Where to Stream ‘Matlock,’ ‘How to Die Alone’ and Other 2024 TV Series With Major Black Characters

‘Matlock,’ ‘Agatha All Along,’ ‘Abbott Elementary’ and ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ are some of the series to check out as you leave politics behind for a while.

(L-R): Skye P. Marshall as “Olympia Lawrence” and Kathy Bates as “Madeline Matlock” Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that things have been crazy lately. When the chaos of the real world gets to be too much, we need entertainment to take our minds off things. With so much of our lives dominated by politics for the last few months you may have missed some new TV series. Luckily, we’ve been keeping with them for you and have a few suggestions. From Marvel’s latest addictive story, to a twisty legal drama, to one of the smartest comedies we’ve seen in a long time, there are plenty of shows to distract you from whatever madness is going on outside. Take a break, chill out and check out some of the 2024 TV series you may have missed.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Marvin Sapp Turns Viral Controversy Into A Song — But Not Everyone’s Praising Him

Agatha All Along – Disney+

Marvel’s TV series have been hit or miss, but the latest entry, “Agatha All Along,” is an emotional journey down the Witches Road with “WandaVision’s” Agatha Harkness. Fair warning: This is definitely a day long binge.

Matlock – CBS, Paramount+

Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS

This legal drama starring Kathy Bates is full of fun twists and turns. It’s a perfect mix of old school broadcast TV and modern storytelling. We’re especially enjoying the chemistry between Bates’ Matty and Skye P. Marshall as her boss Olympia.

How to Die Alone – Hulu

You might be tired of hearing us rave about Natasha Rothwell in this brilliant comedy, but we cannot stop telling the world how funny, smart and inventive this series is. Mel is a woman trying to change her life, but things become increasingly difficult when she keeps getting in her own way.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith – Prime Video

Donald Glover and Maya Erskine’s spy story is actually a compelling relationship drama masquerading as an action series. It’s unlike anything out there, which is always fun to discover.

Fallout – Prime Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-mugKDQDlg

The video game adaptation explores the good and bad of humanity after the world is destroyed. Despite all the sci-fi/fantasy elements of the setting, there’s something uncomfortably familiar the conspiracy behind the tragedy.

Hijack – Apple TV+

Photo: AppleTV+ Photo: AppleTV+

Idris Elba vs a plane full of hijackers in a real time thriller? Yes please. You actually had us at Idris Elba.

Abbott Elementary – Hulu

Photo: DISNEY/Gilles Mingasson Photo: DISNEY/Gilles Mingasson

The ABC comedy just keeps getting better every season. This time around saw Janine working with the district to make sone of her big plans reality. But she’s a teacher at heart and couldn’t stay away for long. The highlight of the season features the staff hilariously revealing all their vices.

Loot – AppleTV+

Maya Rudolph is a tour-de-force as Molly Novak, a billionaire who has zero understanding of how the real world works. She’s endlessly hilarious.

The Bear – Hulu

We have to be honest, Season 3 of “The Bear” was a bit uneven. However, Ayo Edebiri still made Sydney one of the most interesting, likable characters on TV.

Lessons in Chemistry – AppleTV+

Yes, Brie Larson is amazing as Elizabeth, a scientist who becomes a star on a cooking show and uses her fame to encourage women’s rights. But we’re here for Aja Naomi King as Harriet Sloane, an activist who fights to save her community, despite women being kept out of politics and decision making.

X-Men ‘97 – Disney+

The brilliant animated series is being overshadowed by behind the scenes drama, but this revival of the classic cartoon shows fans that Disney is committed to making the X-Men just as thought-provoking and fascinating as they’ve always been.

The Greatest Night In Pop – Netflix

If you’re a child of the ‘80s, you remember what a big deal “We Are the World” was. It took awhile, but we’re finally getting the crazy story on how all these stars came together. It’s just as chaotic as you think it is.

Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project – Max

The unmatched legacy of author Nikki Giovanni is explored in this documentary, which uses her love of space as a fascinating framing device to follow her through her most personal moments.

Fargo – FX, Hulu

Lamorne Morris steals every scene he’s in during the fifth season of the anthology series. Producers definitely need to find a way to bring him back for his own season, or even a spinoff.

Queens – Netflix

Sometimes nature documentaries make for perfect viewing. They hook with captivating stories about these animals’ survival and keep you invested with narration from legends like Angela Bassett.

True Detective: Night Country – Max

If you enjoy unpredictable mysteries with brilliant actors and stories focused on women of color, then you should definitely go back and check out the latest edition of the HBO anthology drama.

Ahsoka – Disney+

Rosario Dawson brings the live-action version of one of the “Star Wars” Universe’s greatest heroes to her own story. It’s here that we get a look at how difficult the post-Empire transition really is. Plus, Anakin and Ahsoka have their long-awaited reunion.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

What's Black at Sundance 2026: Movies, Documentaries and More!

What’s Black at Sundance 2026: Movies, Documentaries and More!

Sundance Film Festival is officially underway and that means, so is our list of Black-leading or centric films you might want to keep an eye out for in 2026! …
The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Summer Walker and New Edition to Bruno Mars and Cardi B.—our faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who! …
Athletes Who Became More Successful Than Their Professional Athlete Fathers!

Athletes Who Became More Successful Than Their Professional Athlete Fathers!

