Limited series, miniseries,x-part specials. The entertainment industry has a bunch of different names for projects that don’t get five or more seasons. While we all loveto binge our comfort showsand jump around to our favorite season whenthischaracter was introduced, or this episode whenthatannoying character finally got the ax, at times, one season is just enough. Limited series are great for the sense of accomplishment of ticking another to-watch show or documentary off your list.
Blackstories are getting more and more attention. Hollywood is starting to understand that stories by and/or about Black people can appeal to a wide audience and deserve the support to reach said audience. OnNetflix, many series have come out to great success that feature Black casts and often have Black creatives behind the scenes as well. Here are 10 must-watch Black limited series you’re able to find on the streaming platform.
10True Story
Kevin Hart is known for his belly-hurting laughs that will keep a smile on your face just as much as it’ll send you into a fit of hysterics.True Storyis a bit more serious while still bringing viewers that classic Hart humor. In this limited series, we follow Kid, an up-and-coming comedian who is still grappling with fame. When his older brother, Carlton (portrayed by Wesley Snipes) gets Kid wrapped up in a crime, things start to get a little dicey.
Everyone raves about the chemistry between Hart and Dwayne Johnson, and for good reason. However, a duo people don’t talk enough about is Hart and Snipes. Every scene the two are in together makes it difficult to look away and will make you wish you had more than the seven episodes to spend with them.
9You Don’t Know Me
Adapted from a novel,You Don’t Know Meis a four-part limited series that follows a man named Hero, who is on trial for murdering a drug dealer. The show starts in the courtroom with Hero finally telling his side of the story. Hero and this dealer were arguing when the name Kyra came up, and she is at the heart of this story.
As viewers see Hero’s life before, they are also trying to piece together how he got to where he is now. It’s fascinating to see how the characters’ lives weave into one another. And with the plot device of jumping between the trial and the events leading up to the murder, audiences are consistently engaged.
8The Last Dance
Sports lovers will eat up the documentary series,The Last Dance, about basketball legend Michael Jordan. Throughout 10 episodes, interviews and footage give insight into his career as a whole and his final professional season with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls completed that season with another NBA championship win, earning them the 3-peat accolade.
However, this docuseries zeroes in on the standout player, on the struggles he faced during that time and before. The appearances by other basketball players like Scottie Pippen and Steve are great, but it’s perhaps the moments of his family speaking about Jordan’s early days that are the most captivating. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, there’s much to enjoy aboutThe Last Dance.
Related:10 Must-Watch Sports Documentaries
Trial 4is a heavy but important true crime docuseries that highlights the injustice put on a man named Sean Ellis. In 1993, a Boston police officer was killed, and Ellis was convicted and sent to prison for the crime — a crime he did not commit. At the time, Ellis was 19 years old and spent the next 22 years of his life behind bars.
Now out and with a platform, Ellis highlights the infuriating investigation that seemed to want to place the blame on him. The docuseries on Netflix not only sheds light on Ellis' story, but also on the systemic racism that impacts the legal system as a whole.
6From Scratch
From Scratchstarted out in book form by writer Tembi Locke who wanted to document her experience going to Italy, falling in love, starting a family, anddealing with grief. The book found massive success, getting snatched up by Reese’s Book Club in 2019 and subsequently by Reese Witherspoon’s media company Hello Sunshine to bring it to Netflix. Zoe Saldana plays the author, though her name was changed in the show to Amy.
As she explores the streets of Florence and meets her future husband, it feels like it’s set out to be a lighthearted, feel-good romance. But when cultural differences, career transitions, and family intolerance come into play, it brings a bit more bite into the narrative. While emotions hang heavy in the show as in the memoir, viewers will be left feeling hopeful at the end.
5Seven Seconds
Seven Secondsis a heartbreaking crime drama that has viewers just as desperate for justice as the characters. In the show, a white police officer hits Brenton, a Black teen, with his car, resulting in the boy’s death. Instead of doing the right thing, the officer and his colleagues cover up the crime. Though all they want to do is sweep it under the rug, Brent’s family and others in the community refuse to move on until justice is served.
You’ll want to root for many of the characters, but especially Latrice, Brent’s mother (played by Regina King). To see her break in the wake of her son’s death, as well as show an incredible amount of strength to find answers is nothing short of inspiring.
Related:Regina King: From Celebrated Actress to Leading to Director
4Colin in Black and White
Many people know of Colin Kaepernick today as the ex-football player who took a knee during the National Anthem and caused a wave across the United States. Kaepernick is an activist who discusses racism and police brutality, among other issues.
InColin in Black and White, the public can get to know Kaepernick before he was in the NFL and did that controversial gesture. Actor Jaden Michael plays young Kaepernick and shows that the seeds for his drive for social change were within him for a long time. Along with dealing with his love for football, fitting in and making friends, and early crushes, this limited series is a special take on a teen drama.
3When They See Us
When They See Ustackles the story of the Central Park Five or the Central Park jogger case. In 1989, a white woman was attacked and assaulted in Central Park and five teenage boys went to jail for the awful crime. Now, the group is known as the Exonerated Five now that it’s clear they were all innocent and the investigation and subsequent media coverage was tainted by racism.
Even if you think you know everything there is to know about this tragic case,When They See Usis a must-watch due to the phenomenal acting and incredible direction by Ava DuVernay. It’s chilling just how quickly these boys’ lives were forever altered. And despite having a “happy” ending, as they are no longer behind bars, the bittersweet feeling of the end demonstrates just how necessary it is to eliminate racial bias in the legal system.
2We Are: The Brooklyn Saints
Some of the entries on this list are pretty bleak, so tune intoWe Are: The Brooklyn Saintsif you want a more uplifting series to binge. As the name suggests, this show is set in Brooklyn and follows a youth football team the Brooklyn Saints.
Not only do you hear from the coaches and parents, but the children themselves chime in and discuss what draws them into the sport, the friendships they’ve formed with their teammates, and the important lessons they’re learning along the way. It’s so important to havejoyous stories of Black peopletold to, andWe Are: The Brooklyn Saintsdelivers on that front.
1Self Made
Possibly one of the most underrated shows on Netflix isSelf Madestarring Octavia Spencer. In the series, Spencer portraysreal-life businesswoman Madam C.J. Walker. Though she hardly needs an introduction, Walker is credited as the first Black woman millionaire in the United States.
Set in the late-1800s and early-1900s, it was difficult enough for any woman to carve out a career for herself. Tack on the racial prejudice running rampant at the time, and it makes Walker’s achievements all the more incredible. Viewers bear witness to Walker’s strategic business moves, the adversity she faced, and personal struggles. With just four episodes, this series is well worth checking out.
