Best Black TV Shows of All Time

Television shows have been a staple in American homes for decades, providing entertainment, education, and cultural touchstones. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for more diverse representation in media, including the black community. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of black-led and black-created TV shows, offering a wider range of experiences and perspectives.

The best black TV shows not only provide representation but also showcase the talents of black writers, directors, and actors. These shows can range from comedies to dramas, from historical to contemporary, and from network to streaming services. It is important to note that just because a show has a black cast does not automatically make it a “black show.” The best black TV shows are those that authentically and thoughtfully explore the black experience.

When considering the best black TV shows, it is essential to pay attention to the quality of writing, acting, and production. The critical thing to look for when making a purchase, in this case, choosing which show to watch, is the authenticity and representation of black experiences. It is not enough for a show to have a black cast; it must also accurately depict the nuances and complexities of black life.

We have spent countless hours researching and watching various black TV shows to identify the ones that authentically and thoughtfully explore the black experience while also providing quality entertainment.

Best Black TV Shows

We have compiled a list of the best black TV shows that you can watch right now. These shows are a celebration of black culture and offer a diverse range of stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. From comedies to dramas, these shows showcase the talents of black actors, writers, and directors. So, if you’re looking to add some amazing TV shows to your watchlist, look no further than our list of the best black TV shows.

The Best Of The Johnny Cash TV Show

If you’re looking for a comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash’s performances and interviews, then The Best Of The Johnny Cash TV Show is a must-have.

Pros

• The anthology includes some of the most iconic performances by Johnny Cash and other legendary artists of that era.
• The sound and picture quality of the recordings is impressive, especially considering that they were made during the late 1960s and early ’70s.
• The DVD set offers a great value for money with over 3 hours and 50 minutes of content.

Cons

• Some of the performances are not as memorable as others, and a few of the songs may not appeal to everyone.
• The DVD set does not include all of the performances from the TV show, so some fans may feel that it is incomplete.
• The documentary-style format of the first disc may not be as engaging as the live performances on the second disc.

We were blown away by the sheer star power on display in The Best Of The Johnny Cash TV Show. From Johnny Cash’s own performances to those of his guests, including Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Ray Charles, the DVD set is a treasure trove of classic country and rock ‘n’ roll.

One of the standout performances is Ray Charles’ rendition of “Ring of Fire,” which adds a soulful twist to the classic Cash song. The duet between Cash and Joni Mitchell on “Girl From the North Country” is also a highlight, showcasing the two artists’ unique voices and songwriting styles.

While not every performance is a hit, the majority of them are memorable and showcase the artists at their best. The sound and picture quality of the recordings is impressive, especially considering that they were made over 50 years ago.

The documentary-style format of the first disc may not be as engaging as the live performances on the second disc, but it does provide some interesting insights into the making of the TV show and the artists involved.

Overall, we highly recommend The Best Of The Johnny Cash TV Show to fans of classic country and rock ‘n’ roll. It offers a great value for money and is a must-have for any Johnny Cash collector.

Black Sails – The Complete Collection

If you’re looking for an action-packed TV series with pirates and adventure, then Black Sails – The Complete Collection may be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

• The storyline is engaging, and the characters are well-developed.
• The action scenes are thrilling and well-executed.
• The picture quality is excellent, and the packaging is sturdy.

Cons

• The series has some graphic violence and nudity, which may not be suitable for all viewers.
• The series can be slow-paced at times, especially in the early seasons.
• The lack of English subtitles may be a drawback for some viewers.

We highly recommend Black Sails – The Complete Collection for anyone who loves pirate-themed TV shows. The storyline is captivating, and the characters are well-developed, making it easy to get invested in their journeys. The action scenes are thrilling and well-executed, and the picture quality is excellent.

However, the series does have some graphic violence and nudity, which may not be suitable for all viewers. Additionally, the series can be slow-paced at times, especially in the early seasons. Finally, the lack of English subtitles may be a drawback for some viewers.

Overall, we think that Black Sails – The Complete Collection is a great addition to any TV show collection, especially for fans of the pirate genre.

