Black TV Shows to Watch in 2023

By Samone Long

When discussing Black shows that push boundaries and promote Black joy, a large part of that means
showing our people in all types of light. Black excellence, prevailment, and plain silliness are just as
important to show as the prejudices we face.
As social issues develop and change, what are some of the Black TV shows that are refreshingly real to
watch today?

Insecure
Synopsis: A young black woman named Raye navigates to figure out life and love in her 20s.
Many have compared the show to sitcoms such as Living Single and Girlfriends. Insecure doesn’t
shy away from revealing the ups and downs in friendships, jobs, and romance- while still
incorporating what these experiences are like from a Black perspective in L.A.
Why to watch: Insecure highlights how diverse Black women can be- from the successful
business woman to the dutiful housewife. By placing a dark skin woman as the main character, it
helps re-write the colorist narrative that only fairer skin people are desirable-and dilute the idea
that black women can only be one of three things on television: the angry black woman,
oversexualized, or “too outspoken”.
Black Lightning
Synopsis: This series follows Jefferson Pierce, a black high school principal who used to be known
as Black Lightning. The retired superhero must get back in the swing of protecting his city, this
time with the help from his family.
Why to watch: It’s evident when watching the series that the writers were genuine in their
efforts to show what life would be like in the world of a Black superhero family. Series’ developer
Salim Akil did a beautiful job of creating a show that is family oriented while still being socially
conscious. This series brings us the first Black superhero family on broadcast TV and it’s written
by Black people. Definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan of a good thriller series.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Synopsis: This series reboots the original The Proud Family show that aired in 2001. Many black
kids and teens of the time grew up loving the original show, so the reboot was a well anticipated
hit. We see Penny Proud at 14, navigating life as a part of Gen Z- along with most of the lovable
characters from the original show.

Why to watch: The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is the first animated series targeted as a
family show that has touched on the topics that it has. With episodes speaking on the
importance of Juneteenth, the harm in white fragility, and the shows’ incorporation of a main
character having gay parents of different races- the show definitely gained a lot of attention.
Although some were upset for the show’s refusal to water down its content, fans of the original
show The Proud Family, will recognize that this series is no stranger to being unapologetically
Black, and touching on popular topics in our community in a kid-friendly way.

The Amber Ruffin Show
Synopsis: The Amber Ruffin Show is a late night comedy show that typically doesn’t have guests,
but instead has sketches, songs,monologues, and coverage of current events.
Why to watch: The host Amber Rufin boldly speaks about issues like racial injustice, reproductive

rights, and her personal experiences with police brutality from a double minority perspective-
something we don’t see often on late night TV. Rufins’ ability to directly address such

controversial topics with charm and humor is certainly worth tuning in.

Black Lady Sketch Show
Synopsis: Similar to shows such as SNL, this Emmy award winning show features short comedy
skits but this time-they’re performed by Black women.
Why to watch: I’d be remiss to not mention the first show to have a cast of all black women, on a
show written by all black women. This iconic show had audiences laughing out loud with its
references to Black culture such as which protective style is best for which type of weather, and
the possible consequences for talking back to your mom in a Black household.
It’s refreshing to see characters that look like you play all types of roles in all types of storylines.
Although it seems most mainstream Black media that has attained immense success shines a
spotlight on black trauma, grief, or violence-we have been seeing an increase in shows recently
displaying how beautifully versatile the Black experience can be.
Although we navigate this world from different backgrounds and perspectives, it can be a
comforting reset to indulge in media that celebrates you or even reminds you that you aren’t
alone in some of your experiences as a minority. As more black writers join the
series/filmmaking scene, we can’t help but expect that more unapologetically black shows are
bound to come.