Freesat’s favourite Black History Month TV shows and films

In celebration of Black History Month this October, we asked the team here at Freesat to recommend their top picks when it comes to black stories on screen. Take a look at our highlights below!

07/10/2024

When They See Us

Available on Netflix

When They See Us is one of those titles that gets released on Netflix, starts trending and instantly becomes the show everyone is talking about. The 16-time Emmy nominated mini-series is based on true events where five teenaged boys were accused of the brutal assault of a woman out jogging in Central Park in 1989. It depicts the horrific racial injustice of a broken system, where these innocent young boys were denied their civil rights and were subject to police coercion which consequently led to false confessions and the wrongful conviction and 11.5-year imprisonment of Korey Wise. I watched this three years ago now, and it’s still one of those series that just sticks with you long after the end credits start rolling.

Christina Thummanah, Direct Communications Manager

Belle (2013)

Available on BBC iPlayer

Journey with Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) to 18th century England. As the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a British admiral, she was handed to her great uncle Lord Mansfield at a young age to be raised on the estate, yet the colour of her skin prevented her from participating in the traditions of her social standing. When Belle falls in love with the vicars son who’s bent on change, they work together with her uncle to protest slavery in England! Based on the incredible true story.

Rosie Wimbleton, Content Marketing Executive

Boomerang (1992):

Available to buy on Prime Video

There is a stellar black cast in Boomerang: Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry, Eartha Kitt, Grace Jones and a young Chris Rock along with many others. It’s a charming and humorous romantic comedy that focuses on the personal lives and working relationships of its characters, rather than solely on racial struggles. The film portrays commercially successful people who just happen to be Black, offering a refreshing narrative.

Cassandra Edwards, Software Developer Intern

King Richard

Available to buy on Prime Video

King Richard is a powerful biopic highlighting the resilience, determination, and success of the Williams family. Starring Will Smith, the film tells the story of Richard Williams, father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, and his unwavering commitment to shaping his daughters' futures. Through a lens of perseverance against social obstacles and systemic racism within sport, the film showcases the struggles both Venus and Serena faced throughout their rise to success and the importance of community support in achieving excellence, against all odds.

Ella A'Court, Retail Account Executive

Uprising

Available on BBC iPlayer

One I have first hand experience with is Uprising – The Brixton Riots – available on iPlayer – how times have changed, still need to change but peacefully…

Aubrey Welch, OTT Specialist

Twenties

Available to buy on Prime Video

It's a semi-biographical comedy created by Lena Waithe (she did the screenplay for Queen & Slim) and follows a queer black woman and her slightly chaotic life in LA. It's a very easy watch, you can easily crack through a season in a few hours.

Bea Larrington-Spencer, Senior Marketing Executive

The Color Purple (1985)

Available to buy on Prime Video

The Color Purple invites you into the life of Celie, an African American woman in early 20th-century Georgia who endures severe abuse and oppression from her husband. Stripped of her voice and identity, she finds solace in the love and support of the remarkable women she meets throughout her life.

I love movies that make me truly connect with a character’s experience, and you’ll find yourself rooting for Celie as she fights to reclaim her voice and identity. Directed by Steven Spielberg, this powerful adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel beautifully explores themes of resilience, sisterhood, and self-discovery.

Shannen Walton, Content Executive - CRM

Hidden Figures (2016)

Watch on Film4 on Thursday 17th October at 18:25pm

Based on real events, this eye-opening biographical drama is the story of a team of female African American mathematicians who played a pivotal role in one of history’s greatest operations – the launch of astronaut John Glenn into space! And they did all this while facing racial and gender discrimination. Not only is the film amazing, the story behind is so thought-provoking and I have so much respect for these amazing women!

Rosie Wimbleton, Content Marketing Executive

Get Out (2017)

Available on Prime Video

One of my favourite films that truly stands out is Get Out, available on Prime. It’s a brilliantly crafted psychological thriller that not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but also cleverly explores themes of racism and social commentary. Daniel Kaluuya's performance is simply outstanding; he brings such depth and intensity to his role that you can’t help but be completely drawn into his character's journey. Get Out is a film that forces you to think long after the credits roll, making it a must-watch during Black History Month and beyond.

Joe Coshall, Marketing Executive

Soul (2020)

Available to buy on Prime Video

Beautifully animated and accompanied by great Jazz, Soul  represents a deep meaning of the important things in life. With a black lead, a music teacher Jo, viewers are taken on a journey to the afterlife. It’s a great movie for all ages, my young kids and I enjoyed it very much and will be watching it again and again.

Margarita Bain, Senior Programme Manager

Little Fires Everywhere

Available on Prime Video

I highly rate this TV adaptation of Celeste Ng's 2017 novel from screenwriter Liz Tigelaar (Once Upon a Time, Life Unexpected, Revenge and Brothers & Sisters). The gritty storytelling is thought-provoking, at times uncomfortable and jam-packed with the right level of emotion as two mothers (and their families) are compared against stereotypical themes of race, class, motherhood and privilege.

Michelle Wilding-Baker, Head of Digital & Customer Engagement

Scandal

Available on Channel 4

If you're looking for a thrilling drama that's as stylish as it is thought-provoking, look no further than Scandal. Created by the groundbreaking Shonda Rhimes, the first woman to create three television dramas that reached the 100-episode milestone, Scandal stars the incredible Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope. A legendary 'Fixer', Olivia is the go-to crisis manager for the powerful and the President, navigating the complex world of Washington D.C. politics with grace, intelligence, and a fierce determination. With its high-stakes drama, unforgettable characters, and Kerry Washington's powerful performance, Scandal is a must-watch for anyone who wants to be entertained and inspired by a strong, black, independent woman.

Juanita Wyght, SEO and Content Manager

Do you have any recommendations of your own? Let us know on social media! If you want to learn more about the history of black tv, then take a look at our article A brief history of black television for an overview of just that.