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or me, and I’m sure many Black folks, Juneteenth should be all the days of June. Freedom can’t be over-celebrated, and there’s no better way than to flex with a movie that emphasizes this feel-good triumph. This weekend is a perfect reason to binge-watch the Black shows you’ve been wanting to see. From relatable comedies to gripping dramas that hit you right in the feels, it’s a wise choice to continue the Juneteenth celebration with shows that are the epitome of Black excellence.
Grab your popcorn, kick back, and prepare for a weekend filled with laughter, thought-provoking moments, and some serious eye candy. Trust me, you won’t wanna miss out on this list selection of the best Black TV shows to enjoy as we continue the Juneteenth celebrations well into this weekend.
Check out these Juneteenth Black TV Shows to watch this weekend…
#1. Insecure
Womanhood, friendships, career, and crazy relationship
First up, we have “Insecure” on HBO. Issa Rae is serving up major laughs and relatable moments as we plunge into the lives of two fab Black women. Prepare to witness their career struggles, relationship rollercoasters, and unbreakable friendship. It’s like watching a mirror portraying the journey of the modern Black woman. Brace yourself for the realness, ’cause “Insecure” fearlessly tackles topics like race, gender, and sexuality like nobody’s business.
Release Date: October 9, 2016 – December 26, 2021
Cast: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Lisa Joyce, Natasha Rothwell
#2. 12 Years A Slave
Racism. Tearjerker. No. You’re gonna cry buckets
“12 Years A Slave” is a masterpiece that delves into the brutal realities of 19th-century slavery, leaving an indelible impact on viewers. With extraordinary performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita N’yongo, and Micheal Fassbender, this film is so much like an emotional odyssey. Through the lens of Solomon Northup, the protagonist, whose abduction and enslavement serve as the narrative’s foundation, the film explores the dehumanization and institutionalized oppression that characterized this shameful period in history.
Watching this film inevitably prompts profound introspection, particularly for modern African American viewers who might ponder their place in such a harrowing landscape. It’s one of the typical Black Juneteenth TV shows that will cast your mind on the reason for the celebration.
Release Date: 18 October 2013
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Adepero Oduye, Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti.
#3. Black-ish
A story of family, fitting in, and finding the American dream
It’s always an entertaining and enlightening moment when you meet the Johnsons. “Black-ish” featured on ABC. This comedy will have you rolling on the floor with laughter while warming your heart at the same time. Follow an upper-middle-class Black family as they juggle their way through a predominantly white world. They’re out here trying to maintain their cultural roots and chase the American dream. It’s a show that’s got soul, humor, and a whole lot of love.
Release Date: September 24, 2014 – April 19, 2022
Cast: Anthony Anderson, Yara Shahidi, Marsai Martin, Tracee Ellis Ross, Marcus Scribner.
#4. Grown-ish
Adulthood. College life. Friendships.
If you’re craving some college adventures, look no further than “Grown-ish” on Freeform. This hilarious spin-off from “Black-ish” follows Zoey Johnson (played by Yara Shahidi) as she plunges headfirst into the wild and crazy world of higher education. This is a hilarious journey through race, relationships, and self-discovery. Zoey’s got the swag to handle whatever life throws her way, and she’ll have you cracking up along the way.
Release Date: January 3, 2018 – June 28, 2023
Cast: Yara Shahidi, Deon Cole, Trevor Jackson, Francia Raisa, Emily Arlook,
Jordan Buhat, Chris Parnell, Chloe Bailey, Halle Bailey.
#5. Lovecraft Country
A blend of horror and racism
This horror-drama series “Lovecraft Country” on HBO will have you at the edge of your seat. It’s the perfect find if you’re curating your list of the best Juneteenth TV shows to enjoy. A Black family embarks on a perilous journey through the Jim Crow South, and the journey sends shivers down the spine. Get ready to confront the chilling horrors of racism, while exploring magical realism and unexpected humor. It’s a wild ride that’ll leave you shaken and craving more.
Release Date: August 16 – October 18, 2020
Cast: Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Aunjanue Ellis, Courtney B. Vance, Wunmi Mosaku, Abbey Lee, Jamie Chung.
#6. Queen Sugar
Family. Forgiveness. Legacy.
Switching gears to the deep South, we have “Queen Sugar” that aired on OWN. This powerful drama takes you on a heartfelt journey alongside three siblings who inherit their father’s sugarcane farm. It’s a breathtaking exploration of Black lives, love, loss, and redemption. Be prepared to shed a tear or two as you witness the raw beauty of their experiences.
Release Date: September 6, 2016 – November 29, 2022
Cast: Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Kofi Siriboe, Nicholas L. Ashe, Omar Dorsey, Dondre Whitfield, Timon Kyle Durrett.
#7. She’s Gotta Have It
In Love. With three people.
If you’re in search of a whole-lot-of-sass typa movie, “She’s Gotta Have It” on Netflix is the perfect fit. Based on the iconic 1986 film, this comedy-drama series celebrates Black womanhood like nobody’s business. Follow a young Black woman as she fearlessly explores her sexuality and independence. It’s a show that’s funny, empowering, and full of self-discovery and sexual liberation. If you think empowerment is having to juggle pansexuality, career, and remain “nobody’s property,” dial in.
Release Date: 23 November 2017
Cast: DeWanda Wise, Cleo Anthony, Anthony Ramos, Lyriq Rent, Joie Lee Chyna Layne.
#8. The Chi
Violence. Poverty. But hope in Chicago.
What’s a Juneteenth TV shows lineup without exploring the gritty streets of Chicago? “The Chi” is your plug and it stars on Showtime. This drama series doesn’t hold back in its unflinching portrayal of the challenges faced by Black teens growing up in the city. Experience the raw truth as this show explores the violence, poverty, and hope that coexist in the heart of Chicago. It’s a show that shines a light on the harsh realities of Black life in America while igniting a spark of hope.
Release Date: January 7, 2018 – present
Cast: Jason Mitchell, Ntare Guma Mbaho, Mwine, Jacob Latimore, Alex Hibbert, Tiffany Boone, Yolonda Ross.
#9. When They See Us
Race. Mass Incarceration. Criminal Injustice.
Looking for a gripping and eye-opening true story? “When They See Us” on Netflix meets the requirement. This limited series packs a punch as it tells the heart-wrenching tale of the Central Park Five—five Black teenagers wrongly convicted of rape in 1989. It’s a powerful and important journey that exposes injustice but also showcases the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a story that demands to be heard.
Release Date: May 31, 2019
Cast: Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Jharrel Jerome, Marquis Rodriguez.
#10. Atlanta
Love. Family. Poverty.
“Atlanta” is a captivating series that follows the daily life of Earn, portrayed by Donald Glover, as he navigates the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. The story revolves around Earn’s quest for redemption in the eyes of his ex-girlfriend, Van, played by Zazie Beetz, who is also the mother of their daughter, Lottie. Struggling with financial instability and lacking a permanent home, Earn alternates between staying with his parents and Van as he strives to improve their lives. This weekend, sit back and relax with these mind-blowing Black Juneteenth TV shows curated for your pleasure.
Release Date: September 6, 2016 – November 10, 2022
Cast: Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz.
Featured image: @grownish/Instagram
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