The best Black British shows of the past 25 years

As a dedicated fan of captivating television dramas, I found myself utterly enthralled by the diverse range of shows that graced our screens last year. Among these gems, two productions stood out to me as particularly noteworthy: “You Don’t Know Me” and “Dubplate Drama.

Celebrating Black History Month provides an ideal moment to honor numerous Black artists tirelessly creating meaningful, moving, and humorous content that graces our screens daily.

Instead of featuring every great show, Digital Spy is honoring our top Black British TV series during Black History Month by compiling a special selection.

To commemorate our 25-year milestone, we’ve curated a selection of 25 performances spanning the last 25 years, each highlighting the rich tapestry of talents found within the Black British artistic community.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Black History Month if some of these shows didn’t speak to the historical Black experience and the racial discrimination and injustices that have come along with it and that still persist today. But we also wanted to celebrate Black joy, Black love and Black laughter.

Delve into a diverse range of captivating stories, spanning from intense dramas to enchanting supernatural fables, discover our top choices for outstanding Black British television productions.

I May Destroy You

I May Destroy You is an unflinchingly bold series that delves into the complexities of consent and sexual assault, as its creator and main character Michaela Coel skillfully navigates these themes through various scenes. In her portrayal of Arabella, Coel brings to life a woman grappling with her identity and healing after being drugged and violated.

Arabella initially embarks on a healing journey that leads her through a challenging phase, causing her to scrutinize all her past and present sexual experiences. Iris Coel’s writing style is raw and unapologetic, tackling subjects society usually avoids or shies away from. This enables Arabella to confront her emotions honestly, speak openly about them, and escape the trap of self-blame that often prevails in our culture.

All this is to say: it’s a powerful watch.

Top Boy

One frequently discussed Black British series, “Top Boy,” initially premiered on Channel 4 back in 2011. Set within a fictional housing estate named Summerhouse, the show chronicles the lives of drug dealers Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kane Robinson), delving into their world of crime and the unforeseen and heart-wrenching repercussions that unfold.

The series came to a premature halt following only two seasons, but then Canadian hip-hop artist Drake caught up with it. Impressed by what he saw, Drake felt it deserved more attention and bought the rights to continue the show. He later had it restructured for streaming on Netflix.

The performance included numerous memorable guest appearances, including grime artist Scorcher portraying Kamale Lewis, whose character met an untimely end off-screen; rapper Dave playing Modie, who was fatally shot by Sully; and a shocking appearance by Barry Keoghan as Jonny, who was also killed by both Sully and Dushane.

But let’s not forget Top Boy also provided us with some break-out stars such as Malcolm Kamulete, Michaela Coel, Micheal Ward, Jasmine Jobson and Little Simz.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Despite the American showrunner, “Queen Charlotte” is authentically British in its setting, filming, and casting, as it portrays a significant historical Black British figure. Therefore, it undeniably qualifies.

Shonda Rhimes, a masterful creator, excels at building worlds centered around robust, well-developed Black main characters, and this is evident in ‘Queen Charlotte’. A spinoff from the popular ‘Bridgerton’ series, this regency drama chronicles Charlotte’s unexpected journey towards the throne.

In this fresh phase of her existence, her value is doubted, her racial identity contested, and she unintentionally finds herself responsible for uplifting the newly appointed Black colleagues at her court.

India Amarteifio and Golda Rosheuvel seamlessly switch between portraying Queen Charlotte at different stages of her life in Bridgerton, creating a captivating narrative. Similarly, Arsema Thomas and Adjoa Andoh effectively depict the transformation of Lady Danbury’s character over time.

For Charlotte, it’s a double burden to wear the crown, with one for herself and another for her husband who struggles with mental health issues. Her tale of resilience and self-empowerment is intertwined with the broader romantic narrative of King George and Queen Charlotte.

3 Non-Blondes

For many years before social media pranks became popular, the comedy trio consisting of Jocelyn Jee Esien, Tameka Empson, and Ninia Benjamin were creating their unique skits and pranks on British streets, surprising ordinary people unaware for television broadcasts.

They’d perform a variety of unique and humorous actions, ranging from donning oversized sanitary pads while delivering educational content about reproductive health, to portraying a charity worker who would only accept donations as hugs and kisses.

