i’ve been pretty open on politics & fashion about not watching most prime time shows because the casts and storylines aren’t relatable. well, this fall, i’ll have several shows to choose from that not only star black actors and actresses, but also have pretty engaging plots.
1. how to get away with murder is the newest creation of television genius shonda rhimes, creator of hit series grey’s anatomy and scandal. the show stars academy award nominee viola davis as a no-nonsense criminal law professor who uses unconventional methods to defend her clients in the courtroom.
2. blackish is a comedy that stars anthony anderson and tracee ellis ross as a married couple whose upper middle class lifestyle has removed them from their black peers. anderson’s character is worried about his children being “blackish” and under his father’s watchful eye, played by lawrence fishbourne, has set out to connect his children to their black roots. i’m worried about the show falling into stereotypes and caricatures for punchlines, but the concept definitely reflects a relevant struggle.
3. empire is a drama created by lee daniels and stars terrance howard as a ceo of a hip hop record label and taraji p. henson as his ex-wife who served 17 years in prison on drug charges. the storyline includes greed, jealousy, homophobia, sex and lots of drama. i really don’t find terrance howard (or his relaxed hair) a credible hip hop mogul, but taraji p. henson gives me life so hopefully it will balance out.
slow clap for all the black directors, producers, actors and actresses who are working tirelessly to bring our images to television screens across america.