WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE GOOD BLACK SHOWS?

What happened to all the good shows?

In honor of our fourth birthday and because sisterhood is basically sparkling in the air, we’re hopping on a little nostalgia train. 🚂💖

Tickets? If you haven’t grabbed yours, now’s the time. Come laugh, reminisce, and be part of the fun, it won’t be the same without you!

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Okaaayyy, now let’s get into it—shall we?

Where did all the good Black shows go? That’s a question I keep asking Hollywood. There was a time when we had channels like Trouble showcasing our favourite shows, our laughs, our drama, our iconic Black sista moments. And then, one day… like a thief in the night… they were gone. Just vanished, taking an era of Black storytelling with them.

But enough about the heartbreak, let’s talk about the shows we really miss. This list focuses on fairly recent favorites, yet somehow, ironically, they were all cancelled within their first or second season besides one.

And guess what? This is just the beginning. We’re turning this into a weekly series, so stay locked in for a new post every week as we honor the shows that were gone too soon.

1. Twenties (BET)

• What it was: Lena Waithe’s baby. A quirky, semi-autobiographical dramedy about a queer Black woman trying to “make it” in Hollywood with her messy but loyal friends. (This show was my ish!!)

• Vibe check: Imagine “Insecure” but with extra Hollywood chaos and sharper punchlines.

• Cancellation: RIP after Season 2 (2021).

• Disappointment factor: We were just getting into the groove of seeing Black queer representation on BET of all places. BET said, “Visibility? Groundbreaking? Nah, pack it up, you ain’t gotta go home but you gotta get the hell outta here!”

2. Run the World (Starz)

• What it was: Four Black women in Harlem living their best lives, juggling love, ambition, and brunch reservations like superheroes. Basically, the melanated younger sister of Sex and the City.

• Vibe check: Cocktails, career moves, super sexy men, and chaos.

• Cancellation: Done after Season 2 (2023).

• Disappointment factor: I remember when this show came out and we first posted it on our Instagram. We posted such a nice review that they reposted it everywhere. Folks were finally saying, “Starz is giving us something besides Power spin-offs!” … then boom. Gone. Apparently, sisterhood can’t outlast streaming budgets. Kmfbrt!

3. A Black Lady Sketch Show (HBO)

• What it was: Robin Thede and a rotating squad of brilliant Black women serving skits that were hilarious, absurd, and too relatable.

• Vibe check: “What if the cookout turned into an improv set?”

• Cancellation: Ended after Season 4 (2023).

• Disappointment factor: Critics loved it, fans loved it, Emmy nominations galore… and still: cancelled. Like, what else did y’all want? They just don’t want to see us on TV period. Or to see us juggle chainsaws on unicycles?

This show offered so much diversity within their storylines it was insane. Spoke about real topics and subjects but framed it in such a jokey way that made you think.

4. Our Kind of People (FOX)

• What it was: A soapy drama about Black wealth, family secrets, and bougie wigs in Martha’s Vineyard. Inspired by real Black high society (yes, they exist!).

• Vibe check: A sexy Morris Chestnut, star studded cast. Think Black Dynasty with extra sparkle and scandal.

• Cancellation: Axed after Season 1 (2022).

• Disappointment factor: FOX did that thing FOX always does—dangle drama in our faces and snatch it before we get closure. Cliffhangers forever unsolved. I guess white execs in Hollywood didn’t want to show too much Black success without the typical ‘hood-to-riches’ storyline. Thanks, I hate it.

The Bigger Picture

Why do Black shows keep getting cut short despite pulling in fans, buzz, and awards? Because networks love the aesthetics of diversity but not the commitment. It’s like they invite us to the party, let us dance for a song, then shut off the music before we can request Beyoncé. The audience is here. The talent is here. But the execs? Chile, they’re somewhere rebooting Friendsfor the 99th time.

✨ Moral of the story: These shows deserved longer runs. But Hollywood stays allergic to melanin-led longevity. One day, we’ll get a Black show that lasts 10 seasons without drama, but until then… pour one out, rewatch the classics, and side-eye the networks.

As a thank you for taking the time to read this article, we’d love to give you an exclusive discount code: WAP4BDAY

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