas, this is a must-watch for you.
Where to watch in the US: seasons 1-2 are streaming on Hulu.
Where to watch in the UK: season 1 is streaming on Disney Plus.
15. Survival of the Thickest
When Survival of the Thickest season 1 debuted, it was a breath of fresh air on the streaming landscape. It stars funnywoman Michelle Buteau as someone trying to hit the restart button in love after her tragic breakup and in her career as she tries to professionally untie herself from her ex. It's a great comedic story showcasing it's never too late. Thankfully, a season 2 is forthcoming.
Where to watch in the US and in the UK: seasons 1 is streaming on Netflix.
16. Unprisoned
Unprisoned is a unique comedy in that it follows a relationship therapist as she tries to get reacquainted with her father who has spent the majority of her life in prison. The storyline alone is different from many comedies on television, and the pairing of stars Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo is entertaining to watch.
Where to watch in the US: seasons 1-2 are streaming on Hulu.
Where to watch in the UK: season 1 is streaming on Disney Plus.
17. The Upshaws
The Upshaws provides a nice laugh for those fans of comedians Wanda Sykes and Mike Epps. The series centers around a working-class blended family as they try to navigate their family drama and financial woes. The banter between Skyes and Epps’ characters alone is enough reason to tune in.
The reimagined version of the 80s/90s hit show follows a Black family in Montgomery, Alabama in the late 1960s. While the overall tone of the show is reminiscent of the classic comedy, The Wonders Years of today is different in that it highlights issues of race that its predecessor really never addressed.
18. Young Love
Young Love is a an amazing animated comedy from Oscar-winner Matthew Cherry. It follows a millennial couple as they try to pursue their dreams while parenting their young daughter. Issa Rae, Kid Cudi and Loretta Devine are just a few of the actors voicing characters in the series.
Where to watch in the US: season 1 is streaming on Max.
Where to watch in the UK: we are waiting to receive official word as to when/if season 1 airs in the country.
