Television
We’re all still reeling from the election, food comas and family dysfunction that took place over Thanksgiving. And while these feelings of sadness and memories of family craziness won’t dissipate anytime soon, I think it’s important we find some joy to get us through these tough times. Binge watch some black excellence!
CHEWING GUM
Last week I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and noticed a few of my friends were talking about a show Netflix show. The show is Chewing Gum. Each post I came across raved about its awesomeness. So, I figured, I have time. Let’s do this. And OH EM GEE, Chewing Gum is the epitome of black girl magic. The British series was created, written by and stars Michaela Coel. Coel plays Tracy Gordon, a 24-year-old virgin, on a mission to lose her virginity—hilarity ensues! Get into this! But remember, series 2 isn’t due to hit Netflix anytime soon. Savor each moment.
THIS IS US
This is Us is a brilliantly written series on NBC—and t I’m here for its black cast members. For me, this series highlights problematic white savior syndrome. Sterling K. Brown portrays Randall, a black man who was adopted by a white family as child. He’s a married (to a black women) and a father of two young girls. He recently reconnected with his biological father. Randall struggles to understand his place in the world, and with his adoptive family, as their black child. This series is worth the catching up with, for this storyline alone.
ATLANTA
I think we’re all familiar with Donald Glover’s FX series Atlanta. But the series is worth another binge. It was renewed for a second season before season 1 wrapped. The characters are complex, the stories familiar—and that’s a good thing. This is the blackest show on television since Chappelle Show. Catch up with season 1. My favorite is episode 8. I’ve watched it five times!
INSECURE
HBO’s Insecure, starring the always fantastic, Issa Rae is worth every dime you spend on premium cable. But, if you can’t afford HBO, Rae has made Insecure available for free, so you can enjoy her awkward brand of magic at no cost! How awesome is that?
QUEEN SUGAR
Queen Sugar on OWN, is amazing. Ava DuVernay’s television adaptation of Natalie Baszile’s novel is nothing short of amazing. It’s visually stunning, and each episode is beautifully written. The cast is talented, and Kofi Soriboe is bae. Catch up on the season and get to know the Bordelon family. You’ll be glad you did.
– Creighton Leigh