3 Non-Blondes was a trailblazer in mainstream comedy with a female-Black perspective, centering humor around three Black women (hence the title). The sketch series aired for only two seasons before the trio gained too much recognition, unfortunately undermining the humor of their pranks.

Chewing Gum

The first scene in the premiere of “Chewing Gum” sets the stage for its quirky and unconventional humor. The protagonist, Tracey (played by Michaela Coel, who also penned the script), engages in a prayer session with her partner, but their vow of abstinence is challenged when unwanted sexual thoughts unexpectedly disrupt the moment.

In the show, Tracey’s thoughts are openly shared with viewers, revealing her vivid dreams and audacious fantasies which often led to nosebleeds. Over just two seasons, Coel’s creation masterfully challenged comedy norms through a candid, humorous, and daring semi-autobiographical story that delved into topics such as religion, sexuality, and transgender identity within its compelling narrative.

Babyfather

According to Patrick Augustus’ novel “Babyfather”, the story unfolds around four African American friends: Gus (David Harewood), Johnny (Don Gilet), Linvall (Fraser James) and Beres (Wil Johnson). They navigate their personal lives, which involve their significant others – girlfriends, wives, or babymothers. This groundbreaking Black-centric drama marked a new milestone and showcased talented Black British actors such as Angela Griffin, Diane Parish, and Tameka Empson.

In a whirlwind of emotions, I find myself caught up in the tumultuous romances that unfold. For years, I’ve reveled in the freedom of bachelorhood, but this season takes an unexpected turn as I become smitten with the captivating salsa teacher, Chantelle (Angela Griffin). Meanwhile, Johnny navigates a complex web of relationships; his long-term partner Lesley (Diane Parish) is carrying their second child, while he’s also expecting a baby with Pauline (Petra Letang), another woman in the picture.

Beyond just this, Linvall, having given up his daily employment to devote himself wholeheartedly to his love for photography, learns an unexpected truth: he’s a father to a 14-year-old son born from his long-time sweetheart Marcia. As for Beres, his marriage doesn’t escape unharmed either; when his wife leaves him for another woman, they engage in a contentious court battle over their daughter’s custody.

Black Earth Rising

“Michaela Coel once more takes on a substantial role in the gripping political thriller ‘Black Earth Rising.’ This series packs a powerful punch from the outset as it explores the repercussions of the Rwandan genocide.

As a captivated viewer, I find myself immersed in the gripping reality of Kate Ashby, a legal investigator portrayed by Coel. She tirelessly tackles war-crime cases while wrestling with her own troubled history. This compelling drama serves as a powerful platform for echoing the heart-wrenching, authentic accounts of those who endured genocide. The masterful storytelling of creator Hugo Blick skillfully weaves in poignant themes such as mental health and adoption, adding layers of depth and emotional resonance to an already profound narrative.

Supacell

In the Netflix blockbuster hit Supacell, South London undergoes an extraordinary transformation. The popular television series stars Tosin Cole, known for his role in Doctor Who. This show revolves around six characters who have recently acquired unique powers and are learning to navigate their new abilities.

Ultimately, regardless of their unique hardships, distinct lifestyles, and varying pasts, they find themselves intertwined due to a shared destiny – the crucial part they each must play in the rescue mission for Michael’s fiancée Dionne (Adelayo Adedayo).

Supacell truly shines within the supernatural genre, particularly due to the strong camaraderie among its talented cast members. Additionally, the intricate world-construction effectively breathes life into South London, imbuing the streets with a palpable air of authenticity.

What really set Supacell apart was Rapman’s unique talent for drawing attention to sickle cell disease, a condition disproportionately affecting people with Black ancestry. This real-world impact is far more heroic than any spectacular, superpowered scenes on screen.

Three Little Birds

Despite the cancellation of the series, “Three Little Birds” remains an uplifting and emotional viewing experience. After the Windrush era, the show chronicles the journeys of three women as they seek a brighter future in England.

The picture-perfect dream they’ve been sold, however, unfolds into a reality that’s much harsher than they’d been expecting. The three leads are each powerful in their own unique ways, balancing the light, love and fun in their hearts against the grind, discrimination and mistreatment they go through.