Black Sails S1-S4 Collection

If you’re looking for a thrilling pirate adventure with a gripping storyline, Black Sails S1-S4 Collection is the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The series boasts an engaging storyline that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
• The picture quality of the Blu-ray discs is exceptional, providing a cinematic experience.
• The collection includes 8 episodes on 12 discs, ensuring hours of entertainment.

Cons

• The discs are region 1, so they may not work on players outside of North America.
• The use of explicit language and sexual content may not be suitable for all viewers.
• The series may not be historically accurate, which may be disappointing for some viewers.

From the first episode, Black Sails S1-S4 Collection captures your attention with its intense action and captivating characters. The series follows the infamous pirate Captain Flint as he navigates the dangerous waters of the West Indies while contending with rival buccaneers and the British fleet. The addition of John Silver, a new crewman with a hidden agenda, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the already complex storyline.

The Blu-ray collection offers exceptional picture quality, making you feel as though you’re right in the middle of the action. The collection also includes 8 episodes on 12 discs, providing hours of entertainment for viewers.

However, it’s important to note that the discs are region 1, so they may not work on players outside of North America. Additionally, the series features explicit language and sexual content that may not be suitable for all viewers. Finally, while the series is based on historical events, it may not be entirely accurate, which may be disappointing for some viewers.

Overall, Black Sails S1-S4 Collection is an exciting and engaging series that is well worth the investment for anyone looking for a thrilling pirate adventure.

Baa Baa Black Sheep Squadron Complete Series DVD – Seasons 1 -amp; 2 with Bonus

If you’re a fan of classic war dramas, then the Baa Baa Black Sheep Squadron Complete Series DVD is definitely worth adding to your collection.

Pros

• The set includes both seasons of the show, along with a bonus disc.
• The video and audio quality are excellent.
• The show is based on real-life events and features an impressive cast.

Cons

• The packaging could be more sturdy.
• The show can be a bit silly at times.
• It may not be suitable for younger viewers.

We were impressed by the quality of the Baa Baa Black Sheep Squadron Complete Series DVD. The set includes all 36 episodes of the show, along with a bonus disc featuring interviews with the cast and crew. The video and audio quality are both excellent, making it a pleasure to watch.

The show itself is based on the true story of a group of Marine pilots who fought in the Pacific during World War II. The cast is impressive, with Robert Conrad in the lead role as squadron commander Pappy Boyington. The show is a mix of drama and action, with plenty of aerial dogfights to keep you on the edge of your seat.

While we enjoyed the show overall, there were a few downsides to the DVD set. The packaging is a bit flimsy, so you’ll need to be careful when handling it. Additionally, some of the humor can be a bit silly, which may not be to everyone’s taste. Finally, the show does feature some violence and adult themes, so it may not be suitable for younger viewers.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Baa Baa Black Sheep Squadron Complete Series DVD to fans of classic war dramas. It’s a well-made set that offers plenty of entertainment value, and the bonus features are a nice touch.

Baa Baa Black Sheep – The Complete Series

If you’re looking for a classic military series with a lot of action, Baa Baa Black Sheep – The Complete Series is a great option.

Pros

• The series has a lot of aerial action scenes that are both exciting and well-done.
• The characters are well-developed and interesting, with Robert Conrad giving a standout performance as the unconventional squadron leader.
• The DVD edition includes all 36 episodes from Season One -amp; Two, including the feature length pilot episode.

Cons

• The series can be a bit inaccurate at times, so if you’re looking for a completely realistic portrayal of WWII, this may not be the best option.
• The series may be a bit dated for some viewers, with some of the humor and plotlines feeling a bit corny by modern standards.
• The DVD set is in PAL format, so if you don’t have a compatible DVD player, you may need to purchase an additional device to play it.

If you’re a fan of classic military series or just looking for a fun and exciting show to watch, Baa Baa Black Sheep – The Complete Series is definitely worth checking out. The aerial action scenes are particularly impressive, and the characters are engaging enough to keep you invested in the story. Just be aware that the series may not be completely historically accurate and that the humor and plotlines may feel a bit dated at times.

Best in Show

If you’re looking for a hilarious comedy that showcases a talented cast and an entertaining storyline, Best in Show is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• The cast is phenomenal, with each actor delivering a standout performance.
• The humor is clever and witty, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments throughout the film.
• The storyline is engaging and well-paced, keeping you entertained from start to finish.

