The Best Black TV Shows In 2021
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Vote up the best shows airing during the 2021 calendar year that feature a primarily Black cast.
- 1Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Natasha RothwellTwo black women share friendship and uncomfortable experiences.More Insecure
- #23 of 55 onThe 50+ Best HBO Comedies, Ranked
- #19 of 93 onThe Best Comedy Shows On Max, Right Now
- #20 of 98 onThe 90+ Best Black TV Shows Of All Time
- 2Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Sergio Peris-MenchetaSet amidst the social turbulence of 1980s Los Angeles, Snowfall intricately weaves the stories of diverse individuals whose lives are impacted by the rising crack cocaine epidemic. The drama series, hailed for its unflinching portrayal of the era's complexities, has garnered critical acclaim and award nominations since its premiere. At the heart of the narrative is Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), a young entrepreneur whose ambitions lead him to navigate the treacherous drug world. Alongside Franklin, an ensemble cast of characters, portrayed by a talented roster of actors, bring depth to the multilayered storyline. Snowfall offers viewers an insightful exploration of a pivotal period in American history, without shying away from its dark realities.More Snowfall
- #15 of 35 onThe 30 Best Drama Series On Cable
- #1 of 5 onCurrent TV Shows That Are Just Breaking Bad Ripoffs
- #73 of 98 onThe 90+ Best Black TV Shows Of All Time
- 3Michael Rainey, Mary J. Blige, Gianni PaoloTariq St. Patrick divides his time between school and hustling to pay for his mum's defense lawyer.More Power Book II: Ghost
- #1 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #59 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- #81 of 84 onThe Best TV Shows with Non-White Stars
- 4Yaya DaCosta, Morris Chestnut, Joe MortonOur Kind of People is a drama series inspired by Lawrence Otis Graham's book, set in the aspirational world of Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard, a historical stronghold where the rich and powerful Black elite have come to play for over 50 years. The show follows Angela Vaughn (Yaya DaCosta), as she breaks into this exclusive community with her revolutionary hair care line aimed at Black women. However, her journey uncovers a maze of secrets and scandals. The themes of race, class, and social status are central to the series as Angela navigates through personal challenges and societal expectations while seeking to reclaim her family's name.More Our Kind of People
- #24 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #155 of 307 onThe Best Shows Canceled After a Single Season
- #81 of 98 onThe 90+ Best Black TV Shows Of All Time
- 5Jacob Latimore, Alex R. Hibbert, Yolonda RossThe lives of residents of the south side of Chicago.More The Chi
- #2 of 20 onThe Best Current Shows That Deal with Race Relations
- #30 of 35 onThe 30 Best Drama Series On Cable
- #90 of 125 onThe 110+ Best TV Shows About Families, Ranked
- 6Brandee Evans, Nicco Annan, Shannon ThorntonSet in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, P-Valley offers a raw and compelling look into the lives of those who inhabit a small-town strip club. With an outstanding ensemble cast, the series showcases the struggles and triumphs of its characters, such as Mercedes (Brandee Evans) and Uncle Clifford (Nicco Annan). The show has received critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of the South, garnering multiple award nominations. P-Valley masterfully weaves together themes of resilience, identity, and community, providing viewers with a gritty yet captivating narrative that keeps them invested throughout its run.More P-Valley
- #2 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #29 of 76 onThe 70 Best Current Shows About Women
- #74 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- 7Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara ShahidiA black husband and father tries to establish a sense of cultural identity for his family.More Black-ish
- #19 of 91 onThe 80+ Best Black Sitcoms Of All Time
- #34 of 95 onThe Best ABC Shows of All Time
- #252 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 8Jonathan Majors, Courtney B. Vance, Jurnee Smollett-BellAtticus Black embarks on a road trip across 1950s Jim Crow America in search of his missing father.
- 9Simone Missick, Wilson Bethel, Marg HelgenbergerLos Angeles judges, prosecutors and public defenders work to get justice for the people.
