As 2025 comes to a close, we thought it’d be fitting to take a look back at some of the Black-leading and centric TV series that took over the timelines and the culture. While “Paradise” and “Severance” understandably emerged as the frontrunners in the litany of shows released (due in large part to the stellar performances of Sterling K. Brown and Tramell Tillman, respectively)– there were others that also stood out and should be highlighted!
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From Emayatzy Corinealdi and Lovie Simone, to Brian Tyree Henry and Jabari Banks–Black actors brought their A-game and some truly unforgettable performances onscreen. Keep reading to see which shows made our list!
“Paradise”
Though “Paradise” dropped near the top of the year, Sterling K. Brown gave a riveting enough performance to where it’s still being talked about all these months later. If you haven’t gotten into it yet, do yourself a favor and tap in!
Starring: Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson
“The Residence”
There’s truly nothing like a good whodunnit and “The Residence” really delivered on that front and more. This show had guessing until the very last second and we’re supremely pissed that it didn’t get renewed for a second season. Bring it back!!
Starring: Uzo Aduba, Susan Kelechi Watson, Giancarlo Esposito
“Forever”
We know Snoh Alegra has an album called “Ugh, Those Feels Again,” but “Forever” made us feel all the feels in the best way. Our teenage hearts were screaming and shooting butterflies.
Starring: Lovie Simone, Michael Cooper Jr., Karen Pittman, Wood Harris
“Grosse Point Garden Society”
If you were looking for a show that felt like a mix of “How to Get Away With Murder” and “Desperate Housewives”–then you would’ve found your answer in “Grosse Pointe Garden Society.” Plus, there’s a cameo from one of the aforementioned shows that takes place in one of the later episodes that’ll make you smile. But you’ve got to watch it and see for yourself!
Starring:
“Reasonable Doubt”
Once again, Reasonable Doubt returned to our screens with absolute heat. Just when you thought you had things figured out, there were was yet another twist making you question what you thought you knew. And don’t even get us started on that season three finale. Bravo to everyone involved, we’re already clutching our pearls and suits for season four!
Starring: Emayatzy Corinealdi, McKinley Freeman, Kyle Barry, Joseph Sikora
“Bel-Air”
Sadly, we had to say goodbye to the Banks family this fictional Will Smith as this was the final season of “Bel-Air.” But man, did they go out with a bang! The entire cast and crew should be extremely proud of themselves being one of the network’s most successful shows and for twist, turning upside down a Black comedy classic into a serious drama that was a true force to be reckoned with.
Starring: Jabari Banks, Cassandra Freeman, Adrian Holmes, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones
“Ironheart”
If you ask us, “Ironheart” didn’t get pushed out in front of enough people and it’s a shame because it really came to play in it’s first season. Dominique Thorne really shines as Riri Williams and that introduction to yet another big bad in the MCU during the finale episode just sets up this whole next phase beautifully.
Starring: Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Cree Summers, Lyric Ross
“St. Denis Medical”
Now you already know when you have a comedic legend like David Alan Grier in tow, the project is gonna be off the chain. And that’s exactly what you’re getting in season two of “St. Denis Medical.” We really wish more people were talking about this one more!
Starring: David Alan Grier, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Allison Tolman
“Dope Thief”
When “Atlanta” went off the air in 2022, we all wondered when we’d see the greatness that is Brian Tyree Henry back on our small screens. Thankfully, “Dope Thief” came around on AppleTV and reminded us once again why we loved him in the first place.
Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura, Nesta Cooper
“The Morning Show”
While the entire ensemble of “The Morning Show” is great overall, just seeing more Karen Pittman, Nicole Beharie and the new (read: gorgeous) face that is Aaron Pierre join in, just made this drama that much more savory.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston, Karen Pittman, Nicole Beharie
“Demascus”
Tubi may not be the first platform you think of when you think about where to turn to for some god TV, “Demascus” is making a strong case for it. This show had a fresh concept and some truly entertaining acting thanks to it’s fantastic cast. This one is a sleeper hit, but you won’t fall asleep watching it. Trust and believe!
Starring: Okieriete Onaodowan, Janet Hubert, Martin Lawrence, Shakira Ja’nai Paye
“Watson”
If you liked “House” way back when, then you’ll enjoy “Watson.” While he isn’t exactly like the unconventional doctor, he is sexy to watch (thank you to who ever thought to cast Morris Chestnut) and supremely intelligent–two very necessary components if you’re going to stay long enough to figure out a mystery medical diagnosis and whatever other mystery outside forces that are slowly but surely swarming in.
Starring: Morris Chestnut, Rochelle Aytes, Eve Harlow,
“It: Welcome to Derry”
While this author in particular doesn’t necessarily like the spooky stuff, we’d be remiss if we didn’t add “It: Welcome to Derry” to this list. Not only does it have “Lovecraft Country” vibes, but there’s also some truly deeper racial nuances at play that make this more than just a creepy show about a killer clown. Don’t believe us? Tap into the discourse online and prepare to have your mind blown.
Starring: Taylour Paige, Jovan Adepo, Blake Cameron James
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