Our current TV landscape features some promising characters and stories, and I believe they’re worth the investment. It’s easy to point out what’s lacking or criticize what’s bad, but let’s take a moment to celebrate what we have. If my hope lies in the art, then Quinta Brunson and Ayo Edebiri are the Barack and Michelle.
The Bear continues to be one of my favorite shows. I’ll warn you—it’s an emotional rollercoaster. Between the yelling, the cooking, the family dynamics, and the career pressures, it’s so thrilling. Ayo’s Sydney is a complex chef navigating not only her anxieties but everyone else’s too. One highlight is Robert Townsend as her father, Emmanuel. The show leans more into comedy than drama, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be front-row for the fireworks. Jamie Lee Curtis plays Carmy’s mom, and man... she’s a piece of work.
Despite ending after four seasons, Bel-Air proves that you can refresh a classic property while keeping it modern and exciting. When I first watched the original reimagined trailer, it immediately clicked. In The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, we were inside the house, like a fly on the wall, watching all the shenanigans unfold. We had the opportunity to see Will and his cousins grow up and to watch Phil and Vivian navigate parenting, careers, and their relationship. In Bel-Air, we’re not just observers—we’re close friends to the fun and drama.
In the first season, the actors worked to fill the large shoes left behind by the '90s original. But by the end of the third season, they’ve become standout performers in their own right, giving the show a feel reminiscent of The OC or Grown-ish. Watching Will and Carlton’s relationship evolve throughout the series has been special. Not only do they clash with each other, but when the stakes are raised, we see what happens when they have to stand on their own. Coco Jones’s Hilary isn’t perfect, but she’s poised and undeniably talented. Meanwhile, “Little” Ashley isn’t so little anymore—she’s a young girl blossoming into a young woman.
The success of the Onyx Collective, Disney’s BIPOC-focused programming initiative, makes the case for DEI with critically acclaimed series including Summer of Soul, Reasonable Doubt, Unprisoned, How to Die Alone, and the upcoming superhero series Wonder Man, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.
And then there’s Abbott Elementary, the heavyweight—the best show on TV. I’ll stand by that. Now in its fourth season, it has truly hit its stride. I haven’t seen a single bad episode. The main cast has carved out their lane and fully matured into their characters. Not only do you feel the chemistry between Janine and Gregory, but between everyone. I appreciate the time and effort that goes into the writers' room. Jacob has delivered some of the best one-liners this season, and Ava continues to wreak havoc while maturing. The strike and its impact on the school was an amazing way to explore the impact on families, workers, and the community as a whole. The Science Fair episode is a prime example of everyone cooking at their best. If The Conners can get seven seasons, Abbott can go for ten. Seinfeld, watch out.
About the series
The BEYOND THE BOX Series celebrates BLACK TALENT on the silver screen and the boundless possibilities that await. In 2023, seismic strikes and industry shake-ups sent shockwaves through countless shows and performers. By the end of 2024, blind boardroom executives and toxic XFanBoyz wielded their RACISM powers to erode soundstages and streaming platforms.
EXPANSE, the latest addition to the series, spotlights productions that helped me navigate these last tumultuous years. Representation on TV has become increasingly rare and complex. Let’s celebrate the incredible array of talent Sha'Carring their way through asteroids, warlords, and BEYOND!
LEARN MORE: https://www.thedcobrand.com/post/beyondthebox2
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