- 10Elisha Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon SengblohThe Wonder Years, a reboot of the beloved 1988 series, offers a fresh perspective through the eyes of Dean Williams, a young Black boy coming of age in the turbulent late 1960s. Set against the backdrop of Montgomery, Alabama, this iteration explores the social and familial dynamics of the era with both humor and heart. Elisha "EJ" Williams stars as Dean, with narration by Don Cheadle providing reflective wisdom from adult Dean's point of view. The show looks into themes such as racial inequality, social change, and the universal journey of growing up. Through its poignant storytelling, The Wonder Years captures the essence of its time while resonating with contemporary audiences.More The Wonder Years
- #28 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #66 of 91 onThe 80+ Best Black Sitcoms Of All Time
- #45 of 95 onThe Best ABC Shows of All Time
- 11Michaela Rodriguez, Billy Porter, Dominique JacksonSet against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s New York City, this groundbreaking drama explores the lives of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, as they navigate the complex world of ballroom culture, family, and identity. With a powerful ensemble cast led by Mj Rodriguez (Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista) and Billy Porter (Pray Tell), the series delves into the intricacies of relationships, ambition, and resilience. Over its three-season run, Pose has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including Emmy nominations and wins for its exceptional storytelling and captivating performances. As the show gracefully balances heart-wrenching moments with triumphant victories, it leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of television history.More Pose
- #347 of 447 onThe 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
- #17 of 40 onThe 35+ Best Reality TV Dance Shows
- #18 of 50 on50 Snubs From The 2020 Emmy Nominations
- 12Malcolm M. Mays, Mekai Curtis, Omar EppsSet in the gritty backdrop of 1990s New York, Power Book III: Raising Kanan delves into the origins of the notorious drug lord, Kanan Stark (Mekai Curtis). This crime drama series, a prequel to the award-winning Power franchise, weaves a compelling narrative that highlights the complexities of family bonds and the brutal realities of street life. Featuring a talented ensemble cast led by Patina Miller and Omar Epps, the show has garnered critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of the era and its intricate character development. As viewers navigate through Kanan's tumultuous journey, they are treated to an enthralling exploration of ambition, loyalty, and survival.
- #4 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #62 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #32 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- 13Amber Stevens West, Andrea Bordeaux, Bresha WebbRun the World is a comedy series that follows a group of four smart and ambitious Black women who are best friends living in Harlem, NYC. These women provide an unbreakable support system for each other as they juggle the complexities of life, love, and their careers. The show explores themes of friendship, female empowerment, and self-discovery while navigating the modern landscape of dating and professional aspirations. It celebrates the experiences of Black women and the bond they share. Notable for its vibrant portrayal of sisterhood and city life, the series features an ensemble cast, including Amber Stevens West, Andrea Bordeaux, Bresha Webb, and Corbin Reid.More Run the World
- #20 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #180 of 213 onThe 175+ Best Comedy Drama Shows
- #55 of 92 onThe 75+ Best TV Shows About Friendships, Ranked
- 14O'Shea Jackson, Isaiah Hill, Shinelle AzorohSwagger is a sports drama series inspired by the early life of NBA superstar Kevin Durant. The show looks into the world of youth basketball, exploring the dreams, aspirations, and struggles of young players, their families, and coaches. It also highlights the corruption and greed in amateur sports. The narrative provides a deep insight into contemporary American society, touching on themes like class, race, power dynamics, and the cost of ambition. Swagger is a poignant exploration of life's complexities through the lens of sport.More Swagger
- #42 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #938 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #89 of 112 onThe 90 Best Apple TV Plus Shows, Ranked
- 15Grace Byers, Meagan Good, Jerrie JohnsonHarlem, which premiered on December 3, 2021, is a comedy-drama series that explores the lives of four women navigating their friendships, careers, and love lives in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem. The show stars Meagan Good as Camille, a struggling professor, alongside Jerrie Johnson, Shoniqua Shandai, and Grace Byers. The series delves into themes of female empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery with a humorous yet heartfelt approach. Created by Tracy Oliver, Harlem has been praised for its authentic representation of Black women's experiences and its sharp comedic writing.More Harlem
- #7 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #186 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #30 of 69 onThe 65+ Best Gen Z Shows, Ranked
- 16Ryan Michelle Bathe, Jill Scott, Michelle ButeauThe TV adaptation of the 1996 comedy about three divorcees who share a common past.More First Wives Club
- #57 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #35 of 76 onThe 70 Best Current Shows About Women
- #80 of 98 onThe 90+ Best Black TV Shows Of All Time
- 17Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Terry CrewsAn offbeat police squad must get its act together to impress its precinct's new captain.More Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Dig Deeper...What to Watch If You Love 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'
- #28 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- #45 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- 18
Games People Play
Lauren London, Karen Obilom, Parker McKenna PoseyThree women navigate the world of professional sports in Los Angeles.More Games People Play- #36 of 84 onThe Best TV Shows with Non-White Stars
- #8 of 51 onThe Best Black Shows Of 2024, Ranked
- #71 of 460 on400+ Movies And Shows With Game In The Title
- 19
The Family Business
Ernie Hudson, Valarie Pettiford, Emilio RiveraThe Duncans, a prominent family from Jamaica, Queens, live a dangerous secret life.More The Family Business- #2 of 84 onThe Best TV Shows with Non-White Stars
- #55 of 136 onThe 100+ Best Family Dramas on TV, Ranked
- #33 of 74 onThe Best BET TV Shows
- 20Mike Epps, Wanda Sykes, Kim FieldsAn African American family struggles to make it work and make it right.More The Upshaws
- #77 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #384 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #62 of 91 onThe 80+ Best Black Sitcoms Of All Time
- 21Jaden Michael, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick OffermanColin in Black & White is a biographical drama that explores the formative teenage years of athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick. Created by Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay, the series provides a deep dive into Colin's high school days, shedding light on the experiences that shaped his identity and beliefs. The show addresses themes of race, class, and culture while navigating the world of sports and adolescence. The characters and cast include young Colin (Jaden Michael), Rick Kaepernick (Nick Offerman), and Teresa Kaepernick (Mary-Louise Parker). The narrative juxtaposes Colin's personal journey with broader social issues, offering a poignant look at what it means to grow up as a person of color in America.
