Whether it is on the big screen or small, there are a host of actors and actresses that make the weekly tune-in to television worth it. From roles that tackle coming of age stories or content that explores race and identity, the following 7 TV shows touch a part of our soul, especially because they feature a standout Black cast. In celebration of awards season, look at our favorite Black celebrities giving primetime TV life.
Orange is the New Black
Prison got funnier with the crew from Orange is the New Black. The comedy-drama, which is also the most-watched original series has won a ton of awards for its script and talent. More than a show about the life of prison, the show captures friendship in a whole new light. Standout start Uzo Aduba who won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She showed the world the rawness of her character from behind four walls.
Atlanta
Donald Glover, Zazie Beetz, Lakeith Stanfield, and Brian Tyree Henry make the FX series Atlanta such a hit. The comedy-drama, which was created by former 30 Rock writer, Glover covers the life of a college dropout pushing through life with his ex, friend, and cousin who is an aspiring rapper.
Insecure
Who doesn’t love Issa Rae and all that she brings to the creative space? We first fell in love with her during her heydays on Youtube with her web series the Awkward Black Girl. Now the Insecure TV show which is the spin off her web classic is pushing wonderfully into season 4.
Black-ish
We adore millennial actress Yara Shahidi and what she stands for, so it should be no surprise that we find her character on Black-ish and its spin-off Grown-ish so impressive. Premiering in 2014 and the latter in 2018, both shows including the notable star are recognized for tackling and touching upon relevant issues aligned with racism, culture, and upward mobility.
Greenleaf
We can’t get enough of the drama. Behind every corner is something to discover at the Memphis megachurch, Calvary Fellowship World Ministries. With so many talented Black celebrities in one space – veteran actress Lady Mae Greenleaf (Lynn Whitfield) and her daughter Grace Greenleaf (Merle Dandridge) show why the series is a big hit on the OWN channel.
Power
Rapper 50 Cent hit big with the Power series. Highlighting the drug underworld, relationships, and crooked friendships, fans get to see another side of New York City. With actors such as Omari Hardwick, Rotimi, Naturi Naughton, and Lala Anthony as key cast, we see why the show is considered a street classic.