Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Now that we’re experiencing our third lockdown (if you are in the UK) I’m sure that at this point you’re bored in the house and in the house bored. You’ve probably scoured the Internet, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus to find something to entertain you.
Well I’ve been able to compile an entertaining list of TV shows and movies that puts us dark skin folk in the limelight!
Films
Fast Color
Are you a fan of superhero films? If so, then this movie might be for you!
Fast Color focuses on three Black women (two Black women and a Black girl to be specific) who each posses super powers in a time where water has become scarce. Fast Color deviates from your average super hero film as it explores how each character deals with this situation as well as their relationship with one another. If you’re eager to watch this head over to Netflix.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
This film is a CLASSIC – and frankly is the only Cinderella film I recognise. Not only does the cast feature legends (Whitney Houston, Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg etc.) but the soundtrack and acting are equally good! If you haven’t watched this film or are eager to relive your childhood memories head over to Disney Plus to watch this.
Live- Action TV Series
Pose
If you haven’t seen Pose yet, I definitely suggest you give it a try. With the largest cast of trans actors in TV history, Pose tells the story of the LGBTQIA+ community in New York City during a time of the AIDS epidemic and the emergence and rise of Ballroom and voguing. This show is full of laugh-out-loud moments, parts that will make you want to hug your loved ones and is undoubtedly full of heart – an absolute must watch on Netflix.
Blood & Water
This Netflix show, based in South Africa , tells the story of a young girl who seeks to discover if the swimming star at her elite private school is actually her missing sister. If you like Gossip Girl, Riverdale and Elite you will like this, especially if you are looking for good Dark skin representation.
Insecure
Insecure is a comedy surrounding two friends Issa Dee and Molly. This show explores many topics such as serious issues like racism to normal everyday experiences such as love, the workplace and living as an adult. If you’re looking for a good hard belly laugh – this is the show for you. Available on HBO Max, Amazon Prime and Sky.
Fun fact the creator Issa Rae used her web series The Awkward Black Girl as the basis for this TV show.
In the Long Run
Another show you may enjoy is In the Long Run which tells the story of a family who moved to East London from Sierra Leonne in the 80’s. Starring Idris Elba and the stunning Madeline Appiah who plays Idris’ wife, this series is super easy to watch and light-hearted. A perfect watch to escape from these lockdown blues! Available on Now TV or Sky.
Queen Sugar
If there is one word to describe Queen Sugar it would be amazing! This TV series focuses on the lives of three siblings situated in rural Louisiana who must not only cope with the aftermath of their father’s sudden passing but also decide the fate of a 800-acre sugarcane farm he left behind. Not only is each episode gripping but the cinematography is beautiful.
Queen Sugar currently has five series so that is plenty of episodes to get stuck into. Available on Amazon Prime.
Cartoons
The Legend of Korra
Now time for some animated recommendations…😁The Legend of Korra, takes place in a fictional universe where people can bend the elements, water, fire, earth and air. This show can be found on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
You cannot mention The Legend of Korra without mentioning its predecessor, aka the goat that is Avatar: The Last Airbender. As you can tell from the title this series follows the story of Aang who was the last airbender of his time as well as the previous Avatar before Korra.
From the fight scenes to the comedic elements and overall storyline this is one show that is definitely worth the watch. You can find Avatar: The Last Airbender on both Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Kipo and The Age of the Wonder Beasts
Another animation that has both Dark skin non-male representation and also LGBTQIA+ representation is Kipo and the Wonder Beasts. Our protagonist Kipo is searching for her father and has to go through a world ruled by mutated animals to find him. If you’re intrigued to watch this cartoon make sure to head over to Netflix.
Kid Cosmic
My last recommendation is the cartoon Kid Cosmic. This cartoon follows five ordinary folk in a desert area around New Mexico who become superheroes by chance. Kid Cosmic is hilarious, heart warming and is overall entertaining. If you’re looking for a light-hearted show that will make you laugh, its available on Netflix.
Final Thoughts
Globally, the entertainment industry still has a lot of work to do in order for there to be a diverse range of dark skin representation, particularly representation of non cis men. This article gives a small glimmer of the representation that IS out there so please check out these shows whilst we’re all staying safe at home!
Dark Hues 