To continue our celebration of Black History Month, we’re looking at some of the many diverse television projects from and about the Black community. Join us and watch along as we explore some of the best series on television through the lens of Black history and culture.
Please enjoy our 2024 Black History Month television watchlist:
1. The Jeffersons (1975)
CBS
Breakdown: When The Jeffersons premiered in 1975, it was groundbreaking television, portraying a successful Black family in a prominent socio-economic position, challenging stereotypes and breaking new ground in television representation. Using humor to address social issues, this All in the Family spinoff shines a light on racial and class dynamics. And as one of the longest-running sitcoms featuring a predominantly Black cast, The Jeffersons marked a pivotal moment in television history, contributing to increased visibility and positive representation of Black characters on mainstream television during a critical period in the fight for civil rights and equality.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/5DfmvJ6bDAM?si=8Pv2y9097Eos_r8i
Watch series: The Jeffersons
Breakdown: This docuseries, hosted by Stephen Satterfield, traces the roots of African American cuisine, celebrating the culture’s diverse culinary traditions. By highlighting the impact of African contributions on American food culture, High on the Hog emphasizes the resilience and creativity of Black communities and sheds light on often-overlooked aspects of Black culinary heritage.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/7wsEdxt1Ico?si=yoCW1xEfd2Ok5Tiz
Watch series: High on the Hog
Breakdown: As the blueprint for many shows that followed, including hits like Friends, this hilarious show highlighted the lives of Black female friends trying to make it in Brooklyn. Starring Queen Latifah and depicting a group of successful African American professionals, the show broke new ground by providing positive and authentic representation, playing a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around young, urban Black lives on television.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/o_jFNdQH-aU?si=JBM9P68ZK_Ou0Ny3
Watch series: Living Single
Breakdown: This sketch comedy series, created by Keenen Ivory Wayans, gave Saturday Night Live a run for its money in the early 90s. Featuring a diverse cast and boldly addressed social and cultural issues through irreverent satire, In Living Color was one of the first major network shows to boast a predominantly Black cast. Launching the careers of comedy icons like Jamie Foxx, David Alan Grier, Jennifer Lopez, Damon Wayans, Tommy Davidson, and Jim Carrey, In Living Color left a lasting legacy and influenced the conversation on diversity and representation in the media.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/sWHX7QF8ETE?si=aE0t8nOQj08pRKG5
Watch series: In Living Color
Breakdown: This series, a spin-off of the wildly popular The Cosby Show, followed the lives of students at the fictional historically Black Hillman College. The show addressed important social issues, including race, gender, and education, providing a platform for authentic representations of Black college life and culture. This positive narrative resonated with viewers, allowing the show to make an impact on discussions around higher education, relationships, and social justice, particularly within the African American community. Most importantly, the show encouraged attendance at historically Black colleges and institutions.
Watch trailer: https://youtu.be/w1GeyQs3XtE?si=t5Pb5ZZnjC6FY5ED
Watch series: A Different World