In this golden age of television, there are so many amazing shows out there, from huge fantasy series like Game of Thrones to the greatest dramas ever, like Breaking Bad. And, today, I’m going to focus on some fantastic shows that are all led by talented Black actors and actresses.
I’m talking classics like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, to some of the latest and greatest, such as Atlanta. If you’re looking for some amazing TV shows led by Black actors, be sure to check out this list, as all of this will surely entertain you for plenty of hours.
Insecure
First up, we have the HBO original series, Insecure. Starring Issa Rae, Insecure is a modern day comedy, following two young Black women through their every-day triumphs and tribulations, from trying to find a new job to relationships of all types, and to heavier topics such as race.
Insecure is honestly such a great series. From the first moment I watched it, I was captivated so much by Issa Rae’s performance that I was looking forward to whatever Rae had coming up next. The show offers hilarious moments and heartfelt/ serious topics that truly make it one of the best comedies on TV in a long time.
Stream Insecure on HBO Max. (opens in new tab)
Diff’rent Strokes
“Whatcha’ talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?”
I’m sure at some point in your life you have heard that phrase – Diff’rent Strokes is actually where it’s from! This iconic sitcom series follows a Manhattan family who has plenty of wealth, but when their African-American housekeeper passes away, they decide to adopt her children.
The series, which ran for eight seasons, was a huge success and had fans tuning in constantly. While it was primarily a comedy, Diff’rent Strokes wasn’t afraid to dive deep into some serious topics with special episodes often centered things like racism, drug use, sexual abuse, and more. The series made Gary Coleman a household name, and is one that surely can’t be missed.
Stream Diff’rent Strokes on Tubi.
Black-ish (And It’s Spinoffs)
If you want to talk about a very popular recent series, check out Black-ish. This show, starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, follows an upper-class African-American family through their personal lives and the trials they face as African-Americans – but with more than enough funny situations.
While I’m definitely okay with shows ending, I’m always going to be sad that Black-ish ended Season 8. There’s just something about this family that makes it feel so homey, from watching the children grow up and move on to their own lives, to learning to deal with the outside world. There are two spin-off series that should be watched, Mixed-ish and Grown-ish, each having their own stories that overlap with the mother show, but the original is the best in my eyes.
Stream Black-ish on Hulu. (opens in new tab)
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air
“In West Philadelphia, born and raised.”
You know the rest of the song. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air follows Will, a kid from Philadelphia who gets into a fight, and his mama got scared, so she sent him off to Bel-Air to live with his uncle so he could get straightened out. Of course, Will causes hijinks wherever he goes.
Man, I grew up on this show. I still remember getting up at the ass-crack of dawn before school so I could see reruns before I’d have to run to the bus, because I loved watching Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro and everyone else rock their roles in this show. From the jokes and relationships, to even Will’s character development over six seasons, it was stellar. With the dramatic reimagining, Bel-Air, on Peacock, now is the best time to re-watch the original to get a sense for these characters.
Stream The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on HBO Max. (opens in new tab)
Atlanta
Now, this is a great one. Atlanta, created by and starring Donald Glover, features the story of Earn, a young Black man who is trying to pave his own path in life through helping out his cousin, Alfred, in the music business, all while trying to maintain his personal life in the city of Atlanta.
Atlanta is a brilliant dramedy, and honestly one of FX’s best shows. Its take on comedy is subtle but hilarious, and it has some truly amazing episodes that challenge how you view the world, and what people go through. While it’s only two seasons right now, Atlanta Season 3 is coming soon, so now is the perfect time to watch it.
Stream Atlanta on Hulu. (opens in new tab)
Living Single
Another classic Black-led sitcom, Living Single, takes place in Brooklyn, New York, and follows the lives of male and female roommates as they grow through their careers, goals, and most importantly, relationships, creating craziness along the way.
Living Single aired for five seasons, where viewers enjoyed the comedic adventures of the characters. Queen Latifah starred in Living Single, and it really set her career off, showing just how funny she is. Also, the opening theme for this show is a bop and a half. Just pump that into my veins for some instant serotonin.
Stream Living Single on Hulu. (opens in new tab)
Family Matters
“Did I do that?” is the classic phrase uttered by Steve Urkel, a famous character from Family Matters. This hit sitcom ran from 1989-1998, and follows the Winslows, a pretty normal family that often gets dragged into crazy adventures, usually at the hand of Urkel himself, their next-door neighbor.
While I would spend mornings watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I’d spend the evenings watching Family Matters, and to be honest, I love this show just as much. While I do love the family, there’s just something about Urkel that speaks volumes to me. He’s a smart kid with crazy inventions, but at the end of the day, even if he can be a little bit annoying, all he wants is friendship and companionship, and he evolves over time. It also helps that he’s freaking hilarious.
Stream Family Matters on HBO Max. (opens in new tab)
Sister, Sister
You want to talk about a classic 1990s show, this is for sure one of them. Sister, Sister stars real-life twins, Tia and Tamera Mowry. For years, neither of them knew the other existed, until they are suddenly reunited in their teenage years, and try to make up for lost time.
While Sister, Sister was also before my time, I gave the show a try because I love the Mowry sisters in the Twitches series on Disney Channel. Once I watched it, I understood why these two became such big stars. Their chemistry is unbeatable and there’s always something you have to love about sisters learning to live with each other and grow as humans.
Stream Sister, Sister on Netflix. (opens in new tab)
Watchmen
Starring Regina King, Watchmen is a brilliant HBO series based on the comic of the same name. The show is set in an alternate universe where white supremacy is even more rampant in America, and now, it’s up to vigilantes and other heroes to somehow stop the crime that is rapidly spreading across Tulsa, Oklahoma.
While Watchmen doesn’t look like it’ll be getting a Season 2 anytime soon, it’s such a fantastic series. Nominated for several Primetime Emmy Awards, Watchmen deserves every ounce of praise it has gotten, from its story to its character design to its acting, specifically Regina King in the lead role. Every episode is so carefully crafted that you’ll be wanting more.
Stream Watchmen on HBO Max. (opens in new tab)
Key & Peele
If you want an amazing sketch comedy show, check out Key & Peele. This Comedy Central series, starring Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele, follows these two hilarious actors through several different iconic sketches, all of which will surely make you laugh.
It’s always funny for me to re-visit this show, as these two have truly taken off. Key has expanded his movie and TV catalogue and Peele has gone on to write and direct some amazing movies and TV shows, with a new release, Nope, coming out in summer 2022. However, I always like to return to this show, because they truly were one of the best comedy pairings out there, and you’ll definitely be holding your side from laughing after watching one episode.
Stream Key & Peele on Hulu. (opens in new tab)
All American
Next up, we have All American, a popular CW show that just wrapped up its fourth season. In this series, a premiere football player is recruited to play for Beverly Hills high, and he not only has to prove himself on the field, but to everyone who thinks he isn’t worth the effort.
As someone who loves football and a great fish out of water story, All American has everything you could want, from a serious storyline that dives into high school and societal issues, to thrilling sports sequences that make you feel like you’re watching a real-life football game. The show isn’t for everyone, but I think it’s worth a shot.
Stream All American on Netflix. (opens in new tab)
Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Chris is a sitcom that is based on the life of comedian and actor Chris Rock and his life as a teenager in the 1980s in New York, chronicling how he feels that “everybody” hates him, and trying to survive in his crazy family.
While the show didn’t run for super long compared to some of the others on this list – it only ran from 2005-2009 – I have a special place in my heart for Everybody Hates Chris, and that’s mainly because of the great acting from Tyler James Williams. While he’s gone on to do other impressive things, I loved him in this show and sitcom is truly where he shines. Now, if a reunion happened, then I’d be a happy camper.
Stream Everybody Hates Chris on Peacock. (opens in new tab)
Empire
Last but not least, we have Empire. This popular drama starring Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, and plenty of other amazing talent, is centered around Empire Entertainment, a fictional music company where the main players are constantly up in arms about who is going to control it, and how one man’s decision is going to change the face of the company forever.
Empire was a huge success for Fox, receiving plenty of praise for its acting, soundtrack, and amazing story. Running for six seasons and 102 episodes, Empire captured the hearts of the audience and left them wanting more after every episode – so much so that one of the most famous characters from the show, Cookie Lyon, is receiving her own spin-off series.
Stream Empire on Hulu. (opens in new tab)
There are many more amazing shows other than these, but hopefully if you’re looking for some brilliant Black-led television shows, you now know where to start.
#Insecure #Great #Shows #Led #Black #Actors #Watch
