Netflix’s ‘Strong Black Lead’: A Curation of the Best in Black TV & Film

Ask anyone who truly knows me, and they’ll tell you I’m a movie buff. I’ll give pretty much any movie or TV show a try. Give me action, comedy, historical dramas, and everything in between. I’ll even turn on closed captioning to watch a foreign language film (talk about a mental workout). Due to the pandemic lockdown, most people are making big plans for what they will do when things are back to “normal”. A trip to Punta Cana, an outdoor festival, or the next big sporting event is probably on the list. Me? I just want to sit in a movie theater again!

What seems like an endless amount of subscription streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney Plus, have given us so much good content to distract ourselves with (escapism anyone?). For the most part, I turn to social media for new watchlist recommendations. The most common scenario is seeing multiple Facebook statuses all raving about the same season finale and FOMO kicks in. While the TV and movie industry continues to grow and evolve with a variety of genres and channels of distribution, something that’s hard to ignore is the the lack of diversity that still exists amongst the talent. As a Black American woman, I jump at the chance to watch a new TV show or movie starring someone who looks like me. Even better if I can see someone who looks like me and they are not playing a slave, servant, or other victim of oppression (that’s a discussion for another day).

Myles Worthington (now Head of Global Audiences, Brand & Editorial Marketing) recognized this need for Black audiences to feel seen when he joined the Netflix consumer marketing team back in 2016. His leadership laid down the groundwork for strategic and meaningful conversations, and eventually led to the creation of Strong Black Lead, a sub-brand of Netflix. Targeted marketing isn’t a new or revolutionary idea. Nor is making TV & film feel inclusive for all audiences. It’s just clear that some audiences are often left out of the conversation. And while Strong Black Lead helps in connecting Black audiences with the content they want to see; it doesn’t address the lack of Black people being represented in TV & film overall.

It’s why I appreciate the team behind Bridgerton, the latest hit series to come out of Shondaland. Besides swooning over Simon, the Duke of Hastings (Regé-Jean Page), and admiring the elaborate wardrobes and Regency style architecture; the real hook for me was the casting. Queen Charlotte is played by Golda Rosheuve, a biracial woman. The mixed race ancestry of the real Queen Charlotte served as an inspiration and opportunity to explore what the time period would have look like with Black people holding equal ranks with their white counterparts. I applaud creator Chris Van Dusen and executive producer Shonda Rhimes for taking an inclusive approach to the development of the show. Needless to say, I binge-watched season one and LOVED every minute.

To quote Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things) in this Strong Black Lead video, “We’re not a genre, because there’s no one way to be Black”. So, if you’re like me and eager for more content showcasing black lead characters, here are some of my personal favorites streaming now on Netflix:

1. Malcolm & Marie (2021)

A romantic drama starring Zendaya and John David Washington, Malcolm & Marie gives you all the vibes of a classic Old Hollywood romance. We’re brought into the home of Malcolm (Washington) and Marie (Zendaya), as they return from his movie premiere. The two basically have one long, exhausting exchange detailing the hurt they’ve caused each other. With compelling performances from both actors, stunning cinematography, and rich, intense dialogue, this film checks all the boxes. (Fair warning, probably not an ideal date night movie).

2. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Writer and Director David E. Talbert created an instant classic with Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Jeronicus Jangle (Whitaker) is a genius toymaker who becomes uninspired after a betrayal from his trusted apprentice. Decades later, he receives a visit from his granddaughter who also shares his love for inventing and gives him new hope. With a great story line and a star-studded cast including Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Rose, Keegan Michael Key, Phylicia Rashad, and breakout star Madelen Mills, this film is nothing short of amazing. I’ll also note that as someone who is highly critical of musicals, the music and choreography is impeccable (I still can’t get the opening number out of my head!).

3. Waffles and Mochi (2021)

You know how you say you’re going to take your child or niece/nephew to the theater to see a kid’s movie, but really you want to see the movie and just need them as an excuse? (No, just me?) Well, I have just the show for you and the best part is you can watch it from the comfort of your own home; no excuses needed. Waffles + Mochi is helping children and adults alike explore foods from around the world. Michelle Obama produces and stars in the show alongside the puppet pals. Need I say more?

4. Tiny Pretty Things (2020)

Filled with drama, sex, and fierce competition, Tiny Pretty Things brings us into the dark and twisted world of an elite ballet school in Chicago. Neveah, played by Kylie Jefferson, appears to be in over her head at first, but soon finds camaraderie amongst her fellow students in a quest for truth. The story can seem a little all over the place at times, but I find these types of series the perfect candidates for binge-watching. Plus, the end of the season cliff hanger left me in great anticipation for season two.

5. Raising Dion (2019)

The juggle between wanting to let your child be free to explore their innate gifts, while also wanting to fiercely protect them from the outside world that may seek to take advantage of them, is a dance I know all too well as a mom. It’s why Raising Dion resonated with me on many levels. Dion (Ja’Siah Young) is being raised by his widowed mom Nicole (Alisha Wainwright) and discovers he has superpowers. Although not the title character of the show, Nicole carries us through much of season one as she struggles to help her son keep his powers under control and works to find answers behind her husband’s mysterious death. It’s drama with the perfect amount of sci-fi/supernatural sprinkled in.

6. The Lovebirds (2020)

If my fiancé asks what type of movie I want to watch, 9 times out of 10 I’m going to say put on a Rom-Com. If romantic comedies are also your idea of a great date night movie, then The Lovebirds is for you. A couple on the verge of ending their relationship unintentionally gets involved in a murder mystery. I love the combination of action, suspense, romance, and comedy. The chemistry between Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani mixed with over-the-top scenes and hilarious lines made this film genuinely entertaining.

7. Lupin (2021)

Lupin became Netflix’s first big French hit and one of its most watched shows of 2021. The main character Assane Diop (Omar Sy) sets out on a mission to avenge his father for an injustice that happened when Assane was just a boy. He is inspired by the fiction literary character Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief. The backdrop of Paris (who doesn’t love Paris?) mixed with the thrill and mystery of each heist makes this series highly addictive. With only 5 “chapters” in Part 1, I am anxiously awaiting Part 2 to be released later this year.

8. Da 5 Bloods (2020)

When watching a “Spike Lee Joint”, prepare to not only be entertained, but educated. Da 5 Bloods is an American war/drama film that follows four African American war vets as they take a trip back to Vietnam in search of their fallen leader’s remains and the treasure they buried together. All of the actors delivered powerful and captivating performances, but the highlight of the entire two and a half hours was Delroy Lindo’s “Salt in the Vaseline” monologue. At its core, this film shines a light on the love and bond shared between Black men that is both necessary and welcomed.

9. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020)

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is a film adaption of August Wilson’s award-winning 1982 play of the same name. Based on the real life of Gertrude “Ma” Rainey, we follow the story of Ma (Viola Davis) as she meets up with her band in Chicago for a recording session. All I have to say is, we are not worthy of the incomparable Viola Davis. Her outstanding performance in this role resulted in receiving her fourth Oscars nomination; making history as the most-nominated Black actress ever. She also became the only Black woman with two Best Actress nominations. I think that speaks volumes in more ways than one.

I hope one of my favorites becomes a new favorite for you! I'll leave you with these parting words:

If you’re looking for even more content or want to keep an eye out for new releases, be sure to follow @strongblacklead on Instagram and Twitter.