Here's What Every Streaming Service is Doing For Black History Month - Check Out Some Of These Amazing Titles!
It's Black History Month - a whole month dedicated to celebrating the lives, legacies, sacrifices, and accomplisments made by Black people throughout American history.
This appreciation can take many forms, but in the entertainment world, one of the best ways to support Black artists is simply to watch and engage with content they create. The whole point of these efforts is to facilitate discussion around the experience of being Black in America, and watching media made with that experience in mind is perhaps one of the best ways to do so.
With that in mind, here's what every major streaming service is doing for Black History Month - if you're subscribed, make sure to check some of these out!
Netflix
Netflix's offerings for Black History Month all fall under their "Netflix Kids and Family" umbrella, meaning that all of the shows and movies they're offering are good for showing to kids of different ages.
- Ada Twist, Scientist: Based on a bestselling children's book series, this preschool show follows eight-year-old budding scientist and her two best friends, Rosie Revere and Iggy Peck. Together, they use science to unravel everyday mysteries for their family and friends.
- Family Reunion: Starring Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Loretta Devine, this show follows the McKellan family as they move from Seattle to Georgia to be closer to extended family. The transition is like being a catfish out of water.
- Karma's World: This toe-tapping musical series follows a young musician named Karma as she discovers exaclty how much power her musical talent has. She doesn't just want to share her music with the world...she wants to change the world with it!
- Raising Dion: This super series follows single mom Nicole and her son Dion after Dion starts to manifest several mysterious, superhero-like abilities. Two years after defeating the Crooked Man (Jason Ritter), Season Two follows Dion as he continues honing his powers - and another super-powered kid shows up!
- That Girl Lay-Lay: What happens when a positive affirmation app comes to life? Well, that's what happens when Sadie, who's never been one to stand out, wishes upon a star, and her app Lay Lay is magically brought to life. Trying to adapt to this new world, Lay Lay learns it's not easy to blend when you are the epitome of fierce - but it's easier with a friend.
BET+
Of course, as THE Black television network, BET has a huge lineup planned for Black History Month, reminding us with their slogan that it is, in fact, "More Than A Month."
- Real Husbands of Hollywood: More Kevin, More Problems (streaming February 10th): Superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart is back, and his best guy friends and wife Akira are by his side as he strives to stay on top in Hollywood, by any means necessary.
- First Wives Club: Unapologetic and fabulous, First Wives Club pays homage to the real experience of Black women living their lives while showcasing the strength and importance of sisterhood through a group of female friends who truly love and support one another.
- The Ms. Pat Show: A formerly incarcerated comedian, Ms. Pat, tries to figure out how to survive suburban America with her husband, kids and sister.
- All The Queen's Men: Madam is at the top of her game in the Atlanta nightclub industry, and she won't let anyone or anything stand in her way as she rules a crew of male exotic dancers.
- Tyler Perry's Ruthless: After becoming entangled with a religious cult, Ruth must play along until she can find a way to free herself and her daughter from the dire situation.
Hulu
Taking a different tack, Hulu has opted to do Black History Month All Year. They're introducing a series called Your Attention Please, hosted by Craig Robinson, in which the beloved actor "introduces us to Black makers, thinkers, creators, and doers who are shaping the future of Black history." New episodes of the series will drop every month, all year round.
In addition Hulu also has curated lists of Black stories, including shows by Black Creators (like Grand Crew), shows that highlight Black History (like Summer of Soul), and popular shows prominently featuring black actors (like Euphoria).
Amazon Prime Video
For their part, Prime has curated a short selection of featured Black stories that feature Black voices and stories, from dramas to documentaries. They have curated a list of important films that are now free to Prime subscribers:
- One Night in Miami
- MLK/FBI
- I Am Not Your Negro
- Freedom Riders
- Lean on Me
- Selma
- Malcolm X
- Ray
- Straight Outta Compton
- The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pitman
HBO Max
HBO Max just yesterday launched a Spotlight page with the title "Black History Is Our History," full of not only a few shows and movies, but several whole lists of curated content for Black History Month, and every month beyond. They're even making some select titles free to view for those without subscriptions on both HBO.com and HBOmax.com.
The truly heaping list of shows, films, and documentaries is organized into three subcategories:
- Our Past: Documentaries, biopics, and original films, such as Malcolm X and Boycott
- Our Joy: Classic comedy series, films, and stand-up specials, such as A Black Lady Sketch Show and Insecure
- Our Future: Groundbreaking series and films like Euphoria or Queen and Slim.
Paramount+
Similarly, Paramount+ recently unveiled their new Black Voices collection, with diverse subcategories like:
- Celebrate Women
- Real Life Stories
- Love to Laugh
- All the Drama
- For The Family
- Featured Flicks
- Originals and Exclusives
- Live Laughs
It's worth noting, in addition, that many BET shows are also featured on Paramount, as they are owned by the same parent company.