- #52 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #354 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #353 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 22Kevin Hart, Wesley Snipes, Tawny NewsomeTrue Story is a gripping crime thriller that delves into the dark side of fame, brotherhood, and betrayal. The limited series follows a world-famous comedian named Kid (Kevin Hart) who finds his life threatened by an entanglement with his older brother Carlton (Wesley Snipes) and a night in Philadelphia gone wrong. As Kid tries to cover up the aftermath of a deadly incident, he's forced to navigate loyalty, deceit, and his precarious celebrity status. True Story combines a tense narrative that questions how far one would go to protect their success and family.More True Story
- #34 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #135 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #325 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- 23Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Diggy SimmonsWhen a college student leaves the nest, she discovers that everything is not going to go her way.More Grown-ish
- #168 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #67 of 91 onThe 80+ Best Black Sitcoms Of All Time
- #245 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 24Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez, Adriyan RaeThe Game, a sports drama that originally aired in 2006 and was revived on November 11, 2021, dives back into the world of American football. It keeps the high-stakes action on the field with the equally intense personal dramas off it. The revival shifts focus to Las Vegas, adding a fresh layer of complexity as it explores themes of racism, sexism, and the effects of fame on relationships. It continues to follow the lives of its players and their families as they navigate love, ambition, and the relentless pressure of being in the public eye. While maintaining its core essence, The Game evolves to tackle contemporary issues within the sports industry and society at large.More The Game
- #12 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #759 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #65 of 91 onThe 80+ Best Black Sitcoms Of All Time
- 25Tetona Jackson, Tequan Richmond, Leland B. MartinA successful executive comes to question his lifestyle choices.
- 26Queen Latifah, Tory Kittles, Adam GoldbergAn enigmatic woman uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn.More The Equalizer
- #16 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #22 of 76 onThe 70 Best Current Shows About Women
- #20 of 54 onThe Best New CBS TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- 27
Saints & Sinners
Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clifton Powell, Keith RobinsonSaints & Sinners (Bounce TV, 2016) is an American prime time television soap opera created by Ty Scott. The series follows the conflicts among the members of a Baptist church in small-town Georgia.More Saints & Sinners- #36 of 47 onThe All-Time Best Primetime Soap Operas
- #44 of 54 onThe Greatest Soap Operas of All Time
- #45 of 136 onThe 100+ Best Family Dramas on TV, Ranked
- 28Skyh Alvester Black, Candace Maxwell, Racquel PalmerThe life of a fierce businesswoman who is at the top of her game in the nightclub industry.More All the Queen's Men
- #9 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #792 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #81 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- 29Ms. Pat, J. Bernard Calloway, Tami RomanA street-wise woman finds herself living in middle America as an unlikely suburban mom.More The Ms. Pat Show
- #22 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #553 of 1,054 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #52 of 76 onThe 70 Best Current Shows About Women
- 30Kj Smith, Mignon, Ebony ObsidianSistas is a comedy-drama series from Tyler Perry that follows a group of single black women as they navigate the complexities of their careers, friendships, and romantic relationships. The show centers around the lives of four vibrant women - Andi, Karen, Danni, and Sabrina - who bond over their shared experiences as they each search for love and fulfillment. The main themes include sisterhood, empowerment, and the modern dating landscape. As they face the ups and downs of life, these women support each other through thick and thin, showcasing the strength found in female solidarity. The series has been praised for its relatable characters and entertaining plotlines.More Sistas
- #14 of 138 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #87 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #48 of 76 onThe 70 Best Current Shows About Women
