Overview:

The article discusses the lack of Black-led TV shows and films, and the importance of supporting Black creators to ensure that their stories continue to be told. It highlights five upcoming TV and film projects that bring together talented Black writers, directors, and actors, including Abbott Elementary, Highest 2 Lowest, Tyler Perry's Beauty in Black, Reasonable Doubt, and HIM. The article emphasizes that supporting these projects is crucial to ensuring that Black culture is seen and that the next generation of Black creators knows that there is an audience ready for their work.

Once upon a time, Millennials had a long list of iconic Black TV and films to watch. From the late ‘90s into the early 2000s, we had options, entire nights of television and movies that reflected our humor, struggles and joy. 

But these days? 

It feels like every other week, we hear that another show we love is getting canceled. The streaming mergers, the “budget cuts,” the corporate reshuffles—it all adds up to fewer Black-led stories making it to our screens. 

That’s why it’s more important than ever to show up for the work our creators are putting out right now. These artists are still telling our stories, complex, hilarious, layered and unapologetically ours. And this fall, we’ve got a lineup worth marking on the calendar.

From Emmy-winning sitcoms to tense legal dramas, from intimate character studies to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, these five upcoming TV and film projects bring together some of the most talented Black writers, directors and actors working today. Supporting them is about making sure our stories keep getting told, our culture keeps getting seen and the next generation of Black creators knows the audience is out here, ready for the ride.

So here it is, your must-watch Black TV & film list for Fall 2025. 

Abbott Elementary

Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James and the rest of the crew are back for more chaotic charm in Philly’s most underfunded (and most hilarious) public school. The mockumentary-style sitcom continues to balance sharp comedy with real talk about the education system, and it’s only gotten stronger season after season. Fresh off a record-breaking year for ABC, “Abbott” is proving that smart, Black-led comedies can dominate prime time. Premieres October 16, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET on ABC

Highest 2 Lowest


Denzel Washington and Spike Lee reunite for their fifth collaboration, this time reimagining Akira Kurosawa’s High and Low for the streets of modern-day New York. Washington plays a legendary music mogul with a golden ear, pulled into a dangerous ransom scheme that tests his morals, loyalty and survival instincts. Expect tension, style, and powerhouse performances. In theaters August 15 | Streaming on Apple TV+ September 5

Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black


Tyler Perry’s Netflix hit is back for season two after dominating the platform’s charts. The series dives into love, ambition and the challenges Black women face in business and relationships, all wrapped in Perry’s signature mix of drama, romance and unexpected twists. Returns September 11 on Netflix

Reasonable Doubt

Emayatzy Corinealdi commands the screen as Jax Stewart, a brilliant but complicated defense attorney juggling high-stakes cases and her own personal mess. Season three promises more legal drama, deeper character arcs and the kind of jaw-dropping twists that keep Hulu viewers hooked. Season 3 premieres September 18 on Hulu

HIM

Tyriq Withers stars as Cameron Cade, a young quarterback whose dreams shatter after a violent attack, until his idol, played by Marlon Wayans, offers to train him. But this mentorship takes a sinister turn, morphing from inspiration into obsession. A psychological sports thriller with a cultural edge, HIM will keep you guessing. In theaters September 19

This story was originally published on Word In Black on September 2nd, 2025.