Best African American TV Series: Top Picks for 2024

African American TV series have been a significant part of American entertainment for decades. These shows have been instrumental in portraying the African American experience, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the community. With the rise of streaming services, there has been an increase in the production of African American TV series, providing viewers with a diverse range of options to choose from.

When looking for the best African American TV series, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, the show’s ability to accurately represent the African American experience is crucial. It should showcase the culture, traditions, and values of the community authentically. Additionally, the quality of the writing, acting, and production should be top-notch, ensuring an engaging and entertaining viewing experience.

We spent hours researching and watching various African American TV series to identify the best ones available. Our research focused on shows that accurately portray the African American experience while providing an engaging and entertaining storyline. We also considered critical factors such as the show’s ratings, critical acclaim, and audience reception.

In the following section, we will highlight the top African American TV series that we believe are worth watching. These shows have been selected based on their ability to provide an authentic representation of the African American experience while also providing an engaging and entertaining storyline.

Best African American TV Series

We have compiled a list of the best African American TV series that you don’t want to miss. These shows feature diverse casts, compelling storylines, and showcase the experiences and perspectives of Black communities. From drama to comedy, there’s something for everyone on our list. So sit back, relax, and get ready to add some new favorites to your watchlist.

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: A Novel

If you’re looking for a relatable and emotional audiobook that explores the life experiences of black women, then Black Girls Must Die Exhausted is a great pick.

Pros

• The writing is beautifully crafted and the story is highly relatable.
• The book explores pertinent issues that affect black women in society and the workplace.
• The audiobook is narrated by Marcella Cox, who does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.

Cons

• Some readers may find the story to be repetitive at times.
• The main character’s life may seem predictable to some readers.
• The book may not be suitable for those who prefer action-packed stories.

As someone who is in their 30s, I found the story of Tabitha, the main character, to be highly relatable. The author, Jayne Allen, does an excellent job of articulating the struggles of a black woman trying to navigate life in her 30s. The story explores pertinent issues such as career, relationships, and personal growth.

One of the standout features of this audiobook is the narration by Marcella Cox. She does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and making the story even more engaging. The writing is also beautifully crafted, making it a pleasure to listen to.

However, some readers may find the story to be repetitive at times. The main character’s life may also seem predictable to some readers. Additionally, the book may not be suitable for those who prefer action-packed stories.

Overall, if you’re looking for an emotional and relatable story that explores the experiences of black women, then Black Girls Must Die Exhausted is definitely worth checking out.

Black Cake: A Novel

If you’re looking for a heartwarming and culturally rich story, Black Cake: A Novel is worth considering.

Pros

• The book has an engaging plot that explores themes of family, culture, heartache, and happiness.
• The characters are well-developed and endearing, making it easy to relate to them.
• The audiobook version is well-narrated and makes for an enjoyable listening experience.

Cons

• The book may be a slow read for some readers, taking over 100 pages to capture their interest.
• The story ends on a major cliffhanger, which may leave some readers unsatisfied.
• The book misses some of the descriptors from the Hulu show adaptation, which may be disappointing for fans of the show.

The story follows the Bennett family’s journey after the death of their mother, Eleanor. The inheritance they receive is a black cake made from a family recipe and a voice recorded story. The story reveals the truth about Eleanor and her past, taking readers on a journey through generations and geographies.

The book has a lot of heart and is an easy read, but the plot lines are complicated, making it a well-rounded story. The characters are endearing, and the book covers many issues, including loss, racism, and forgiveness, making it a must-read.

Overall, Black Cake: A Novel is a well-written and engaging story that explores themes of family, culture, and identity. The audiobook version is well-narrated, making it enjoyable to listen to.

I Love Being Me! (Step into Reading)

If you’re looking for a book that promotes self-love and self-acceptance for your little one, then I Love Being Me! is a great choice.

Pros

• Beautiful and diverse illustrations of black and brown girls.
• Empowers young readers to appreciate and love themselves just the way they are.
• Easy-to-read text for beginning readers.

