TOP TV SHOWS DOMINATING REPRESENTATION AND BLACK HOUSEHOLDS
The underrepresentation of BIPOC continues to be problematic in the television industry, even if there are more BIPOC actors in front of the camera. However, we can’t ignore those who are paving a way in the industry. 50 Cent has the top three shows in scripted television among Black households to date following close behind are Tyler Perry’s three shows. Lena Waithe’s The Chi and Issa Rae’s Insecure can also be found on the top 10 list.
Television production may have been derailed over the last 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but 50, Tyler Perry, Lena Waite, and Issa Rae managed to overcome many obstacles, including being Black.
In 2018, 50 Cent signed a four-year overall deal with Starz. Under the agreement, he will continue to develop new scripted and unscripted projects exclusively for the premium service.
The rapper and executive television producer is in the fourth year of his partnership with Starz and isn’t letting up. The rapper and executive television producer took to Instagram to celebrate his accomplishment, “They can’t f*ck with me. I’m #1 #2 and #3 💣BOOM💨🚦GreenLightGang”
Power Book II: Ghost, PowerBook III: Raising Kanan, and BMF captured Black viewers’ attention more than any other scripted shows on television.
During the summer of last year, Tyler Perry’s Sistas reigned as the number one scripted tv show for African Americans. The one-hour drama follows a group of single black females as they navigate their “complicated love life,” careers, and friendship through the ups and downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals.
In 2013, The Haves and Have Nots was broadcast on OWN, breaking viewing records. Based on a play written by Perry, the show maintained an average viewership of around 3 million during its first three seasons. The show reached its ninth season before coming off air for good.
The women in the industry racked up viewership as well.
Alongside Insecure’s Issa Rae, Waithe is challenging the industry’s systemic flaws by producing evocative works that anchor underrepresented perspectives in her show The Chi. Both shows received excellent ratings and stood on the throne for representation.
