For decades, Black artists have been pioneers in the television genre, giving us some of the greatest shows of all time, from sitcom classics like “Good Times” and “Martin,” to boundary-pushing epics like “Roots” and iconic dramas like “Insecure” and “Scandal.” Yet there are still plenty of Black shows that often go unnoticed and overlooked, especially by prestigious industry awards like the Emmys and the Golden Globes.
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Here are some overlooked Black TV shows from the last few years that we hope get some more shine.
Underground
We’re kicking off our list with “Underground,” the critically acclaimed series from Misha Green and Joe Pokaski. The series, about the Underground Railroad, starred Aldis Hodge and Jurnee Smollett and even earned an impressive 100% on Rotten Tomatoes during its second season. Despite its excellence, the show was cancelled, leading to outcries on Black Twitter.
Lovecraft Country
Another Misha Green series that ended way too soon was HBO’s Lovecraft Country. A hit during the pandemic, the series starring Jonathan Majors and Jurnee Smollett (reuniting with Green), was a fusion of Black history and horror-fantasy, taking inspiration from the stories of H.P. Lovecraft and set in the segregated south. The show’s sudden cancellation (the same month that it scored 18 Emmy nominations) led to backlash and confusion from fans.
Interview with the Vampire
AMC’s latest hit is somehow still not talked about enough. “Interview with the Vampire” takes Anne Rice’s classic novel and remixes it brilliantly. Set in New Orleans, her beloved lead character is played by “Game of Thrones” star Jacob Anderson, breathing new life in Louis de Pointe du Loc. As a Black man playing this role, the series dives deep into the racial politics of early 20th-century New Orleans and queer life at the time, all while maintaining the thrilling horror aspects of one of the greatest Vampire stories. Frequently listed as one of the best shows on TV, the show is somehow snubbed every year at the Emmys.
The Underground Railroad
Academy Award-winner Barry Jenkins’ first television project stands as one of the most memorable shows ever to grace our TV screens. An adaptation of the Colson Whitehead novel, “The Underground Railroad,” the series (like the book of the same name), is a historical story rooted in magical realism that imagines a past where the Underground Railroad was an actual train. Despite critical acclaim and recognition from the Emmys and various critics’ associations, the show is still seen as one of the most overlooked television projects in recent years.
I’m a Virgo
Boots Riley’s Prime Video series “I’m a Virgo” remains one of the most exciting shows to premiere during the streaming era, yet it feels like the show has made little to no noise since it dropped a few years back. Starring “Moonlight” and “When They See Us” star Jharrel Jerome, the larger-than-life series follows Cootie (Jerome), a 13-foot-tall teenager in Oakland, California. The show is out there in all the right ways you come to expect from a Boots Riley project, but no word yet on if Prime Video plans on a second season.
Dope Thief
Brian Tyree Henry’s latest project, “Dope Thief,” is one of the best shows on TV right now. The crime drama series has earned glowing reviews from critics, and Henry even nabbed a Primetime Emmy nomination. While the show was billed as a limited series, the creatives behind it have teased the possibility of a second season, though no word from Apple on whether or not that is an actual possibility.
Archive 81
Another horror entry that had everyone talking was “Archive 81.” The series premiered on Netflix in 2022, starring “Black Box” actor Mamoudou Athie in what stands out as one of the streamer’s strongest horror offerings ever. Despite great reviews and appearing in Netflix’s Top 10 during the week of its release, the streamer did not renew the show for a second season, leaving fans devastated.
A League of Their Own
“A League of Their Own” got an update a few years ago on Prime Video. While the original film successfully told the story of World War II era women’s baseball team, the series went even deeper, using real history to tell the story of how Black women are central to the history of women’s baseball in the country. With Chanté Adams starring as Maxine “Max” Chapman, the show was a refreshing look at this period in history. Despite rave reviews and an initial season 2 renewal, the show was eventually cancelled due to the WGA strike.
High Fidelity
Another show that was cancelled far too soon was Hulu’s cult classic series “High Fidelity.” Zoë Kravitz stars in the series, a meta decision by casting as her mother Lisa Bonet, is in the original film. Kravitz plays a record store owner who, through her love of music, looks back a her love life. A pre-Oscars fame Da’Vine Joy Randolph also stars in the series. Despite rave reviews, the show was cancelled after one season.
Demascus
“Demascus” was overlooked before it even aired, but it just got a second chance. This sci-fi series, originally made for AMC, was cancelled two years ago, just before it was set ot make it to air. Now, it seems Tubi has acquired the series, which stars Okieriete Onaodowan, Janet Hubert, Caleb Eberhardt, Shakira Ja’nai Paye, and features the one and only Martin Lawrence. Deadline describes the series as a, “comedic, genre-fluid, coming-of-age story with a reality-bending premise that explores the gulf between Black male perspectives, while also attempting to answer Demascus’ personal question: ‘Who am I?’”
“Demascus” premiered August 7th on Tubi.
Send Help
From “Insecure” writer Mike Gauyo and “Insecure” actor Jean Elie, “Send Help” is a must-watch series for any TV fan. The show is set around a young first-generation Haitian American working in Hollywood, following his career highs and lows while also facing an intense family tragedy. The series is available to watch on Tubi, now.
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