50 of the Best Black TV Shows to Watch Right Now
History, comedy, family stories and romance await with these recent series and sitcoms.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Audiences in search of Black storytelling are in luck. TV shows that celebrate and reflect the Black experience abound. Although underrepresentation still exists, programming featuring Black actors, directors, producers, and writers has increased in recent years.
Whether you’re in the mood to laugh out loud, let out a cathartic cry, or simply want to escape with good acting and an even better storyline, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best Black TV shows to watch and stream right now.
From shows like the new CBS drama Watson starring Morris Chestnut to the critically acclaimed Netflix miniseries When They See Us, this collection includes something for just about everyone to enjoy. In fact, we've also included family-friendly picks like Disney's limited animated series Iwájú to keep kids and adults alike glued to their screens. No matter what you're looking for, let this list be your trusted guide. Looking for more to watch? Check out our list of the best Black history movies.
Watson
Morris Chestnut stars in this modern take on the Sherlock Holmes and Watson story. Following the death of his friend Holmes, Watson (Chestnut) resumes his medical endeavors in this drama-filled mystery series.
Churchy
Created and directed by comedian Kevin Fredericks, also known as "KevOnStage," this comedy series follows Corey Carr Jr. (Fredericks), as he finds his footing in ministry after being overlooked to lead his father's congregation. The show brings laughter into the pews and pulpit with a hilarious take on church shenanigans.
Tyler Perry's Beauty in Black
When an exotic dancer crosses paths with a wealthy haircare entrepreneur, her life takes a wild turn. Set in Atlanta, this Tyler Perry production is sexy and scandalous.
Get Millie Black
Former Scotland Yard detective Millie-Jean Black heads back to her hometown of Jamaica where she joins the police force following her mother's death. She's on a mission to uncover truths and solve mysteries in this drama-filled series.
Poppa's House
Actor Damon Wayans and his son Damon Wayans Jr. star in this CBS sitcom. The comedic duo takes viewers inside the lives of a popular radio show host (Wayans Sr.) as he adjusts to his new female co-host while still parenting his adult son.
Paradise
Sterling K. Brown stars in this Hulu series about Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent and family man, who is suddenly thrust into the center of a major investigation after a prominent figure is murdered.
Iwájú
This Disney+ animated sci-fi series follows Tola, a young girl as she and her best friend, Kole, discover and explore a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria.
The Vince Staples Show
Multi-hyphenate entertainer Vince Staples takes viewers on a journey as he navigates life as a newfound celebrity in his hometown of Long Beach in this semi-autobiographical comedy.
Lioness
Inspired by a real-life military program, Zoe Saldaña stars as Joe McNamara, a CIA agent and Marine who faces the challenges of a mission gone awry in this action-packed thriller.
Rhythm + Flow
Aspiring rappers put their skills to the test in this music competition series. Who will rock the mic right and win $250,000? Tune in to find out.
Reasonable Doubt
This courtroom drama follows Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi), a fierce and fearless defense attorney as she juggles corporate cases and her complicated personal life in Los Angeles.
Bel-Air
Bel Air is a reimagined version of the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Like the original, it follows the life of a street-smart teen who moves from the west side of Philly to a posh Los Angeles suburb. The difference? It’s a drama, not a comedy.
Abbott Elementary
Four devoted teachers are in the trenches at one of the worst elementary schools in the country. Together they tackle some tough situations, but always with a side of humor. Quinta Brunson absolutely shines in this series.
Swarm
This Emmy-nominated series follows Dre (Dominique Fishback), a Houston-based deranged and obsessed fan who takes matters into her own hands when it comes to those who don’t worship her superstar idol.
Black Cake
After losing her battle with cancer, Eleanor Bennett's children are left with untold stories of her journey from the Caribbean to America. Based on a novel of the same title, the series explores this family's darkest and hidden secrets that leaves Bennett's children questioning everything they thought they knew about their mother and their family's history.
The 1619 Project
America’s deep and ugly history with racism and slavery are front and center in this unflinching six-part documentary series. Based on Pulitzer Nikole-Hannah Jones’ editorial project of the same name for New York Magazine, this expansion also examines how the legacy of slavery shapes various aspects of contemporary American life. It also explores African Americans’ vast contributions to the country that are often overlooked in history books.
Hijack
Starring Idris Elba, this high-flying thriller takes viewers on a frightening journey of a hijacked Duabi flight bound for London. Elba’s character, Sam Nelson, is a corporate negotiator who tries to use his professional skills to keep himself and all the passengers onboard safe.
Young Love
Created by Oscar winner Matthew A. Cherry, this light-hearted animated series follows a young, Chicago-based African American couple as they try to navigate the worlds of parenthood, marriage, their careers, and everything in between.
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America, Seasons 1-2
This food-centric documentary series follows food writer Stephen Satterfield as he traces the origins of African-American cuisine and its cultural connection to the African American experience.
I'm a Virgo
Created by Boots Riley, this out-of-this-world absurdity comedy follows a giant-like 13-foot teenager (Jharrel Jerome) as he explores the world around him in Oakland. It’s a coming-of-age-story that’s undeniably out-of-the-box.
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a Los Angeles-based freelancer with over 15 years of experience writing for online publications. Her work can be seen in Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day, where she covers everything from gift guides to personal essays. She holds a B.A. in English from Chapman University and is working toward her Early Childhood Education teaching credentials. She is proud to be of Native American (Ohkay Owingeh) and Mexican American descent.
Karla Pope is a longtime writer, editor and blogger with more than two decades of editorial experience. She’s written for a variety of outlets including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Travel + Leisure, Tripadvisor, People, Parade and more. Her coverage includes travel, lifestyle, entertainment and wellness content. When she's not exploring the world with her family, you can find her curled up on the couch watching a documentary and eating gummy bears.
Where Is Kelly Ripa?
Why Blake Shelton Won't Return to 'The Voice'
'Good Witch' Fans Want More from Cast Amid Reunion
Chad Michael Murray Talks 'One Tree Hill' Reboot