Shiro’s Story

Prior to creating Supacell, Rapman was famously recognized from his YouTube sensation, “Shiro’s Story” – a compact three-episode series that depicted Rapman’s life journey in south London.

In a rhythmic narrative style, this series focuses on Shiro, a young, family-oriented character played by Joivan Wade. As he delves deeper into his family history, he discovers a hidden truth and a deception from his friend Kyle (Percelle Ascott). This revelation is just the beginning of a series of unexpected events in the show, ultimately thrusting Shiro into the grim underworld of the streets.

Featuring guest appearances from British rappers like Konan, Not3s, Headie One, and Ashley Walters of “Top Boy,” “Shiro’s Story” spotlights the hardships and traumas that numerous Black Londoners experience, which are frequently stigmatized.

The program skillfully avoids romanticizing the pervasive issue of gang culture, instead highlighting the brutal and cyclical violence typically associated with such a lifestyle.

Riches

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the intense family dynamics unfolding in the world of ‘Riches’. The popular Nigerian phrase “We don’t want no trouble” seems to be lost on these siblings, as they’re more focused on causing strife among themselves rather than maintaining unity. The passing of self-made millionaire Stephen Richards has sparked a fierce dispute between his children from two marriages. In the aftermath of his death, he left his thriving company, Flair and Glory, to his estranged offspring from his first marriage, which has led to a bitter confrontation among them.

Wealth, featuring standout performances, is deeply rooted in gripping storylines, making it an ideal candidate for marathon viewing.

Champion

In this drama written by Candice Carty-Williams, we follow the story of musical siblings Bosco Champion (Malcolm Kamulete) and Vita Champion (Déja J Bowens). After serving time in prison, rap sensation Bosco is ready to rejoin the music scene, but when his talented younger sister Vita’s abilities are discovered and taken by one of Bosco’s competitors, she embarks on a solo career, distancing herself from her Champion family. This move causes tension between the two siblings, leading to a surge of sibling rivalry and family discord.

The program delves into significant themes related to mental health struggles such as anxiety, while also highlighting the beauty of Black relationships and family traditions. Additionally, the character Kamulete’s captivating rhymes, portrayed by rapping icon Bosco, will leave you eager for more.

#HoodDocumentary

Clad in a sleek black leather jacket, flaunting his toned torso and sporting a dazzling gold necklace, the charismatic character Kayode Ewumi, known by his alias RS or Reece/Roll Safe, leads us on a comical tour through his South London neighborhood. With aspirations of becoming a successful Grime MC, he navigates his journey to success.

Originally launched on Vine and YouTube (later gaining attention from the BBC), the #HoodDocumentary series played a significant role in elevating Ewumi’s popularity, spreading his image across social media platforms. Many viewers were convinced that his character was based on a real person.

The atmosphere became more intense when Roll Safe first appeared on Radio 1Xtra’s _Fire in the Booth_, garnering over 16 million views on YouTube to date. Although _#HoodDocumentary_ wasn’t a typical TV series, its achievement deserves recognition, as everyone is familiar with the famous ‘thinking’ meme associated with it.

Sitting in Limbo

Titled “Sitting in Limbo,” this compelling documentary-drama, often described as emotional, impactful, and disheartening, offers a raw and moving portrayal of numerous individuals’ heartrending experiences, as told through the story of one man and his personal encounter with the Windrush scandal.

Patrick Robinson portrays Jamaican-born character Anthony Bryan, whose life takes an unexpected turn when informed he can’t legally work in the UK, triggering deportation proceedings. In an instant, his half-century of residency and professional contributions in the UK are callously dismissed, leading to a challenging battle for justice.

Stephen Thompson, the show’s creator, penned the BBC drama as a means to narrate his brother’s tale and pay tribute to the victims of the Windrush scandal. Not only did he accomplish this, but he surpassed expectations with this emotionally stirring narrative about injustice, sorrow, and unwavering optimism.

Noughts + Crosses

While not all tales conclude with joy, the voyage through them can still be a rewarding experience. The series “Noughts + Crosses” is an example of such stories, one that many have come to recognize. Similar to Malorie Blackman’s popular book series, this TV show presents a racial narrative where the roles are flipped, with people of color holding power over white individuals.

