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I love television. And before you nod your head, thinking 'yeah, doesn't everybody', let me stop you. Everyone likes television, some only tolerate it, me, I love it. I used to spend every day of my childhood, and parts of my teenage years, imagining I was a part of whatever series I was currently binging.

But you see, that's the thing. I always had to imagine myself within the television shows in order to feel like I actually belonged in the show, as if the show was meant for audiences like me. For a Black girl like me. I imagined myself in shows because I couldn't find the Black representation that I needed. None of the characters talked like me and my friends. None of them dealt with the same problems of my community. None of them was the representation I craved.

Then, Marvel released Black Panther. As I left the theater, I released a breath I hadn't known I been holding. For the first time, I didn't have to imagine myself in the television, because for the first time I saw myself in every character. For the first time, the Black representation I craved was embodied in every frame. For the first time, I could find a hero who looked and sounded like me. Made by people like me. For the first time, in a long time, I – and Black people alike – finally had heroes who didn't have blue eyes and blonde hair. And that meant the world to me.

While we still have a long way to go, it should be acknowledged that Hollywood seems to be taking the right step towards diversity both in cinema and television, with films like the aforementioned Black Panther, Sorry To Bother You, and If Beale Street Could Talk making waves artistically and for the culture. To make sure that you are up-to-date with the melanated representation that's gracing our screens, here are the top Black-led TV shows that you should check out this January and beyond.

The Chi

The Chi/Showtime

Season Premiere Date: TBA 2019

Channel: Showtime, Hulu (with Showtime Subscription)

Scheduled to return later this year, The Chi is an American drama series that follows and connects the lives of characters, Brandon, Ronnie, and Kevin, after a fateful turn of events sends shock waves through a community on the Southside of Chicago. Catch up before the sophomore season premiere on Showtime, or with your Hulu subscription.

Featured image by Art Streiber/Freeform

 

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