Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television
Owning the screen. Owning the story.
Journey through the history of black representation on television, showcasing how black artists and creators both shaped and revolutionized the medium while confronting the systemic challenges that have often undermined their contributions.
Cast
Issa Rae
Self
Tracee Ellis Ross
Self
Tyler Perry
Self
Oprah Winfrey
Self
Justin Simien
Self
Debbie Allen
Self
Mara Brock Akil
Self
Lena Waithe
Self
Larry Wilmore
Self
Seasons
E1Part 1: Seen
Sep 9, 2025
From Amos 'n' Andy to The Jeffersons and Good Times, Black television was historically shaped by white writers and creators. But in the 1990s, a rise in shows by Black creators brought social issues to the forefront, allowing Black television to go beyond merely reflecting culture, but to create it with shows such as In Living Color and The Arsenio Hall Show.
E2Part 2: Heard
Sep 10, 2025
The responsibility and power of storytelling is demonstrated through the work of Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, and other creators, as well as stories depicting the breadth of the Black experience. With ownership of news and entertainment properties, Black creators now shape perception and policy – while honoring the scope of their history in all its paradoxes and complexities.
Videos
Storyline
Journey through the history of black representation on television, showcasing how black artists and creators both shaped and revolutionized the medium while confronting the systemic challenges that have often undermined their contributions.
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