What should you watch tonight as you curl up on the couch? There is some excellent stuff out there right now, whether you’re searching for a pioneering drama, a side-splitting comedy, or an eye-opening documentary – and most of it is coming from and starring Black artists. Varied media options are more vital than ever because they assist elevate underrepresented groups who have long been removed from our screens and missing from popular culture, even though our society is more diverse than it has ever been.
When individuals see characters that look like them mirrored on television, they might feel seen, heard, and accepted in the world we live in. And it is for this reason that diversity and inclusion across all genres are vital, particularly for young people and those seeking affirmation. Fortunately, many Black TV episodes on all streaming platforms portray a broad spectrum of lived experiences in almost every genre and style imaginable. That implies that regardless of your taste or inclination, there is a terrific solution for your TV watching experience. We’ve produced a list of the top five television programs to watch in 2022. So, grab a bucket of popcorn, put on your most comfortable clothing, and prepare to laugh, weep, and everything in between.
The Chi
This program chronicles the daily lives of young Black males and their ties in Chicago. Throughout the series, actual risks and unpleasant realities highlight an overall experience among young Black Chicago residents. This program is a coming-of-age narrative, and it’s fascinating to see how each character’s story grows. Emmy winner Lena Waithe wrote and produced the program, which is also responsible for TV blockbusters such as Dear White People, Queen & Slim, and Them. Jacob Latimore (as Emmett Washington), Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (as Ronnie Davis), Alex Hibbert (as Kevin Williams), and others feature in the program.
Insecure
Issa Dee, the main character, and her three pals navigate their personal and professional lives in Los Angeles in Insecure. Issa Rae, who plays the central character in the program, invented it. Issa is also renowned for developing, writing, producing, and acting in Awkward Black Girl, a famous YouTube sitcom. Insecure captures the reality of many Black women in their late twenties and early thirties striving to establish themselves and select the life they desire. The program incorporates reality, work, friends, fun, sex, and a variety of other issues prevalent in Black women’s lives. Insecure‘s cast is well-known, and they do not disappoint. The cast members are Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales, and Alexander Hodge.
Power
Omari Hardwick’s character, James St. Patrick, is a prosperous club owner who looks to have it all. James (nicknamed Ghost) has a gorgeous family, money, devoted friends, and a well-kept secret. Ghost and his accomplice, Tommy (played by Joseph Sikora), manage an elite narcotics enterprise in New York in Power. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Courtney Kemp co-executive produce Power. Power has grown in popularity over the years due to its short yet enticing writing. The brilliant cast, which includes Naturi Naughton, Lela Loren, Michael Rainey Jr., Rotimi, Lala Anthony, and others, also helps to bring the characters to life.
Greenleaf
Based in Memphis, this program follows the Greenleaf family as they operate the Calvary Fellowship World Ministries megachurch. The church and family seem spiritually linked and flourishing on the surface. However, under the surface, there are scandals, secrets, and falsehoods that the family will go to extraordinary measures to keep hidden. Grace Greenleaf, portrayed by Merle Dandridge, comes home after being gone for 20 years to restore ties. Grace is regarded with mistrust and bitterness since her first departure was met with hostility. The series follows the family as they face several trials of faith and reconciliation. Greenleaf‘s story will resonate with many who grew up in Black Christian families. Lynn Whitfield plays Lady Mae Greenleaf, Keith David plays Bishop James Greenleaf, Deborah Joy Winans plays Charity Greenleaf, Lamman Rucker plays Jacob Greenleaf, and Oprah Winfrey plays Mavis McCready. Letoya Luckett, Rick Fox, Kim Hawthorne, Lovie Simone, and Desiree Ross round out the cast.
A Black Lady Sketch Show
Robin Thede produced this sketch comedy TV program, which debuted on HBO. The core cast of Black female comedians, including the show’s founder Robin Thede, Quinta Brunson, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis, Laci Mosley, and Skye Townsend, perform a variety of comic skits. Issa Rae, Angela Bassett, Laverne Cox, and Nicole Byer have all made appearances. A Black Lady Sketch Show does an excellent job of highlighting the fantastic Black female actors and comedians in our society today. This may be the program for you if you want some lighthearted chuckles and gorgeous melanin on your screen.
Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.
