5 Shows That Center Black Voices

The Black experience is undoubtedly one of great complexity, full of nuance and complexity, equal parts struggle and joy. Luckily for us, there are so many incredible shows out there on streaming services which work to encapsulate just that. So, read on to find recommendations of just a few incredible shows out now which center the voices and creative vision of Black people. 

Insecure

Issa Rae’s five season show Insecure centers around the story of two friends, Issa and Molly, as they navigate friends, their professional life, and relationships as two young Black women in Los Angeles. Premiering in 2016, Insecure has been lauded as “an important new dawn for the industry” after the age of Black Hollywood and “a cornerstone of Black culture” by Refinery 29. Rae’s hilarious and honest depiction of life as a young Black woman struck a chord with so many and led her to work on other projects such as The Lovebirds, The Photograph, Rap Sh!t, and the upcoming Greta Gerwig movie Barbie. You can find Insecure on HBOMax, and if you want to know how to watch hbo max outside us, we’ve got you covered. 

I May Destroy You 

I May Destroy You is a dark-comedy mini-series written and directed by Michaela Coel, star of Chewing Gum on Netflix. This series follows the life of a writer named Arabella, played by Coel, who after being attacked at a nightclub must reevaluate the circumstances and people in her life. This show has won numerous accolades such as the BATFA for Best Mini-Series, Best Director: Drama, and a GLAAD media award. I May Destroy You is considered “at once brave and delicate, untangling the trauma of sexual assault with dark humor and moments of deep discomfort all held together on the strength of Michaela Coel's undeniable talent” according to Rotten Tomatoes. You can find the series on HBOMax. 

A Black Lady Sketch Show 

A Black Lady Sketch Show is a comedy centering around the four key actors Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis, Laci Mosley and Skye Townsend. Outrageous and hilarious, A Black Lady Sketch Show takes the sketch comedy format and elevates it to a limitless magic reality full of laughter and musical numbers. There are many celebrity guests as well, including the aforementioned Issa Rae as well as Angela Bassett, Laverne Cox, Gabrielle Union, Tia Mowry, and Wanda Sykes. The comedy has won a TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sketch/Variety Show in 2020 and season 1 and 2 have a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. You can find A Black Lady Sketch Show on HBOMax. 

Abbott Elementary 

Quinta Brunson’s Abbott Elementary is a hilarious mockumentary sitcom on ABC which follows the story of second grade teacher Janine Teagues and her struggles teaching in an underfunded public elementary school in Philadelphia. Brunson had previously made a name for herself through comedy videos on Instagram and had worked with Buzzfeed Videos and BuzzFeed Motion Pictures. Full of laughs and heart, Abbott Elementary is outstanding, and currently up for Outstanding Comedy Series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards.