Netflix Is Serving Up A Strong Black Summer, Here’s What To Watch

Netflix has something for the culture all summer long. The streamer is taking its “Strong Black Lead” campaign to the next level releasing a host of programming starring Black talent now through September. From TV drama’s to Rom-Com’s to Comedy Specials, they’ve got storytelling that covers the spectrum of the Black experience. Here’s what to watch.

85 South: Ghetto Legends (June 20)

Comedy trio, DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller and Chico Bean bring their hit podcast to the stage for a one-of-a-kind comedy event where nothing and no one is off limits. Netflix’s infinite wisdom was smart enough to acquire and showcase the first comedy special from the popular “85 South Show.” Filmed in Atlanta, this singular stand-up experience features performances by Goodie Mob and Rich Homie Quan.

The Perfect Find (June 23)

Will a forty-year-old woman (Gabrielle Union) with everything on the line – her high-stakes career, ticking biological clock, bank account – risk it all for an intensely lusty secret romance with the one person (Keith Powers) who could destroy her comeback, for good? Overview: After a high-profile firing, Jenna’s fashion career comeback hits a snag when she falls for a charming, much younger coworker – who happens to be her boss’s son. As sparks fly, Jenna must decide if she’ll risk it all on a secret romance.

CAST: Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers, Aisha Hinds, DB Woodside, Janet Hubert, Alani “La La” Anthony and Gina Torres

Survival of the Thickest (July 13)

Survival of the Thickest centers on Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau). Black, plus-size and newly single (not by her choice!), Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss. The 8-episode; 30-minute comedy is based on Buteau’s acclaimed book of essays.

CAST: Michelle Buteau, Tone Bell, Tasha Smith, Liza Treyger, Anissa Felix, Garcelle Beauvais, Taylor Selé, Anthony Michael Lopez, Marouane Zottie, Allan K Washington, Sarah Cooper

They Cloned Tyrone (July 21)

A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio (John Boyega, Jamie Foxx and Teyonah Parris) onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this mystery caper, directed by Juel Taylor.

CAST: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, David Alan Grier, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Tamberla Perry, Eric Robinson Jr. with Kiefer Sutherland and Jamie Foxx

The Upshaws (Part 4) (August 17)

The Upshaw are back, like they never left. Season 4 of the hit comedy will follow the Upshaws as they continue to ride life’s ups and downs, including new jobs, bigger dreams, health struggles and some major life surprises but still hanging on with the love that comes with family.The half hour comedy centers on Bennie Upshaw (Mike Epps), his wife Regina (Kim Fields), their two young daughters, and firstborn son, the teenage son he fathered with another woman (Gabrielle Dennis) and his sister-in-law (Wanda Sykes).

CAST: Kim Fields, Mike Epps, Wanda Sykes, Khali Spraggins, Journey Christine, Jermelle Simon, Diamond Lyons

Top Boy (September)

Top Boy’s final season will arrive on Netflix in September.  After confirming production for the last season of the British drama in March 2022, Netflix has shared the first teaser trailer for the acclaimed show. It centres on characters Sully and Dushane, played by Kano and Ashley Walters, with an emotional Kano delivering the clip’s closing lines: “If we’re not monsters, we’re food. And I could never be food.”

CAST: Little Simz, Michael Ward and NoLay