Black British And Talented: Tv Shows

Following on our black British and talented series we have put together a collection of Black British tv shows and documentaries that are a must watch.

Get your binge on!

01

Small Axe 2020

Available on BBC iPlayer 15th Nov (also on Amazon Prime)

Steve McQueen is the director of Small Axe, a collection of five films. Inspired by real life events and people, Small Axe is an exploration of systemic racism in British amongst the west Indian community from the late 1960s to the mid 1980s. Staring John Boyega and Letita Wright, the show aims to celebrate blackness in all its beauty.

02

I May Destroy You 202

Available on BBC iPlayer

10/10 would recommend! Hands down the best drama I’ve seen this year. I May Destroy you is written and produced by the talented Michaela Cole. A remarkable piece dissecting the principle of sexual consent, race and life as a millennial, highlighting all its highs and tragic lows. It follows a young black woman, born in London to Ghanian parents. Cole's character Arabella unravels as she aims to tackle past and present relationships with her father, exes and friends. We see the effects of harbouring hate and unresolved issues. The drama is captivating, from the character developments to the visuals, I May Destroy You has unmissable layers of untold stories effecting our society today.

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of Michaela Cole check out Chewing Gum, a British sitcom created and written by Michaela Cole.

03

Top Boy 2019

Available on Netflix

Top Boy is one of the best gangsta/crime dramas to come out of the UK. To say people were happy to see it reemerge for a 3rd season after 7 years would be an understatement. The latest season did not disappoint, it still maintained the integrity of the original episodes while offering an authentic perspective. The drama follows two friends Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kano Robinson) drug dealers from a council estate in London. What makes Top Boy so popular amongst black Britons is the representation! . We faintly get to see ourselves represented or have our story being told. For many Top Boy is more than just a fantasy drama, it exhibit themes that are relatable and true to those living in council estates and growing up as a working class citizen. Dysfunctional families and friendship dynamics, metal health, lack of opportunities are just a few themes the drama successfully addresses that many can identity with.

04

Generation Revolution 2016

Available on Netflix

A documentary following the London Black Revs, a new generation of black and brown activists with a mission for “black liberation and the end of exploitation and oppression”. Utilising mainstream media and solidarity protests with the black lives movement, to fight for a more equal future, we see how the group gained attention to pursue social change.

05

Desmond's

Available on Netflix

A British sitcom classic, released in the late1980s. Set in a barbershop that is owned by a British- Guyanae family in south London. Desmond's if filled with nostalgia and good old British ‘Banter’.