Here Are 3 Exceptionally Binge-Worthy Shows With Black Leads This Season

I just like to immerse myself in the storylines and watch their lives play out as if they were my own.

A Black Lady Sketch Show

HBO

Four brave black women on a mission to save the world? Themselves? Or just trying to find some relief in the parallel world they have become trapped in? Created by Robin Thede, this sketch show delivers all the laughs and witty comebacks a girl can stand in 30 minutes, with plenty of special guests appearances to keep you entertained even further. It's also Executive Produced by Issa Rae, so if you're anything like me and are having withdrawals from Insecure's farewell departure (Team ISSA til the death of me), then this will surely give you an immediate fix. Currently running through the third season on HBO, ABLSS gives all the reason on Friday nights to curl up on the couch to catch these ladies go toe for toe with the jokes.

ATLANTA

FX

Atlanta shows a special dynamic between friends who carry each other though the phases of life. Although there were "talks"—which feels pretty official to me—about ending the series with Season 4 (who's cutting those damn onions next to my Macbook?), I wouldn't want to do anything more than take any wild ride that Van, Paper Boi, Earn and Darius take me on every Wednesday night. We were grateful that there were characters who lived the same random scenarios we happen to have every day but no one sees them... sorta like if the Seinfeld sitcom had all black leads. We were so grateful in fact that we didn't mind waiting another 3 years to get the next season, and boy was it worth the wait. There's so many hidden messages and ideas that we share within the black community that unravel each episode. I have committed to watch parties with friends via HULU on the FX network and we have weekly discussions on our interoperation of how and why the storylines play out the way they do. 

Abbott Elementary

ABC

"Oh Jeanine." really should be the alternate tile of the show. Quinta Brunson, who stars in the amazingly hilarious yet kid friendly "mocumentary" on ABC, gives us a crash course in trying to adult while being an adult. At Abbott, there's always a lesson to be learned no matter your age, position or title. The show that takes place in a less than privileged elementary school in Philadelphia reminds me of sitting in my public elementary schools in Chicago, knowing that every day was a challenge to be conquered and it can always be accomplished as long as there's a support system and friend community by your side... (cue cheesy background music). But seriously, the theme of community really rides strong in this series and for any mega fans like me of The Office or Parks and Rec, this is the perfect merge with weekly episodes airing Tuesday nights. Let's change "Oh Jeanine." to "Go Jeanine!"