I guess the Netflix algorithm has figured out that I only really watch high-quality Black content with aspirational characters that make me feel good and hopeful about the Black world. Every time I log on lately, there seems to be some new content that fits my criteria so I’m eager to share with those who have similar taste to mine, or are looking for better Black content on Netflix.
The below are new in the US, but some may be streaming in the UK and parts of Africa as well.
My favorite high-quality, aspirational Black shows and films on Netflix for this week are:
1. Siempre Bruja (Always a Witch)
Everybody knows I loved season 1 of this show, it was such an adventure! Just seeing a breathtakingly beautiful Black Colombiana sold it for me. But then she was intelligent and honest, with some of the same superpowers I’m trying to master? Slam dunk. I get what people are saying about her romance with her owner, but for me, her character is worth watching in spite of that. I don’t pay that white boy no mind.
If you’re a sucker for stunning chocolate heroines with superpowers, Siempre Bruja will certainly leave you thirsting for more. Watch it with me this weekend then tell me what you think in the comments.
No embeddable trailer, so see it here.
2. Queen Sono
Black woman kicking ass all over town? I’m with it. The trailer is fire! Here’s the boilerplate description from Google: “A highly trained South African spy takes on her most dangerous mission yet while facing changing relationships in her personal life.”
Watch Trailer:
3. They’ve Gotta Have Us
A three-part series on the history of Black cinema. Very eye-opening as it highlights great films that most of us would never have heard of, details the many behind the scenes movements that got us to our current Black film renaissance. Robert Townsend and Harry Belafonte made the series for me, but all the subjects gave us so much wisdom and energy.
Watch Trailer:
4. Love Jacked
Corny but cute, a lighthearted Saturday-afternoon watch that you can re-watch any time you want to forget about your problems and holler laughing. Read my review here.
Watch Trailer:
5. Kasala
Kasala is a dope Lagos-based comedy; we screened at Yale back in 2018. I couldn’t confirm which countries it’s streaming in other than Nigeria and South Africa. Tag Netflix if it doesn’t show up for you and you’d like to see it in your country.
Watch Trailer:
Been on Netflix:
She Did That, the landmark documentary on Black women entrepreneurs, is a recent add from earlier this month. It’s still on Netflix, so watch it if you haven’t. Hell watch it again if you have, it’s worth a rewatch! Trailer here.
Also, in case you missed it, Netflix has also picked up Coming to America, Bad Boys, Rush Hour II and the Pursuit of Happyness.
Not a Black show, but definitely Black-adjacent and a seemingly fun watch, Gentefied.
We’d love to better track Black content on Netflix, so please post and hashtag #BlackonNetflix if you see high quality content that you think more of our people need to see. Netflix cancels shows based on viewership, so it’s super important that we support the content we love. As a general rule, make noise about any Black products you love.
If you’ve watched any of the content in this post, please let us know what you think in the comments. If not, go watch them this weekend and come back and tell us here. You can also chat with us on IG.
One love.