Amidst the thick of intense racial conflicts, Black Sephy and white Callumn find themselves falling deeply in love. This story, told from an unconventional perspective, delves into their relationship which is intricate, poignant, stunning, and awkward. It’s precisely this discomfort that compels us to ponder.

Jungle

A lesser-known gem on Prime Video is the crime drama titled “Jungle,” which seamlessly blends heavy grime and drill music with a futuristic, cyberpunk atmosphere.

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but draw parallels between this gripping series and the poignant narrative of “Shiro’s Story.” The show masterfully employs the raw, emotional beats of UK grime and drill music to narrate the harrowing tale of Gogo (Ezra Elliott), a character entangled in the tragic consequences of an unintended homicide.

Though not everyone may appreciate it and certain aspects might seem confusing if you’re not familiar with street slang, Ezra Elliott delivers a performance as Gogo that could launch a successful rap career of his own. The appearance of well-known rappers like Dizzee Rascal, Tinie Tempah, Big Narstie, M24, Amaria BB, IAMDDB, Unknown T, Bandokay, and Double Lz adds authenticity to the production.

Despite the common portrayals of violence, illegal drug activity, and gang lifestyle among young Black males, there’s a concluding message aimed at broadening perceptions about their experiences. This message encourages self-love and emphasizes the crucial theme that the animosity we harbor towards one another hinders our ability to love ourselves and hampers our growth as a community, preventing us from uniting.

Queenie

If you found the book “Queenie” not appealing, the TV series adaptation might change your mind. The main character Queenie continues to make dubious choices in her relationships, work, personal life, and friendships. However, as you transition from reading to watching, you may find yourself empathizing with her decisions instead of becoming annoyed by her mistakes.

The story skillfully preserves the compelling aspects of the book – the multigenerational pain, battles with personal value, and racial biases clashing against societal norms – all presented in a more engaging manner. By the end, you’ll find yourself admiring Queenie’s gradual path to healing.

Mr Loverman

“Mr. Loverman” is a fresh addition to the list, yet it undeniably deserves its spot. The acting prowess of Lennie James and Ariyon Bakare as Barrington and Morris is simply captivating. Their deep, emotional, and passionate relationship, which unfolds over six decades, remains hidden from Barry’s wife Carmel (played by Sharon D Clarke) throughout this heartrending journey.

The novel “Mr Loverman” carries a substantial weight that invites a contemplative examination of deeply ingrained and outwardly expressed homophobia. This exploration encourages dialogues about queerness not only within the African-American community but also beyond its borders. However, it’s essential to remember that even in such profound themes, there is always space for humor and joy.

Small Axe

Instead of saying “The phrase ‘powerful watch,’ … but it is: Small Axe is an extremely powerful watch,” you could also say:

Each part of this drama delves into the lives of West Indian immigrants residing in London from the ’60s to the ’80s, starting with a real-life account of The Mangrove Nine, a collective of Black British activists who stood trial at the Old Bailey for allegedly inciting a riot.

This intense and heartfelt episode paved the way for future episodes, as they portrayed genuine experiences filled with raw emotions, happiness, and strong familial ties. The series delves into the topic of racial injustice, addressing issues like police violence and educational disparities. It boasts an impressive cast that includes stars from notable productions such as John Boyega from “Star Wars”, Micheal Ward from “Top Boy”, Saffron Coomber from “Three Little Birds”, and Daniel Francis from “Bridgerton”.

Boarders

The story revolves around five exceptionally skilled and academically gifted but economically disadvantaged Black students from London, who have been granted extraordinary scholarships to the prestigious private institution, St Gilbert’s.

Jaheim (Josh Tedeku), Toby (Sekou Diaby), Leah (Jodie Campbell), Omar (Myles Camwendo), and Femi (Aruna Jalloh) find themselves in an unfamiliar realm, filled with fresh hurdles and a multitude of subtle, often unintentional slights.

The scholarships have a hidden condition: they were strategically designed as a public relations move to restore the school’s reputation following an incident where a video surfaced showing students mocking a homeless man by splashing him with expensive champagne. Boarders, however, skillfully combines themes of race, class, and privilege through humor in its educational approach for everyone involved.

