It’s not every day that a TV show stars the future Duchess of Sussex, but Meghan Markle’s role on “Suits” certainly has helped the legal drama find an audience. The show, which ran on USA Network from 2011 to 2019, was a fun to watch during its run—but was never considered critically-acclaimed or award- winning.
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Then in 2023, “Suits’ found new life and popularity on streaming giants Netflix and Prime Video. Recently the series broke “The Office’s” record for minutes watched in a year, and we have a feeling Markle’s star power and speculation about her life after the British royal family.
But what also could be true is that people are finally recognizing the strong Black characters that made “Suits” a great show. And if you love strong Black characters as much as we do, here are a few more TV shows to add to your watchlist with Black characters you might have been sleeping on.
‘Pearson’ on Peacock
At the end of “Suits” Season 7, Gina Torres’ Jessica Pearson moved to Chicago to deal with family business and work for the mayor as a fixer. The spin-off only ran for one season, but it provided an opportunity to delve deeper into Jessica’s background and show off Torres’ versatility as an actor.
‘Psych’ on Peacock
This unconventional procedural revolves around two friends who run a psychic detective agency and consult with the Santa Barbara Police Department on murders. Dulé Hill is excellent as Gus, and the show’s hilariously premise cane be a fantastic escape from the craziness of the world. Find the three “Psych” sequel movies on Peacock.
‘Alias’ on Disney+
Before she was a movie star, Jennifer Garner was TV superspy Sydney Bristow, and arguably the very best season centers on Season 2. Merrin Dungey as Sydney’s best friend, Francie, gets killed and cloned in the show and it leads up to the fight scene of a lifetime.
Southland on Prime Video
This gritty cop drama starring Regina King revolves around dysfunctional, yet interesting, Los Angeles police officers. The characters are frustrating, rage-inducing, heart-breaking and occasionally likable. They’re also never boring. This is the kind of show that will definitely suck you in.
‘Bates Motel’ on Prime Video
If you’ve ever wondered how Norman Bates became the infamous killer in “Psycho,” this thriller offers a glimpse into his younger years, as well as his dysfunctional relationship with his mother. Warning: This is not a binge. You’ll need to spread these episodes out, because this one can be quite disturbing. Look for actor Damon Gupton to steal scenes as Gregg Edwards, the resident doctor at the Pineview Institute.
‘9-1-1' on Hulu
We know you don’t need a reason to watch Angela Bassett, but in case you do, don’t sleep on the Fox/ABC first responders drama.
‘White Collar’ on Hulu
Matt Bomer is effortlessly charming as con man Neal Caffrey. When he’s caught, he uses his skills to help the FBI. While he serves out his sentence, he lives in a fabulous penthouse owned by June Ellington, played by the legendary Diahann Carroll.
‘P-Valley’ on Starz
If you’re looking for something a little edgier, you can’t go wrong with the Starz series “P-Valley.” It follows the dancers and employees at the strip club, The Pynk. Thanks to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, it’s going to be a long wait for Season 3, which means you have plenty of time to catch up on this hidden gem.
‘Friday Night Lights’ on Hulu
“Clear Eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!” Simply put, “Friday Night Lights” is one of the best TV shows of the last 20 years. It follows the lives of the football obsessed citizens of Dillon, Texas, as they do whatever it takes to support the local team. Young stars Michael B. Jordan and Jurnee Smollett join the series in Season 4.
‘Leverage’ on Prime Video
A team of thieves use their skills to help the innocent take on powerful people and corporations. If you like heist movies and series, this is right up your alley. The follow-up series “Leverage: Redemption” is also available on the platform’s Amazon Freevee service.
‘Claws’ on Hulu
Niecy Nash and the ladies of the nail salon constantly had some drama and chaos swirling around, but as long as they stuck together, they always seemed to find a way out of it.
‘Spartacus’ (2010) on Starz
If you like epic period stories with badass fight scenes and heroes you can’t help cheering for, “Spartacus” is the one. Just so you know, this series is brutal and emotionally exhausting. Once you start it, you have to follow through until the end.
‘Poker Face’ on Peacock
Natasha Lyonne is a human lie detector who finds herself tumbling into surprising cases. The fresh mysteries feature guest cast full of fan favorites.
‘Burn Notice’ on Hulu
As a burned spy searches for the mysterious organization who ruined his life, he uses his special skills to help people deal with problems the police can’t handle. The show is a perfect combination of action, comedy and drama. It’s definitely an underrated gem of the mid 2000s.
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