TV’s Blackest Binge: The Hidden Gems of Hulu
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Among the various streaming services, Hulu has one of the most interesting programming lineups. From documentaries, to TV comedies, to classic series, there’s a lot for Black audiences to choose from. To help you narrow down your selections, we’ve gathered some of the streaming network’s hidden gems, so you can append more time watching and less time scrolling.
Community
Community is the type of absurd, ridiculous comedy where you have no idea what you’re watching, but it keeps you cracking up. It features a pre-Atlanta Donald Glover, honing his pitch perfect comedic timing.
Read more
Formula 1 Didn't Realize Las Vegas Would Be Cold In November
Big Ten declares martial law, rest of college football wonders if they can do that
The Marvels raises the question: How many times is Marvel going to tease us with [REDACTED]?
Venus and Serena
This 2013 documentary chronicles the takeover of tennis phenoms Venus and Serena Williams. We get a real look at how they changed the game and the impact of their success on the tennis world.
Women of the Movement
Mamie Till-Mobley turned her unimaginable pain into the catalyst of a movement. This ABC limited series follows Mamie as she seeks justice for her son, Emmett Till, and becomes a central figure in the civil rights movement.
The Wonder Years
It is a crime against quality family entertainment that ABC canceled this Peabody-winning comedy. Thankfully, you can check out or relive all the Williams’ greatest moments.
227
Some shows are just funny forever, and 227 is one of them. A huge part of that is the comedic chemistry between Marla Gibbs and Jackee Harry.
Queen Sugar
The Bordelons are such a fascinating family full of secrets, pain and togetherness. t’s funny, heart-breaking, triumphant and romantic. Sometimes all in the same scene.
Scandal
I know Scandal isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but we’ve never needed Olivia Pope more than we do right now.
Janet Jackson.
If you missed the hit Lifetime documentary, this is your chance to celebrate the absolute legend that is Ms. Jackson.
Godfather of Harlem
MGM+ f.k.a. Epix isn’t on everyone’s radar, so you’d be forgiven for missing this period drama about gangster Bumpy Johnson. Forest Whitaker is brilliant, as always, and the series is a fascinating look at an interesting part of Black history.
Unprisoned
This unique, new comedy stars Kerry Washington as a therapist who must reconcile with her ex-con father, played by Delroy Lindo, as he tries to adapt to life outside of prison walls.
Attack the Block
John Boyega delivers a star-making performance in this sci-fi/comedy about a group of young people who are forced to defend their London neighborhood from aliens. Warning: you may need to turn on captions, because this movie is extremely British.
Chevalier
Kelvin Harrison Jr. is fantastic as he enters full leading man, swashbuckler mode as he brings an untold piece of Black history to life.
Aftershock
A stirring documentary that follows Omari Maynard and Bruce McIntyre, two Black fathers who became bonded after losing their partners during childbirth. They become advocates for Black maternal health and find a support network.
The Gospel According to André
A documentary on the life and legend of the iconic André Leon Tally.
Living Single
This classic sitcom is the perfect choice when you need a pick me up, or an extra boost of female empowerment. Why have a girls’ night out when you can just stay home in sweatpants and hang out with Queen Latifah, Erika Alexander, Kim Coles and Kim Fields.
K.C. Undercover
If you want to see Zendaya before she became Hollywood’s It Girl, this adorable Disney series about a family of spies definitely features moments where you can see she’s headed for superstar status.
Underground
This drama about a courageous group of slaves who fight for freedom is hard to watch, but it’s a series that doesn’t shy away from the cruelty of slavery or America’s true history. It examines all the characters’ complicated stories with compassion and uncomfortable honesty.
Summer of Soul
Summer of Soul isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it’s so good we will never pass up a chance to showcase Questlove’s Oscar-winning celebration of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
More from The Root
Long before The Curse, Albert Brooks skewered “reality TV” with Real Life
Australian cop convicted for pulling gun over threat of Top Gun: Maverick spoilers
On The Right Tires A Toyota Prius Is Almost As Fun To Drive As A Volkswagen GTI
These Are The Best Winter Tires According To Consumer Reports
Sign up for The Root's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.