TV shows that spotlight our community and showcase characters beyond the perceived monolith of the Black experience are the types of TV shows Black film critics want on your streaming radar.
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) revealed its top shows of the year at its 6th Annual AAFCA TV Honors. Held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, the organization bestowed special honors to actor Glynn Turman (Legacy Award), showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll (Salute to Excellence Award), Starz’s Power Universe (Impact Award) and streaming Platform Tubi (Ally Award) as announced by AFCA President Gil Robertson.
2024 AAFCA TV Honoree Glynn Turman. Image: Sheri Determan.
“The 2024 AAFCA TV Honors class is a powerful testament to the exceptional range of Black talent in television today,” said Robertson. “From the legendary Glynn Turman, whose six-decade career continues to inspire, to rising stars and innovative storytellers, this group exemplifies excellence across the board. We’re honored to recognize their achievements and celebrate their commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling. They make us all better.”
Along with winners in competitive categories for distinguished achievements in television and streaming, AAFCA’s inaugural Top Ten TV Shows of the Year list is a natural extension of the organization’s mission to cast a bright light on entertainment that highlights the Black experience in the US and throughout the rest of the African diaspora.
Here are AAFCA’s Top Ten Shows of the Year—and where to watch.
Genius: MLK/X (Nat Geo)
Unprisoned (Hulu)
Black Twitter: A People’s History (Hulu)
The Chi (Paramount+)
The Big Cigar (Apple TV+)
The Bear (Hulu)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
S.W.A.T. (CBS)
The Neighborhood (CBS)
Them (Prime Video)
