In recent years, conversations about representation in Hollywood have also highlighted the important role Black creators have played in shaping television and film. While some projects are widely recognized for being created by Black writers, directors, or producers, others might surprise viewers who never realized the influence behind them.
With recent hits like Sinners and Paradise reminding audiences how powerful Black storytelling can be, it’s a great time to look back at some well-known shows that were created or co-created by Black creatives. Here are 13 television shows that many fans may not realize came from Black creators.
Grey’s Anatomy — Created by Shonda Rhimes
Few television dramas have had the cultural impact of Grey’s Anatomy. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the long-running medical drama premiered in 2005 and quickly became one of the most popular shows on television.
Rhimes went on to build an entire television empire through her production company Shondaland, which has produced numerous hit series.
Bridgerton — Created by Chris Van Dusen, Produced by Shonda Rhimes
Netflix’s global phenomenon Bridgerton has captivated audiences with its romantic drama and vibrant reinterpretation of Regency-era society.
Although the showrunner is Chris Van Dusen, the series is produced by Shonda Rhimes, whose influence helped shape the show’s tone and storytelling.
Abbott Elementary — Created by Quinta Brunson
Abbott Elementary quickly became one of the most beloved sitcoms of the decade. Created by and starring Quinta Brunson, the show follows a group of dedicated teachers working in an underfunded Philadelphia public school.
Its humor, heart, and relatable characters have earned critical acclaim and multiple awards.
Scandal — Created by Shonda Rhimes
Another major hit from Shonda Rhimes, Scandal follows political crisis manager Olivia Pope as she navigates Washington, D.C.’s most explosive secrets.
The series became famous for its high-stakes storytelling and powerful performances.
Insecure — Created by Issa Rae and Larry Wilmore
HBO’s Insecure gave audiences a fresh look at modern relationships, friendships, and career struggles through the perspective of its lead character.
Co-created by Issa Rae, the series became an important voice in contemporary television storytelling.
The Boondocks — Created by Aaron McGruder
The animated series The Boondocks stood out for its bold humor and sharp social commentary.
Created by Aaron McGruder, the show tackled cultural and political topics in ways that few animated programs had done before.
Black-ish — Created by Kenya Barris
Black-ish became a defining family sitcom of the 2010s. Created by Kenya Barris, the series explored issues of race, culture, and identity through the experiences of the Johnson family.
The show’s success led to spin-offs including Grown-ish and Mixed-ish.
Atlanta — Created by Donald Glover
FX’s Atlanta is one of the most unique shows in modern television.
Created by Donald Glover, the series blends comedy, surreal storytelling, and social commentary while following the lives of characters navigating Atlanta’s music scene.
Power — Created by Courtney A. Kemp
The crime drama Power became a massive hit for Starz.
Created by Courtney A. Kemp, the show follows nightclub owner James “Ghost” St. Patrick as he balances his legitimate business ambitions with his secret life as a drug kingpin.
A Different World — Created by Bill Cosby
A Different World, a spin-off of The Cosby Show, focused on life at a historically Black college.
The series became known for tackling important social topics while still maintaining the humor and warmth of a sitcom.
Dear White People — Created by Justin Simien
Originally a film before becoming a Netflix series, Dear White People explores issues of race and identity on a fictional Ivy League campus.
Created by Justin Simien, the show sparked conversations about modern social dynamics in America.
That’s So Raven — Created by Michael Poryes and Susan Sherman
Disney Channel’s That’s So Raven remains one of the network’s most iconic shows.
While created by Michael Poryes and Susan Sherman, the series gained a new life through its cultural impact and the success of star Raven-Symoné.
Empire — Created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong
The music industry drama Empire became a major television event during its early seasons.
Co-created by Lee Daniels, the show follows a powerful entertainment family fighting for control of their music empire.
The Impact of Black Creators in Television
These shows represent just a small portion of the contributions Black creators have made to the entertainment industry.
From groundbreaking dramas to beloved comedies, their work has helped shape the stories audiences watch every day. As Hollywood continues to evolve, recognizing the creators behind the screen helps highlight the diverse voices that continue to push television and film forward.