Famalam

Picture yourself as Charlene, a successful Black woman in a corporate environment dominated by whites. During an important office meeting, your boyfriend surprises you with an unusual message – a group of masked men, dressed head-to-toe in black and known for rapping, deliver a birthday greeting to the rhythm of a beat. This unexpected Drill-O-Gram, as it’s called, is a unique way to celebrate your special day.

Among the many funny and unforgettable sketches, this one from BBC’s humorous variety show “Famalam” became a popular sensation online.

Between the baking talents of The Stratford Soldiers from East London, who have a legendary lemon sponge cake recipe, and the controversial wealth amassed by Prince Alyusi Islassis, Famalam skillfully revitalizes the sketch comedy genre for today’s audiences. It certainly holds its own among the groundbreaking acts that paved the way before it.

Dreaming Whilst Black

In simple terms, this BAFTA-awarded series chronicles the life of aspiring filmmaker Kwabena (Adjani Salmon), who often loses himself in fantasies about his dream to be a renowned director and imagines various storylines involving the people around him.

Due to persistent small but hurtful acts of prejudice from his workmates at the recruitment office, Kwabena yearns deeply to abandon that stagnant position and instead immerse himself in a movie-making career.

The performance is brimming with unexpectedly witty remarks and personal stories that could take anyone unaware, regardless of their readiness. These themes aren’t exclusive to Kwabena; they resonate with numerous individuals aspiring for a foothold in the competitive world of creative industries.

You Don’t Know Me

In a gripping turn of events, the BBC crime drama “You Don’t Know Me” unfolds around the character of Hero, played by Samuel Adewunmi. This individual finds himself standing trial for the alleged murder of Jamil, portrayed by Roger Nsengiyumva.

In a gripping, four-act narrative, we delve into Hero’s account of past happenings, interspersed with flashbacks, as he tirelessly works to clear his name in the deadly encounter with notorious gangster, Jamil.

The protagonist asserts that his entry into the criminal underworld, a stark contrast from his previous car-dealership occupation, was orchestrated by his girlfriend, Kyra (Sophie Wilde). It was later discovered that she may have set him up for a murder charge, having anonymously informed the police.

In the climax, the thriller presents two scenarios for viewers: One where the protagonist is declared guilty, bringing relief to Jamil’s family as he serves out his days in prison. Alternatively, the protagonist is acquitted, allowing him to reunite with Kyra overseas, starting anew together.

Instead of revealing the ultimate balance, the series leaves us hanging, concluding dramatically when the judge queries the jury foreperson about their decision, who confirms, “Yes,” thus bringing everything to a close.

In summary, the program maintains a strong hold on your attention from start to finish, ensuring some form of resolution, even offering multiple possible conclusions.

Dubplate Drama

Through Channel 4’s show Dubplate Drama, we follow the journey of teenage Grime MC, Dionne (portrayed by real-life Grime MC Shystie), as she strives to land a significant record deal to support her family financially.

In settings blending elements of Channel U, Deja Vu radio station conflicts, and Risky Roadz grime video series, Dubplate Drama vividly portrayed the spirit of UK Grime at its zenith. Sprinkled throughout were notable guest spots by prominent figures in the UK cultural landscape, including Dappy, Fazer, and Tulisa from N Dubz, Big Narstie, Adam Deacon, MC Rodney P, and Crazy Titch.

The program pioneered the concept of interactive TV, empowering viewers to dictate the course of action in each episode via a text-based service. This allowed them to decide the subsequent events.

The show lasted just two seasons, with its final episode being funded by the NSPCC for their Childline initiative. This was done to draw attention to the risks associated with guns and knives.

Domino Day

The day of the dominos can be seen as a heartfelt tribute to ’90s television shows centered around strong female leads and mystical themes. With hints of ‘Charmed’ and a heavy dose of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, this modern take on witchcraft centers around the life of Domino, played by Siena Kelly, who has an unquenchable thirst for absorbing human energy, particularly from unsavory men she meets on Tinder.

Although it seems to border on wrongdoing, it doesn’t take much time for viewers to understand that life isn’t as straightforward as good versus evil. It’s within this complexity that the story delves into the ambiguity of moral choices.

Remarkably, what sets this alluring, British fantasy horror apart is its focus on a leading Black female character, which is not common in the genre. This broadens the representation landscape, making room for Asian women to take center stage as well.

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2024-10-16 18:21