Cons

• The book is relatively short, with only 32 pages.
• May not be as engaging for older readers.
• Some customers have reported issues with the binding.

We recently read I Love Being Me! with our preschool-aged child, and it was a hit. The illustrations are vibrant and showcase a range of skin tones and hair textures, which was refreshing to see. The text is simple and easy to follow, making it a great choice for beginning readers.

The book’s message of self-love and self-acceptance is delivered in a way that is easy for young readers to understand and relate to. Our child loved the book’s affirmations, such as “I love my brown skin” and “I love being me,” and we appreciated the positive representation of black and brown girls.

One potential downside is that the book is relatively short, with only 32 pages, and may not hold the attention of older readers. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with the binding, so it may not hold up as well to frequent use.

Overall, if you’re looking for a book that promotes self-love and positive representation for young black and brown girls, I Love Being Me! is definitely worth checking out.

“African American and Black Inventors”: THE BEST KEPT SECRETS

If you’re looking for an educational book that highlights the contributions of African American and Black inventors, then “African American and Black Inventors”: THE BEST KEPT SECRETS is a great choice.

Pros

• Provides valuable information on the contributions of African American and Black inventors
• Easy to read and understand
• Great for children and adults alike

Cons

• Only covers a limited number of inventors
• Relatively short at 52 pages
• May not provide enough in-depth information for some readers

This book is a great way to learn about the many important contributions that African American and Black inventors have made throughout history. It’s written in a way that’s easy to understand, making it a great choice for children and adults alike.

The book covers a number of inventors and their inventions, providing valuable information on their contributions. However, it is important to note that the book only covers a limited number of inventors and may not provide enough in-depth information for some readers.

Overall, “African American and Black Inventors”: THE BEST KEPT SECRETS is a great choice for anyone looking to learn more about the contributions of African American and Black inventors. It’s easy to read, informative, and provides valuable insights into the important contributions of these inventors.

A CHILD OF A CRACKHEAD

If you’re looking for a gripping, raw and intense read, A CHILD OF A CRACKHEAD is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The storyline is engaging and will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
• The author’s writing style is descriptive and vivid, allowing you to easily visualize the characters and their surroundings.
• The book is available in Kindle format, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Cons

• The book contains graphic violence and explicit language, which may not be suitable for all readers.
• The editing could have been better, as there are several grammatical errors throughout the book.
• The book is relatively short at only 234 pages, which may leave some readers wanting more.

From the very first page, we were completely engrossed in the story of A CHILD OF A CRACKHEAD. The author does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of life in the inner city, and the struggles that come with it. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, making it easy to connect with them on an emotional level.

One thing to keep in mind is that this book is not for the faint of heart. The violence and language can be quite graphic at times, so it may not be suitable for all readers. Additionally, while the storyline is engaging, the editing could have been better. There are several grammatical errors throughout the book that can be distracting.

Overall, we would definitely recommend A CHILD OF A CRACKHEAD to anyone looking for a fast-paced, intense read. While it may not be suitable for all readers, those who are able to handle the graphic content will be rewarded with a truly gripping story.

As the Wicked Watch: The First Jordan Manning Novel

If you’re looking for a thrilling audiobook with a strong African American protagonist, then As the Wicked Watch: The First Jordan Manning Novel might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The story is engaging and keeps you hooked until the end.
• The characters are well-developed and relatable.
• The audiobook is narrated by Susan Dalian, who does an excellent job bringing the story to life.

Cons

• Some parts of the story may feel repetitive or slow-paced.
• The audiobook is quite long, which may be a turn-off for some listeners.
• The plot twists may feel predictable for some readers.

As the Wicked Watch: The First Jordan Manning Novel is a gripping story that follows Jordan Manning, a private investigator who is tasked with finding a missing girl. The story is well-written and keeps you engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and you’ll find yourself rooting for Jordan as she navigates through the twists and turns of the investigation.

