6.8 / 10 (based on 5086 reviews)
A father takes an irreverent and honest approach to parenting and relationships.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Rashida Jones, Kenya Barris, Iman Benson, Genneya Walton
Creators: Kenya Barris
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 36-minute runtime
Shows Most Like #BlackAF (2020)
Black-ish (2014)
7.3 / 10 (based on 24230 reviews)
A family man struggles to gain a sense of cultural identity while raising his kids in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown
Creators: Kenya Barris
Directors:
Writers:
8 seasons, 176 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Grown-ish (2018)
6.5 / 10 (based on 6021 reviews)
A spinoff of ABC’s “Black-ish,” Zoey Johnson is off to college and must live outside the nest, dealing with drugs, sex, and relationships along the way.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Yara Shahidi, Trevor Jackson, Francia Raisa, Emily Arlook
Creators: Kenya Barris, Larry Wilmore
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 61 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Insecure (2016)
8 / 10 (based on 19655 reviews)
Follows the awkward experiences and racy tribulations of a modern-day African-American woman.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell
Creators: Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 44 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Upshaws (2021)
6.9 / 10 (based on 3161 reviews)
It centers on a working-class African American family in Indiana struggling to make it work and make it right without any blueprints.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Mike Epps, Kim Fields, Diamond Lyons, Wanda Sykes
Creators: Regina Y. Hicks, Wanda Sykes
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 11 episodes
Dear White People (2017)
6.3 / 10 (based on 25785 reviews)
At a predominantly white Ivy League college, a group of black students navigate various forms of racial and other types of discrimination.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Logan Browning, Brandon P Bell, DeRon Horton, Antoinette Robertson
Creators: Justin Simien
Directors:
Writers:
4 seasons, 40 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
The Carmichael Show (2015)
7.7 / 10 (based on 3199 reviews)
Follows stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael as he navigates through life with his therapist in-training girlfriend and his heavily opinionated family.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jerrod Carmichael, Amber Stevens West, Lil Rel Howery, Tiffany Haddish
Creators: Jerrod Carmichael, Willie Hunter, Ari Katcher
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 32 episodes, 21.0-minute runtime
Space Force (2020)
6.7 / 10 (based on 66975 reviews)
The people tasked with creating a sixth branch of the armed services: The Space Force.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Steve Carell, John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Diana Silvers
Creators: Steve Carell, Greg Daniels
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 20 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Never Have I Ever (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 62315 reviews)
The complicated life of a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl, inspired by Mindy Kaling’s own childhood.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Main Cast: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Darren Barnet, John McEnroe
Creators: Lang Fisher, Mindy Kaling
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 21 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Woke (2020)
6.5 / 10 (based on 3504 reviews)
Keef is an African-American cartoonist on the verge of mainstream success when an unexpected incident changes his life.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Lamorne Morris, Blake Anderson, T. Murph, Sasheer Zamata
Creators: Keith Knight, Marshall Todd
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 16 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
In 2020, the TV landscape was enriched with a unique addition: #BlackAF. Created by Kenya Barris, the mind behind “Black-ish,” this show takes a mockumentary approach to explore the complexities of race, family, and success in America. Through the lens of a fictionalized version of Barris himself, played by Barris, the show navigates the waters of what it means to be wealthy, successful, and black in contemporary society.
The Premise
At its core, #BlackAF is a family sitcom. But to call it just that would be an oversimplification. The show follows Kenya Barris and his family, portraying their daily lives in a humorous yet thought-provoking manner. It’s set against the backdrop of Barris’s real-life experiences in Hollywood, offering a semi-autobiographical peek into the life of a successful black showrunner.
Characters and Dynamics
Kenya Barris
Playing a version of himself, Kenya is the patriarch of the family. He’s a successful TV producer grappling with the challenges and responsibilities that come with his status. His character often reflects on the implications of his success and how it affects his identity and family.
Joya Barris
Played by Rashida Jones, Joya is Kenya’s wife, a former lawyer turned stay-at-home mom. She’s a strong, intelligent woman who often serves as Kenya’s moral compass, challenging him and providing a different perspective on the issues they face.
The Kids
The Barris kids, ranging from precocious youngsters to opinionated teenagers, add depth and variety to the show. Each child has a distinct personality, contributing to the family’s dynamic and the show’s explorations of identity, culture, and adolescence.
Themes
Race and Identity
One of the show’s main thrusts is its exploration of race and identity. #BlackAF doesn’t shy away from discussing what it means to be black in America, especially from the perspective of a wealthy, successful family. It tackles stereotypes, cultural expectations, and the nuances of racial identity with humor and insight.
Success and Its Discontents
Another recurring theme is the idea of success and its impact on the individual and their relationships. The show delves into the paradoxes of achieving the American dream while remaining true to one’s roots and values. It questions the costs and responsibilities of success, particularly within the context of family and community.
Family Dynamics
At its heart, #BlackAF is about family. It examines the complexities of familial relationships, parenting, and the challenges of raising children in a privileged environment. The show portrays these dynamics with a mix of humor and sincerity, making it relatable to a broad audience.
Style and Execution
Mockumentary Format
The mockumentary format of #BlackAF sets it apart from traditional sitcoms. This approach allows for a more intimate look at the characters’ lives, with direct-to-camera confessionals and a sense of spontaneity. It adds a layer of authenticity to the show, making the characters and their experiences more relatable.
Humor and Satire
Humor is a vital component of #BlackAF. The show uses satire to address serious topics, making them accessible and engaging. It’s not afraid to poke fun at itself, the entertainment industry, and societal norms, using humor as a tool for critique and reflection.
Cultural References
BlackAF is rich with cultural references, from music and fashion to literature and cinema. These references are not just throwaway lines but integral to the show’s exploration of identity and culture. They provide a deeper context to the characters’ experiences and the themes the show addresses.
Reception and Impact
Mixed Reviews
Upon its release, #BlackAF received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised its bold approach to discussing race and family, while others criticized it for its portrayal of the characters and the use of stereotypes. Despite the mixed reception, the show has sparked important conversations about representation, authenticity, and the diversity of black experiences.
Cultural Conversation
Regardless of its polarizing reception, #BlackAF has contributed to the broader cultural conversation about race, success, and family dynamics. It’s a testament to the show’s relevance and the need for diverse voices and stories in the media.
Conclusion
BlackAF is not your typical family sitcom. It’s a bold, insightful exploration of race, identity, and success in America. Through its unique format, humor, and authentic storytelling, the show challenges stereotypes and invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and assumptions. While it may not resonate with everyone, #BlackAF is an important addition to the TV landscape, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of contemporary life.
In the end, #BlackAF stands as a testament to Kenya Barris’s creative vision. It’s a show that dares to be different, to discuss the undiscussed, and to challenge both its characters and its audience. Whether you love it, hate it, or find yourself somewhere in between, #BlackAF is a conversation starter, and perhaps, that’s the point.