Must-See Shows And Films Highlighting Diversity And Rich Culture Of Black British Life

I’ve always been a fan of British culture. It all started when I discovered a mention of Princess Diana in my mother’s collection of baby books she’d kept since my siblings and I were newborns. The princess apparently was someone my mother thought highly of at the time. In fact, she’d married Prince Charles on the day my brother was born. She and my mom were both age mates and new moms. By the time I was born, the then-newbie princess had just started her first global tour with the prince.

As a child, I became obsessed, reading up on and watching all I could about the British royals. (I still have royal fever today and will literally watch and reach any- and everything about the salacious, intriguing stories of centuries-old legacies.) I’d religiously follow episodes of “Lifestyles of the Rich And Famous,” hosted by British TV legend Robin Leach, binge-watch the many James Bond sagas, and develop an adoration of one of my mom’s favorite England-based films, “Shirley Valentine.”

Years later, the Spice Girls hit the scene, and I saw more of what being British was really all about: diversity, dualities, and multi-faceted cultural influences that still hold on to deep ties to its estranged cousin, the U.S.

I continued my love affair with British culture into my teens and early 20s– following the scandals of the royals and embracing the allure of punk rock, ska, rub-a-dub (a British genre of music with ties to reggae). I’d even added London to my bucket list of travel spots to one day visit.

It literally blew my mind when I found out that several of the my favorite actors back then, who I thought were of African American descent, actually have British roots, like Idris Elba (“The Wire,” “Daddy’s Little Girls,” “Concrete Cowboy”) and Delroy Lindo (“Crooklyn,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “Unprisoned”). Much later, I’d fall deeply in love with the work of actors like John Boyega (“Star Wars,” “They Killed Tyrone,” “The Woman King”), Damson Idris (“Snowfall,” “Black Mirror”) and Leticia Wright (“Black Panther,” “Surrounded”), all playing characters living out plots depicting elements of the Black experience in the U.S.

Once I found this out, I went down yet another rabbit hole of discovery, finding and watching amazing films from as early as the 1960s, with Black British actors and actresses making history, telling once untold stories, and paving the way for more inclusive works about the triumphs, struggles, history, and richness of life in England as a person of color.

Of recent, there’s been a shift to amplifying the modern-day stories of the lifestyles and cultures of the Black British, showcasing the fullness of who they are–multifaceted in identifying as both British and the diverse culture and ethnicity of their parents and grandparents.

Check out a few of my favorite TV shows and films where Black British actors, producers, writers, and directors are at the forefront of prolific, thought-provoking and entertaining depictions of Britain’s African diaspora communities. Add a few of these to your watch lists this fall:

This crime drama was brought back by Drake, leading to a resurgence of interest and work for the actors. What I love about this show is the humanization of each character and the suspense in figuring out what will happen next. And it certain helps that the leading men are handsome and bold.

Queenie is such a relatable character, going through growing pains as a young woman trying to find her way in life. Many Black women around the world can relate to her challenges when it comes to taking up space and figuring out how to best navigate in the world while keeping our sanity.

This mystery series has ties to Jamaica, my favorite island and second home. There are a lot of twists and turns with this one, and the flashbacks of nostalgic Caribbean life were a draw for me.

I love that this fantasy, superhero series links sickle cell with a superpower, and all of the characters are Black Brits who have their own unique stories tied to why they were given the powers in the first place. Think Luke Cage meets X-Men.

This is a classic independent film about a young Caribbean woman in 1970s England on a quest for self-discovery. What intrigues me about this film is that the themes of racism, sexism, and women’s empowerment are still relevant for Black women today, around the world.

This series centers on the Champion family of talented music artists and the dualities between them. It’s also another that incorporates diaspora depictions of the link between Jamaica and England, featuring amazing visuals and music along the way.

This is one of my top favorite film series of all time, delving into the unique lives of several key Black leadership figures and pioneers during the 1970s through the early 1980s. It highlights issues of criminal justice reform, educational discrimination, dancehall culture, and activism, with West Indian figures central to the narratives. It’s a must-stream for sure.

The central character in this series is a filmmaker who’s trying to get his big break telling stories of the Caribbean diaspora. What’s especially relatable for me is that it covers this creative’s foray into doing odd jobs to make ends meet and trying to see his ultimate dream of being a success in British entertainment come true. Think Awkward Black Girl but make it a Black man in England, not Issa in Compton.

Another classic Indy film, this work covers the story of a DJ who’s life hits a tailspin when he’s falsely accused of a crime. It shows endearing depictions of his connections with friends, loved ones, his music, and ultimately the horrors of xenophobia and racism of the time in Brixton.

Between the fashion, cinematography, and amazing script, this should be one of your must-see series this fall if you haven’t viewed it already. There’s mystery, the backdrop of a rich and influential family, and a fight for a beauty brand empire launched by a Nigerian-British magnate.

Set in 1950s England after the Windrush migration of Caribbean workers, this series follows the lives of two sisters who left their West Indian homes to find better lives in England. It will certainly keep your attention with the vintage flair and twisty plots.

You can binge-watch the six seasons of this hilarious show, set in 1980s England in a Black-owned barbershop. Any family run business is great fodder for shenanigans, and this cast does not disappoint.

Based on an award-winning play, this film is about a naive Guyanese immigrant who learns about the gritty life of 1970s Brixton and finds his own way to make friends and survive. There is colorful, eccentric characters, love affairs, action, and intrigue–perfect for film lovers who count classics like “Shaft” and “Black Caesar” as favorites.