One of the best things about this audiobook is the narration by Susan Dalian. She does an excellent job bringing the story to life and making the characters feel real. Her voice is clear and easy to understand, which makes it easy to follow along even during the more complex parts of the story.

However, some parts of the story may feel repetitive or slow-paced, which may be a turn-off for some listeners. Additionally, the audiobook is quite long, which may be a commitment for some readers. Finally, while the plot twists are well-executed, they may feel predictable for some readers.

Overall, As the Wicked Watch: The First Jordan Manning Novel is a great audiobook that is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of African American literature or crime thrillers.

American Girl, Girl of the Year: Meet Kira Bailey

If you’re looking for a wholesome and educational TV series that celebrates diversity and promotes empathy, American Girl’s Girl of the Year: Meet Kira Bailey is a great choice.

Pros

• The show features a relatable and inspiring protagonist that young viewers can look up to.
• Each episode is packed with valuable life lessons and cultural insights.
• The show’s animation is colorful, engaging, and age-appropriate.

Cons

• The show’s pacing can be slow at times, which may not hold the attention of younger viewers.
• Some of the storylines can be predictable and formulaic.
• The show’s length (each episode is around 30 minutes) may not be ideal for parents looking for shorter content to fit into their child’s schedule.

From the first episode, we were impressed with the show’s attention to detail and commitment to diversity. Kira Bailey, the show’s protagonist, is a thoughtful and compassionate young girl who is passionate about animal conservation and environmentalism. Throughout the series, Kira learns important lessons about empathy, teamwork, and cultural understanding as she navigates new friendships and challenges.

One of the things we appreciated most about the show was its focus on cultural diversity. Each episode features a different cultural tradition or practice, and the show does an excellent job of explaining the significance of these practices in a way that is accessible and engaging for young viewers. The show’s commitment to highlighting diverse perspectives and experiences is a refreshing change from many of the more homogenous children’s shows on the market.

While the show’s pacing can be slow at times, we found that the valuable life lessons and cultural insights made it worth sticking with. The animation is also top-notch, with bright colors and engaging visuals that are sure to capture the attention of young viewers.

Overall, we would highly recommend American Girl’s Girl of the Year: Meet Kira Bailey to parents looking for a wholesome and educational TV series that celebrates diversity and promotes empathy. With its relatable protagonist, valuable life lessons, and engaging animation, this show is sure to be a hit with young viewers.

Safe House

If you’re looking for a thrilling African American TV series, Safe House is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Denzel Washington delivers a captivating performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
• The action scenes are well-executed and will keep you engaged throughout the series.
• The storyline is intriguing and will leave you wanting more.

Cons

• The series contains a fair amount of violence, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
• Some scenes may be difficult to follow due to the fast-paced action.
• The series may not be suitable for younger viewers due to its mature content.

We recently watched Safe House and were thoroughly impressed with the quality of the series. Denzel Washington’s performance was top-notch and kept us engaged throughout the entire series. The action scenes were well-executed and kept us on the edge of our seats.

The storyline was intriguing and kept us guessing until the very end. However, we do want to note that the series contains a fair amount of violence and may not be suitable for all viewers. Additionally, some scenes may be difficult to follow due to the fast-paced action.

Overall, we highly recommend Safe House to anyone looking for an exciting African American TV series. Just be aware of the mature content before watching.

Africans in America: America’s Journey Through Slavery

If you’re looking for a comprehensive history of slavery in America, then Africans in America: America’s Journey Through Slavery is the book for you.

Pros

• Provides an in-depth analysis of the history of slavery in America
• Offers a unique perspective on the economic benefits of racism
• Contains a wealth of information on the role of African tribal leaders in the slave trade

Cons

• Some readers may find the subject matter difficult to read
• The book is quite lengthy, with 494 pages
• The hardcover version is quite heavy, weighing in at 2.25 pounds

As we delved into this book, we were struck by its thoroughness and attention to detail. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the history of slavery in America, starting with the colonies and moving forward. One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its analysis of the economic benefits of racism, which places racism at the center of the American economy.

