Literally Just 15 Shows By Black Creators That You Need To Start Watching Immediately

Just in case you needed something new to watch.

1. Random Acts of Flyness

HBO

Random Acts of Flyness is a mystically magic series that might melt your mind a little bit. It's described as a "response to the contemporary American mediascape" where music, animation, and surrealist melodrama take center stage. Random Acts of Flyness is great at mixing glitz and glamour to tell the stories of Black youth in America. It's a perfect show for someone looking to better understand the Black experience, while also admiring the beauty of art and music. This show is a perfect example of what television should be, and you will not be disappointed.

Who created it: Terence Nance

Starring: Terence Nance, Whoopi Goldberg, Dominique Fishback, Gillian Jacobs, Jon Hamm, Ntare Guma Mwine, Adepero Oduye, Natalie Paul, Lakeith Stanfield, Tonya Pinkins, and Paul Sparks

Where to watch it: HBO Max

2. I May Destroy You

HBO

Created by Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You is about a millennial woman and Twitter celebrity turned author named Arabella. After going on a night out with her friends, Arabella wakes the next morning realizing she doesn't have any recollection of what happened to her the night before. As she tries to piece together the night's events, she comes to learn that the people in her life are all not who they're cracked up to be. This show is smart, poignant, and offers a lot of insight into experiences of sexual assault survivors. I May Destroy You is one of those rare shows where it's able to seamlessly combine drama and comedy without feeling preachy or uncomfortable. Michaela Coel's writing is also so breathtaking, it's hard not to fall in love with Arabella. This show is a must-watch.

Who created it: Michaela Coel

Starring: Michaela Coel, Weruche Opia, and Paapa Essiedu

Where to watch it: HBO Max

3. Black Lightning

The CW

In another extension on The CW's Arrowverse, Black Lightning follows Jefferson Pierce, a retired superhero turned high school principal who's forced to come out of retirement when the city is at stake. Jefferson's daughters also start to learn about their own superpowers and fight crime alongside him. Basically, this series is as much family drama as it is superhero show, and like its Arrowverse counterparts, this show will not disappoint.

Who created it: Salim Akil

Starring: Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin "Krondon" Jones III, Damon Gupton, James Remar, Jordan Calloway, and Chantal Thuy

Where to watch it: Netflix

4. Woke

Hulu

This series is based on the real-life experiences of The K Chronicles creator Keith Knight. Woke follows a cartoonist named Keef Knight, a man who's made professional success on "keeping it light" and avoiding any controversial stances. After Keef is racially profiled and attacked by a policeman, Keef realizes he's able to talk to inanimate objects — who try to guide him through his day-to-day challenges. Because of this incident, Keef also begins to realize just how prevalent microaggressions are in his everyday life. Over the course of Season 1, Keef attempts to figure out how to be a woke Black man and keep his cartoonist career afloat. Lamorne Morris finally gets the spotlight he deserves in this series and it's such a perfect watch for anyone looking to start something new.

Who created it: Keith Knight and Marshall Todd

Starring: Lamorne Morris, Blake Anderson, T. Murph, Rose McIver, and Sasheer Zamata

Where to watch it: Hulu

5. Lovecraft Country

HBO

Lovecraft Country follows Tic, a Black man who teams up with his close friend Leti and uncle George in hopes of finding his missing father. The show takes place in Jim Crow America, and throughout their journey, the group faces a bunch of terrifying monsters. The cast is extraordinary at bringing this complex story to life, and once you start watching, you won't be able to stop. You'll be left thinking about this show for weeks after you finish, that's a promise. Lovecraft Country will 100% live on to be one of the best TV series of the decade because it's stimulating, poignant, and a must-watch for every American.