Cons

• Some viewers may find the humor to be a bit too dry or subtle for their taste.
• The film’s mockumentary style may not appeal to everyone.
• The content advisory may make it unsuitable for some viewers.

From the moment we hit play, we were hooked on this hilarious mockumentary about the world of dog shows. The cast is absolutely fantastic, with each actor bringing their A-game to their respective roles. Jennifer Coolidge is particularly memorable as the eccentric and over-the-top Sherri Ann Cabot, while Christopher Guest and John Michael Higgins deliver plenty of laughs as the bickering dog show commentators.

The humor is clever and witty, with plenty of hilarious one-liners and running gags throughout the film. While some of the humor may be a bit too dry or subtle for some viewers, we found ourselves laughing out loud multiple times throughout the movie.

The storyline is engaging and well-paced, following several different dog owners as they prepare for the prestigious Mayflower Kennel Club Dog Show. Each owner has their own quirks and eccentricities, and the film does an excellent job of balancing their storylines and keeping things interesting.

Overall, we highly recommend Best in Show to anyone looking for a hilarious comedy with a talented cast and an entertaining storyline. Just be aware of the content advisory before diving in.

The Best of I Love Lucy

If you’re a fan of classic TV shows, The Best of I Love Lucy is a must-have for your collection. We highly recommend this product for anyone who wants to enjoy the hilarious antics of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

Pros

• The DVD set includes some of the best episodes from the iconic TV show, including fan-favorites like “Job Switching” and “Lucy Does a TV Commercial.”
• The picture and sound quality are excellent, making it feel like you’re watching the show for the first time.
• The set includes some great bonus features, including interviews with the cast and behind-the-scenes footage.

Cons

• Some of the episodes included in the set may not be the most well-known or popular, which could be disappointing for some fans.
• The set doesn’t include every single episode of the show, so you may still need to purchase additional seasons if you want to watch every episode.
• The DVD set doesn’t include any subtitles or audio languages other than English.

We’ve been watching I Love Lucy for years, and we were thrilled to get our hands on this DVD set. The picture and sound quality are fantastic, and it’s been a blast re-watching some of our favorite episodes. We also really enjoyed the bonus features, which gave us a deeper appreciation for the show and its cast.

That being said, we were a little disappointed that some of the episodes we were hoping to see weren’t included in the set. We also wish that there were more subtitle and audio language options available. Overall, though, we think that The Best of I Love Lucy is a great product that any fan of the show should consider purchasing.

The Bernie Mac Show

If you’re looking for a hilarious and heartwarming TV show that features a predominantly black cast, then The Bernie Mac Show is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The show is incredibly funny and will have you laughing out loud with its witty jokes and clever humor.
• The cast is fantastic and really brings the characters to life, making you feel like you’re part of the family.
• The show deals with important issues that are relevant to the black community, such as racism, poverty, and family dynamics.

Cons

• The show can be a bit cheesy at times, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
• Some of the jokes may be a bit too crude or offensive for some viewers.
• The show can be a bit predictable at times, with some of the plot lines feeling a bit repetitive.

Overall, we highly recommend The Bernie Mac Show to anyone looking for a great TV show that features a predominantly black cast. With its fantastic humor, talented cast, and important messages, this show is definitely worth checking out. So why not give it a try today?

Rock ‘N’ Roll Forever: Ed Sullivan’s Greatest Hits DVD

If you’re a fan of classic rock ‘n’ roll and want to experience the nostalgia of the iconic Ed Sullivan Show, then this DVD is worth considering.

Pros

• Features performances by legendary artists such as The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Ray Charles.
• Includes both black and white and color footage for a varied viewing experience.
• Compatible with all DVD players and region-free.

Cons

• Only includes 15 performances, which may not be enough for some viewers.
• Some of the footage may be grainy or low-quality due to the age of the recordings.
• Limited bonus features or extras.

We thoroughly enjoyed watching this DVD and were transported back in time to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll. The performances were energetic and entertaining, and it was fascinating to see icons like Elvis Presley and The Beatles in their prime. The inclusion of both black and white and color footage added to the overall viewing experience and provided a glimpse into the evolution of television technology.