However, we recognize that this book may not be for everyone. The subject matter is difficult and at times painful to read, and the book is quite lengthy. Additionally, the hardcover version is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to carry around.

Overall, we believe that Africans in America: America’s Journey Through Slavery is an important and informative book that provides a unique perspective on the history of slavery in America. If you’re interested in this subject matter, we highly recommend it.

Midnight: A Gangster Love Story

If you’re looking for a thrilling and captivating read, Midnight: A Gangster Love Story is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The characters are well-developed and relatable.
• The story is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
• The writing style is captivating and easy to follow.

Cons

• The book may contain some mature themes and language that may not be suitable for all readers.
• The pacing may be slow for some readers.
• The ending may leave some readers wanting more.

Midnight: A Gangster Love Story follows the life of a young man named Midnight as he navigates the dangerous world of gang violence and love. The book is well-written and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their lives and the story.

One of the things we enjoyed most about this book was how engaging and captivating it was. The story kept us on the edge of our seat and we found ourselves unable to put it down until we finished it.

However, we do want to note that this book may not be suitable for all readers due to the mature themes and language that it contains. Additionally, some readers may find the pacing to be slow, and the ending may leave some wanting more.

Overall, if you’re looking for a thrilling and captivating read, Midnight: A Gangster Love Story is definitely worth checking out.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best African American TV series, there are a few key features that you should consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:

Genre

One of the first things to consider is the genre of the TV series. African American TV series cover a wide range of genres, from comedy to drama to action. Think about what type of show you’re in the mood for and choose a series that fits that genre.

Cast

The cast of a TV series can make a big difference in how enjoyable it is to watch. Look for a series that has a talented and diverse cast of African American actors. This can add depth and authenticity to the show, and provide representation for underrepresented groups.

Writing

A well-written TV series can keep you hooked episode after episode. Look for a series that has strong writing and interesting storylines. This can make the show more engaging and enjoyable to watch.

Production Quality

The production quality of a TV series can also make a big difference in how enjoyable it is to watch. Look for a series that has high-quality production values, including good cinematography, sound design, and special effects. This can make the show more immersive and enjoyable to watch.

Availability

Finally, consider the availability of the TV series. Look for a series that is easy to access and watch, whether that’s through a streaming service or on DVD. This can make it easier to keep up with the show and enjoy it on your own schedule.

By considering these key features, you can choose the best African American TV series for your viewing pleasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which African American TV series have won the most awards?

There are several African American TV series that have won multiple awards. Some of the most notable ones include “The Wire,” “The Cosby Show,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Insecure,” and “Black-ish.” These shows have received critical acclaim and have been recognized for their outstanding performances, writing, and direction.

What are some critically acclaimed Black drama series?

Some of the most critically acclaimed Black drama series include “The Wire,” “Power,” “Queen Sugar,” “Scandal,” and “Atlanta.” These shows have been praised for their compelling storylines, complex characters, and outstanding performances.

Which Black TV shows are considered culturally significant?

Several Black TV shows have had a significant impact on American culture. Shows like “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World,” “Martin,” “Living Single,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” have not only entertained audiences but have also challenged stereotypes and helped to promote positive representations of Black people on television.

What are the top-rated African American TV series in recent years?

In recent years, some of the top-rated African American TV series include “Insecure,” “Black-ish,” “Atlanta,” “Power,” and “Dear White People.” These shows have been praised for their unique perspectives, compelling storytelling, and outstanding performances.

Can you recommend some must-watch Black TV series from the last decade?

Some must-watch Black TV series from the last decade include “The Wire,” “Breaking Bad,” “Atlanta,” “Insecure,” and “Black-ish.” These shows have been praised for their exceptional writing, outstanding performances, and compelling storylines.

What are the latest groundbreaking African American TV series?

Some of the latest groundbreaking African American TV series include “Watchmen,” “Lovecraft Country,” “The Chi,” “Pose,” and “When They See Us.” These shows have been praised for their bold storytelling, exceptional performances, and their ability to tackle important social issues.