Who created it: Misha Green (Jordan Peele and J.J. Abrams are also executive producers)

Starring: Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Aunjanue Ellis, Courtney B. Vance, Wunmi Mosaku, Abbey Lee, Jamie Chung, Jada Harris, and Michael K. Williams

Where to watch it: HBO Max

6. Queen Sugar

OWN

Based on the book of the same name, Queen Sugar follows three siblings — Nova, Charley, and Ralph — as they cope with their father's unexpected death. Throughout the series, they must also figure out what to do with their father's 800-acre sugarcane farm. Queen Sugar weaves modern storylines and themes with the Black experience in America. This series is also a fan favorite and has received multiple rave reviews from critics. It's very much a show that'll make you think about your own life experiences after watching each episode.

Who created it: Ava DuVernay

Starring: Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Kofi Siriboe, Nicholas L. Ashe, Omar Dorsey, Dondre Whitfield, Timon Kyle Durrett, Greg Vaughan, Ethan Hutchison, Marycarmen Lopez, Tina Lifford, Bianca Lawson, Henry G. Sanders, and Walter Perez

Where to watch it: Hulu

7. A Black Lady Sketch Show

HBO

This show's title is pretty self-explanatory — it's a sketch comedy series that's created by and stars Black women. During its debut back in 2019, it became a total fan favorite and was renewed before the first season even ended. With only six episodes currently, this show sure packs a punch. Not to be dramatic, but this show is actually laugh out loud funny, and you'll finish every episode wanting more. Guests like Angela Bassett, Issa Rae, Laverne Cox, Lena Waithe, Kelly Rowland, along with many others, also make appearances in the series.

Who created it: Robin Thede

Starring: Robin Thede, Ashley Nicole Black, Gabrielle Dennis, and Quinta Brunson

Where to watch it: HBO Max

8. Insecure

HBO

Insecure follows Issa and her close friends as they navigate their careers, relationships, and friendships in LA. This series has been commended by many for portraying such a realistic picture of the complexities of being a Black woman. The series explores both social and racial issues that Issa and those around her face, while remaining grounded, educational, and funny. The writing in this series is beyond belief and really hits the mark. It's impossible not to get caught up in the drama of the show, and after just a few episodes, you'll feel like Issa's new BFF.

Who created it: Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore

Starring: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Lisa Joyce, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales, Y'lan Noel, Alexander Hodge, Kendrick Sampson, and Jean Elie

Where to watch it: HBO Max

9. Black-ish

Ali Goldstein / ABC

There is yet to be a more iconic family than the Johnsons. Black-ish revolves around the Johnson family as they deal with their regular everyday problems, while sometimes emphasizing major sociopolitical issues. This series does a great job of making you actually think about the world outside of the show you're watching. It's funny, smart, but most importantly, it's real. The entire cast is a delight to watch and you'll get so invested in these characters that you won't be able to watch just one episode. Black-ish is a necessary watch for every human being.

Who created it: Kenya Barris

Starring: Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, Marsai Martin, Jeff Meacham, Jenifer Lewis, Peter Mackenzie, Deon Cole, Katlyn Nichol, and Laurence Fishburne

Where to watch it: Hulu

10. Grown-ish

Freeform

Grown-ish is a spinoff of Black-ish, and in this series, Zoey Johnson gets her time to shine. Now in college, Zoey learns that adult life isn't all it's cracked up to be. Throughout the series, we watch as Zoey meets her new friends for life, takes huge steps in her career as a fashion stylist, and even has a romantic fling of her own. As much as this series is based on another hit, it's 100% capable of standing on its own two feet. This series has a bunch of great characters with compelling storylines that make you want to tune in every week.

Who created it: Kenya Barris and Larry Wilmore

Starring: Yara Shahidi, Deon Cole, Trevor Jackson, Francia Raisa, Emily Arlook, Jordan Buhat, Chris Parnell, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey, Luka Sabbat, and Diggy Simmons

Where to watch it: Hulu

11. Atlanta

FX

Donald Glover stars as Earn, a college dropout who's working as a manager trying to get his cousin's rap career off the ground. Atlanta has received copious amounts of praise, and once you see an episode, you'll understand why. The series invites you into its own little world of surrealness and begs you to bask in it. From fake celebrity appearances to fictionalized commercials, this show is an example of how artistically tasteful television can be. As a whole, Atlanta is incredibly smart, funny, and such a breath of fresh air in a world of more TV shows than you can count.

