Believe it or not, YouTube is filled with more than just funny cat videos. In a time where actors, actresses, and other talents of color are rarely recognized in mainstream media, they have taken it to the smaller screen. Black creatives such as Issa Rae, Numa Perrier, and Dennis Dortch have used YouTube as a platform to create web series featuring actors, writers, and creators of color who rarely get shine. So whether you’ve run out of things to watch on Netflix or are simply just kicking it in your dorm, here are 10 web series by black artists you should check out.
1. Rider
You’ve heard of Uber and Lyft, but what about Rider? This hilarious Black & Sexy TV production follows the life and woes of James, played by Jeff Oliphant, as he tries to make some extra cash as a driver. He deals with everything from rude passengers to even becoming a driving therapist. Not only is Rider funny, but the web series’ soundtrack inspired Rider Radio. It’s just all in a day’s (and night’s work) for James.
2. The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
If you’re just starting out in the world of web series, you might want to check this out first. Issa Rae’s 2011 hit and breakout web series, Awkward Black Girl, tells the awkward story of J as she struggles with her love life and hating her job at Gutbusters. In 2012, season 2 of the awkward yet hilarious web series was broadcasted on Pharrell’s YouTube channel, i am OTHER. Watch as J literally raps her way through the pressure in episode one below:
3. Black Boots
Created by Geno Brooks, Black Boots will give you a glimpse into college life. This web series follows Grant Boyer’s journey and struggles on his way to brotherhood at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). The series gives realistic views on some of the issues that go on at college like financial aid woes, sexual assault, and even peer pressure. Though Season 2 has just started, you can check out episode one of Black Boots below:
4. Milk + Honey
Milk + Honey is a scripted series that follows the journeys of four young women as they try to make it in different realms of the Hollywood scene. Executive produced by Idris Elba (yes, that Idris Elba) and Brown Paper Dolls, the web series focuses on everything from spiritual and professional relationships to self-doubt. It also features an all-woman lead cast with some help from icon Debbie Allen and a splash of eye candy from Lance Gross.
5. SurvivingIf you’re into zombies and The Walking Dead, this one's for you. Created by actress Reagan Gomez, Surviving focuses on two sisters, Shayla and Lucy, who are forced to make it on their own after a “flu-like” virus takes over their city and the government does nothing to stop it. It’s great and refreshing to see a black actress in a sci-fi based series that is strong and actually doesn’t get killed in the first episode!
6. #Unfamous
This British web series created by Shakira ‘Scotty Unfamous’ Scott, originally started off as an online book that gained popularity on Facebook in 2010. #Unfamous follows Rio Greene as she devises a plan to become one of the most popular girls at her new school, Brompton University. Rio has everything planned out until she realizes her enemy, the “it girl” at her former school, will be joining her at University. This 2013 coming-of-age drama is perfect for those looking to get a glimpse into the love, lies, and nightlife of London.
7. Ackee & Saltfish
If you like shows like Broad City and Girls, then you’ll love Ackee & Saltfish. The 2014 web series, directed and written by Cecile Emeke, is a short film-turned-series that focuses on the daily lives of Olivia and Rachel. The British duo do everything together from talk about their love for the beautifully bearded rapper Common to being broken hearted over coveted yet sold out Lauryn Hill tickets.
8. Housemates
Created by Monique Needham, Housemates is a British web series that focuses on five 20-something friends and their day-to-day life. Think Sex & The City meet Girlfriends. In the first episode of the very relatable web series, the girls reminisce over a date gone completely wrong.
9. Get Your Life
New to Issa Rae’s channel is Get Your Life. The web series, created by and starring Amanda Seales, deals with whether New York really has the comedian's heart or if she make the move to California. The comedy shows real life descriptions of the not-so-glamorous parts of living in NYC. Watch the first episode, which features an Oprah and Karrueche Tran parody, below:
10. Hello Cupid
With all of these dating apps and websites out today, have you ever wondered what it would be like to pretend to be someone else? Hello Cupid, a Black & Sexy TV production, is a web series that focuses on two friends, Whitney and Robin, who take a social experiment a bit too far as they both end up falling for the same guy! The series tackles the struggles of online dating, colorism, and the insecurities a lot of people have regarding both.
