2016 was definitely a great year when it comes to Black women’s visibility in television!
From scripted dramas such as Empire and Queen Sugar to hilarious comedies such as Insecure and black-ish to reality shows such as RHOA, on any given night, African-American women can turn on the TV and see a range of portrayals of ourselves. But what are the shows that we just can’t miss each week?
According to a Nielsen’s “African-American Women: Our Science, Her Magic” report, these were our top 20 programs from 2016:
The Top 20 TV Shows Black Women Watch (And Love) was originally published on hellobeautiful.com
1. #2: “The New Edition Story” (BET)
We flocked to this BET hit miniseries about our beloved boy band.
2. #3: “Star” (FOX)
Stars have definitely been born on Lee Daniels’ American musical drama!
3. #4: “The Haves And The Have Nots” (OWN)
Tika Sumpter slays in this soap every season!
4. #5: “Love And Hip Hop Atlanta” (VH1)
When it comes to the real drama, ATL does it the best!
5. #7: “Queen Sugar” (OWN)
Ava DuVernay’s gripping family drama is nothing short of perfection.
6. #8: “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC)
Viola Davis’ nuanced portrayal of Annalise Keating gives us chills every Thursday.
7. #9: “Love And Hip Hop” (VH1)
We will forever be grateful to this show for changing our lives by introducing us to Cardi B.
8. #10 “If Loving You Is Wrong”
Folks really do love their Tyler Perry soaps!
9. #11: “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo)
One word: Phaedra.
10. #13: “Greenleaf” (OWN)
It’s hard to tear your eyes away from this powerful megachurch melodrama.
11. #14: “FOX NFL Sunday” (FOX)
Hey, even the sistas love a little gridiron on Sundays!
12. #16: “Shots Fired” (FOX)
Sanaa Lathan, Aisha Hinds and Stephan James gave us our entire life in
Gina Prince-Bythewood’s engrossing cop drama.
13. #17: “Power” (STARZ)
With all this show’s twists and turns and character kill-offs, it’s no wonder we’re glues to the boob tube on Sunday nights!
14. #18: “Lethal Weapon” (FOX)
Keesha Sharpe and Damon Wayans shine in this buddy cop comedy-drama.
15. #19: T.I. And Tiny (VH1)
With the on-again-off again couple reconciling (again), we wonder if there will be a season 7?
16. #20: “Love And Hip Hop Atlanta” Specials
Folks just these 4-part reunions!