Who created it: Donald Glover

Starring: Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz

Where to watch it: Hulu

12. P-Valley

Jessica Miglio / Starz

P-Valley revolves around the employees who work at The Pynk strip club in Chucalissa, Mississippi. The series delves into the lives of the exotic dancers, club owners, and their loved ones in a fascinating way that makes you root for everyone. After just one episode, you'll find yourself so engrossed in these characters' lives that you'll feel like you also work at The Pynk. After a bunch of rave reviews from fans and critics, the series also got renewed for a second season, so you're already guaranteed more great episodes.

Who created it: Katori Hall

Starring: Brandee Evans, Nicco Annan, Shannon Thornton, Elarica Johnson, Skyler Joy, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Parker Sawyers, Harriett D. Foy, Dan J. Johnson, Tyler Lepley, and Isaiah Washington

Where to watch it: Starz

13. The Twilight Zone

CBS All Access

Jordan Peele rebooted this iconic anthology series, and it's just as engaging as the original. Coming in hot from his recent horror success, Jordan's version of The Twilight Zone is twisty, creepy, and will totally mess with your mind. This series has been modernized with all new stories, but the themes couldn't be more evergreen. You'll also see several familiar famous faces appearing every episode. Once you start watching, you won't be able to stop.

Who created it: Jordan Peele, Marco Ramirez, and Simon Kinberg

Starring: Jordan Peele, Kumail Nanjiani, John Cho, Allison Tolman, Jacob Tremblay, Steven Yeun, Greg Kinnear, DeWanda Wise, Jessica Williams, Tracy Morgan, Taissa Farmiga, Rhea Seehorn, Luke Kirby, Ike Barinholtz, Billy Porter, Jurnee Smollett, and Damon Wayans Jr.

Where to watch it: CBS All Access

14. Empire

Fox

Empire follows the fictional entertainment company Empire Entertainment and the Lyon family who battle for ultimate CEO control. After current CEO Lucious Lyon is diagnosed with ALS, he decides he needs to appoint a successor and pits his sons against each other to see who's most fit for the job. We also find out that Lucious's ex-wife Cookie, who's just been released from prison, is also fighting for her shares of the company. This show has SO much drama, it's impossible not to get hooked within the first few episodes. Plus, there are a bunch of great musical performances too!

Who created it: Lee Daniels and Danny Strong

Starring: Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Bryshere Y. Gray, Jussie Smollett, Trai Byers, Grace Byers, Malik Yoba, Kaitlin Doubleday, Ta'Rhonda Jones, Gabourey Sidibe, Serayah, Bre-Z, Morocco Omari, Xzibit, Andre Royo, Rumer Willis, Terrell Carter, Nicole Ari Parker, Chet Hanks, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Vivica A. Fox, A.Z. Kelsey, Mario, and Wood Harris

Where to watch it: Hulu

15. And finally, Bridgerton

Netflix

If you haven't hopped on the Bridgerton train yet, take this as a sign you should. Bridgerton is the newest addition to Shonda Rhimes' TV empire Shondaland, and it's truly magnificent. Based on the Bridgerton books, the series centers around the Bridgerton siblings as they come of age in Regency era London. The first season focuses on Daphne as she becomes a debutante and is in search of a husband. And while it is a period drama, I promise you'll never be bored watching.

Who created it: Shonda Rhimes and Chris Van Dusen

Starring: Regé-Jean Page, Phoebe Dynevor, Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ruby Barker, Nicola Coughlan, Claudia Jessie, Golda Rosheuvel, and Julie Andrews

Where to watch it: Netflix

Brooke Greenberg / BuzzFeed