Some fathers passed down their athletic genes to their children, and some of their sons were SO good, they enjoyed even more success than their dad! …
From Karamo Brown to Garcelle Beauvais: Why Black Stars Are Walking Away From Toxic, All-White Work Environments

From Karamo Brown to Garcelle Beauvais: Why Black Stars Are Walking Away From Toxic, All-White Work Environments

By skipping the final “Queer Eye” press run, Karamo Brown taught viewers a valuable lesson about standing up to mistreatment in white-led spaces …
Civil Rights Lawyer: How a KKK Law is Being Used to Silence Two Black Women in Minneapolis

Civil Rights Lawyer: How a KKK Law is Being Used to Silence Two Black Women in Minneapolis

After a viral, nonviolent protest, federal authorities weaponized two civil rights laws to target prominent Black activists …
Black Texas Teen <i>Finally</i> Exonerated 70 Years Later for a White Woman's Murder He Didn't Commit

Black Texas Teen Finally Exonerated 70 Years Later for a White Woman’s Murder He Didn’t Commit

Tommy Lee Walker of Texas was just 19 years old when he was executed for raping and murdering a white woman. 70 years later, he’s been exonerated …
Cam'ron Told His Ex On-Air That She Was a 'Bad Investment,' and Social Media is Divided

Cam’ron Told His Ex On-Air That She Was a ‘Bad Investment,’ and Social Media is Divided

Rapper Cam’ron is once again making waves on social media for his viewpoints. Let’s break down why! …
Pam Grier Says She Saw Lynched Bodies— and the Internet is Fighting Over Whether to Believe Her

Pam Grier Says She Saw Lynched Bodies— and the Internet is Fighting Over Whether to Believe Her

Actress Pam Grier is facing criticism from some who are calling BS on her account of witnessing lynched Black bodies in her Ohio home town …
Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and 'Sinners' Crew Respond to Historic 2026 Oscar Nominations

Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and ‘Sinners’ Crew Respond to Historic 2026 Oscar Nominations

Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Raphael Saadiq and more of the ‘Sinners’ artists are speaking out about their monumental feat! …
Don Lemon Just Scored a Huge Win in His Battle With the DOJ

Don Lemon Just Scored a Huge Win in His Battle With the DOJ

Don Lemon was at risk of legal trouble by the Department of Justice for reporting on ICE protests in Minnesota …
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Explains Why She Doesn't Believe in the Bible

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Explains Why She Doesn’t Believe in the Bible

Oscar-nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is opening up like never before, revealing her perspective on the Bible. And it’s definitely sparking some swift reactions! …
A$AP Rocky Finally Breaks Down What the Beef With Drake Is Really All About

A$AP Rocky Finally Breaks Down What the Beef With Drake Is Really All About

For everyone still unclear about why A$AP Rocky and Drake are really beefing, the Harlem rapper explained it all during an interview with Ebro …
The Movie Costume Designs That Landed Ruth E. Carter Her Record Oscar Nominations!

The Movie Costume Designs That Landed Ruth E. Carter Her Record Oscar Nominations!

Ruth E. Carter just became the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history. Here are the films that helped her get there …
New Report Shows Murders, Violent Crime Down in 40 Cities. Here's What That Means

New Report Shows Murders, Violent Crime Down in 40 Cities. Here’s What That Means

As crime rates reach historic lows in the U.S., politicians and community members are trying to isolate exactly why …
Mary J. Blige Explains Why She Was 'Scared' to Meet Aretha Franklin

Mary J. Blige Explains Why She Was ‘Scared’ to Meet Aretha Franklin

Mary J. Blige is getting transparent about the experience she had working with the late Aretha Franklin and her story is something else! …
53 Years After <i>Roe v. Wade</i>, Black Women in the South Still Suffer the Most Without It

53 Years After Roe v. Wade, Black Women in the South Still Suffer the Most Without It

On the 53rd anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, health concerns for Black women are still the most pressing but the most under funded and forgotten …
He Was the Youngest Freedom Rider, Now He's Sharing His Story at a Mississippi Museum

He Was the Youngest Freedom Rider, Now He’s Sharing His Story at a Mississippi Museum

Hezekiah Watkins— the youngest Freedom Rider—is still here to share his harrowing journey from a death row cell to the history books …
Kansas City Man Allegedly Steals Back all the Cars He Sells on Facebook, and it Gets Worse...

Kansas City Man Allegedly Steals Back all the Cars He Sells on Facebook, and it Gets Worse…

One Kansas City man is facing charges for allegedly selling cars on Facebook Marketplace, then stealing them back. But, that’s just the beginning …
<i>The Root</i> Exclusive: Wunmi Mosaku Responds to Her 'Extraordinary' First Oscar Nomination For 'Sinners'

The Root Exclusive: Wunmi Mosaku Responds to Her ‘Extraordinary’ First Oscar Nomination For ‘Sinners’

“Sinners” star Wunmi Mosaku spoke to The Root shortly after her prestigious nomination and reflected on the gravity of the moment! …
New Black Panther Party Emerges in Minneapolis Protests, but Everyone Isn't Happy About It

New Black Panther Party Emerges in Minneapolis Protests, but Everyone Isn’t Happy About It

Decades after the Black Panther Party’s rise in the ’60s, a new Panther movement in Philadelphia is upsetting founder Huey P. Newton’s family …