As black women, we know representation matters. And this is especially true when it comes to media showing positive portrayals of black friendship through all the peaks and valleys of womanhood.
We’ve been beyond blessed to have shows like “Girlfriends”, “Living Single”, and “Insecure” bring realistic and relatable versions of black sisterhood to our TV screens for nearly 30 years.
And because they’ve done a great job of cultivating an environment for similar shows to thrive, we now have a plethora of options. And it’s not a narrow lane either—we’re starting to see a much more diverse take on black women and our friendships.
Here are a few of the best black women-led tv shows that are absolutely worth all the laughter, tears, and drama they drag you into.
Bigger
Produced by Will Packer, Bigger is a hilarious Atlanta-based comedy centered around Layne Roberts—a 30-something fashion designer trying to live a more fulfilling life after leaving her high-powered corporate job to follow her dreams.
Juggling friendship, career, and love, Layne and her four, long-time friends—Veronica, Deon, Vince, and Tracey—have all reached a crossroads in life where they are now forced to ask themselves, “Is there something bigger and better to life?”
Tyler Perry’s Sistas
Y’all already know that wherever Tyler Perry is, laughter and drama is not too far away, and this is especially true for his hit show, Sistas.
This series follows best friends Andi, Karen, Danni, and Sabrina as they navigate the ups and downs of womanhood while also going through the typical growing pains of adult friendship.
And let’s not get started on how juicy the series’ gets when it comes to love and romance! Whew, chile. It’s honest, spicy, fairytale-ish, and a bit problematic—just like we like it.
Twenties
Being in your twenties feels like a second coming of age considering there’s a whole new portion of life we have to learn and grow through.
Lena Waithe’s new series, Twenties, details the life and times of Hattie—a queer, 20-something and her two straight best friends, Mari and Nia—as they get into all types of real-life shenanigans.
More than other series of its kind, Twenties is a hilariously relatable portrayal of friendship because it shows how we can (and should!) strive for a sense of support and community, even when we’re living completely different lifestyles.
Run the World
Even the most independent, self-assured woman needs a solid group of girlfriends to get through life, and Whitney, Sondi, Ella and Renee very clearly need each other.
STARZ new show, Run the World, is a fun, witty, melanated “Sex and the City” adjacent.
It follows four best friends as they take on love, life, and career in Harlem. Run the World is a particularly refreshing series because it gives us all the realness of black women living their best lives—without all the unnecessary drama and trauma.
Leimert Park
Leimert Park is a gutsy, in-your-face comedy that chronicles the complex lives and awkward sexual trysts of three black women in south Los Angeles.
Kendra, Bridget, and Mickey are a mess, but it’s the kind of mess that most friendships know all too well.
This series is super special because not only are we getting some gritty, unfiltered representation of black womanhood, but we’re also seeing a beloved concept through fresh eyes. Yup, this is Mel Jones’ comedic directorial debut and she absolutely nailed it.
