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TV Shows with Black Leads

It's important to expose kids to media that both reflects their own experiences and expands their perspectives. These fantastic shows featuring Black lead characters are a great place to start. Ranging from delightful preschool favorite Doc McStuffins to mature, award-winning comedies like Atlanta, this list has something for kids, teens, and everyone in between. If we're missing any shows that you'd like to see included, please drop us a line and request a review. And for more picks featuring Black characters, check out our list of Books with Characters of Color.

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Rhymes Through Times Poster Image
TV

Rhymes Through Times

age 3+

Catchy short lessons in Black history for little ones.

Network: Noggin (2021)
Tab Time Poster Image
TV

Tab Time

age 3+

Engaging preschool show is both educational and sensitive.

Network: YouTube (2021)
Doc McStuffins Poster Image
TV

Doc McStuffins

age 4+

Excellent preschool series has positive messages for kids.

Network: Disney Junior (2012)
Gabby's Dollhouse Poster Image
TV

Gabby's Dollhouse

age 4+

Imaginative girl steps into animated world in cute series.

Network: Netflix (2021)
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TV

Motown Magic

age 4+

Thoughtful musical series emphasizes self-confidence.

Network: Netflix (2018)
The Bravest Knight Poster Image
TV

The Bravest Knight

age 5+

Star power, stellar messages in charming animated series.

Network: Hulu (2019)
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TV

Puppy Place

age 5+

Heartwarming family adventures in foster dog parenthood.

Network: Apple TV+ (2021)
Craig of the Creek Poster Image
TV

Craig of the Creek

age 6+

Adventure, affirming messages stand out in appealing series.

Network: Cartoon Network (2018)
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TV

Foodtastic

age 7+

Competition has cool edible sculptures; lots of promotion.

Network: Disney+ (2021)
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts Poster Image
TV

Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

age 7+

Themes of perseverance, friendship dominate dystopian tale.

Network: Netflix (2020)
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TV

The Proud Family

age 7+

Relatable stories, good role models, zany comedy.

Network: ABC (2001)
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TV

Family Matters

age 8+

Urkel and company still offer lots of family fun.

Network: Freeform , Nickelodeon , Syndicated (1989)
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TV

Remix My Space with Marsai Martin

age 8+

Makeover show rewards teens' service with inspiring design.

Network: Discovery+ (2022)
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TV

Secrets of Sulphur Springs

age 8+

Chilling mystery series is lots of fun, has some scares.

Network: Disney Channel (2021)
That Girl Lay Lay Poster Image
TV

That Girl Lay Lay

age 8+

Positive role models "punch up" in tween-friendly sitcom.

Network: Nickelodeon (2021)
That's So Raven Poster Image
TV

That's So Raven

age 8+

Clairvoyant teen will have kids seeing Raven!

Network: Disney Channel (2003)
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TV

Sister, Sister

age 9+

Separated twins reunite as teens -- tweens OK.

Network: Disney Channel (1994)
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TV

Voices of Fire

age 9+

Charming choir competition series has positive messages.

Network: Netflix (2020)
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TV

Welcome to Earth

age 9+

Nature gets the Hollywood treatment in fun, intense series.

Network: Disney+ (2021)
Family Reunion Poster Image
TV

Family Reunion

age 10+

Heartwarming but uneven sitcom about family relationships.

Network: Netflix (2019)