One potential drawback is that the DVD only includes 15 performances, which may not be enough for some viewers who are looking for a more comprehensive collection. Additionally, some of the footage may be grainy or low-quality due to the age of the recordings, which could be a turn-off for some viewers.

Overall, we would recommend this DVD to anyone who is a fan of classic rock ‘n’ roll or who wants to experience the nostalgia of the Ed Sullivan Show. It’s a great addition to any collection and is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

TV in Black: The First Fifty Years

If you’re a fan of black TV shows, TV in Black: The First Fifty Years is a must-have.

Pros

• Comprehensive look at black TV shows from the last 50 years
• Features interviews with prominent black actors and producers
• Provides insight into the history and evolution of black representation on TV

Cons

• Some may find the content too focused on American TV shows
• Does not cover every single black TV show ever made
• May not be suitable for those who are not interested in TV history

As someone who loves black TV shows, I found TV in Black: The First Fifty Years to be an informative and entertaining look at the history of black representation on television. The documentary features interviews with prominent black actors and producers, providing insight into the challenges faced by black artists in the industry.

One of the best things about TV in Black: The First Fifty Years is its comprehensive coverage of black TV shows from the last 50 years. From classics like The Cosby Show to modern hits like Black-ish, the documentary covers a wide range of shows that have made an impact on black culture.

However, some viewers may find the content too focused on American TV shows. While the documentary does touch on international shows like Desmond’s and Black Mirror, the majority of the content is centered around American television. Additionally, while the documentary covers a lot of ground, it does not cover every single black TV show ever made.

Overall, if you’re a fan of black TV shows or interested in the history of black representation on television, TV in Black: The First Fifty Years is definitely worth checking out.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best black TV shows, there are a few features to consider. In this buying guide, we will go over the important factors to keep in mind when selecting a show to watch.

Genre

The genre of the TV show is one of the most important factors to consider. There are a variety of genres to choose from, including comedy, drama, action, and more. Think about what type of show you enjoy the most and look for options within that genre.

Cast and Characters

The cast and characters of a TV show can greatly impact your viewing experience. Look for shows with diverse casts that accurately represent the black community. Additionally, well-developed and relatable characters can make a show all the more enjoyable.

Production Quality

The production quality of a TV show can greatly impact its overall appeal. Consider factors such as cinematography, sound design, and editing when selecting a show to watch. High-quality production can enhance the viewing experience and make the show more engaging.

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings can be a helpful tool when selecting a TV show to watch. Look for shows with positive reviews and high ratings, as this can be an indication of a well-received and enjoyable show.

By considering these factors when selecting a black TV show to watch, you can ensure an enjoyable and engaging viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated black sitcoms of the last decade?

In the last decade, some of the top-rated black sitcoms include “Black-ish,” “Insecure,” “Atlanta,” “Dear White People,” and “The Carmichael Show.” These shows have gained popularity for their fresh perspectives, well-written scripts, and outstanding performances.

Which black TV series have won the most awards?

Over the years, several black TV series have won numerous awards, including “The Cosby Show,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” and “Black-ish.” These shows have been recognized for their exceptional writing, acting, and cultural significance.

What are some must-watch black TV shows available for streaming?

If you’re looking for some must-watch black TV shows available for streaming, we recommend checking out “Queen Sugar,” “Dear White People,” “Atlanta,” “Insecure,” and “Luke Cage.” These shows offer a range of genres, from drama to comedy, and have received critical acclaim for their storytelling and performances.

Who are the most influential black TV show creators?

Some of the most influential black TV show creators include Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay, Kenya Barris, Issa Rae, and Donald Glover. These creators have not only produced groundbreaking shows but have also paved the way for other black creators in the industry.

Which black TV shows have had the biggest cultural impact?

Several black TV shows have had a significant cultural impact, including “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World,” “Living Single,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “Martin.” These shows have helped to break down stereotypes and promote diversity and representation on television.

What are the critically acclaimed black dramas of recent years?

Some of the critically acclaimed black dramas of recent years include “When They See Us,” “The Chi,” “Greenleaf,” “Power,” and “Snowfall.” These shows tackle important social issues and offer compelling narratives that have resonated with audiences and critics alike.