As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s an excellent opportunity to not only reflect on historical milestones and achievements but also to enjoy and support Black storytelling.
Disney+ offers a diverse range of TV shows, many of which highlight Black voices and stories.
What better way to engage with this rich heritage than through one of your favorite visual storytelling mediums: television shows?
So if you’re looking for a new show to watch, check out my specially curated list of the best Black shows on Disney Plus, each providing its unique lens on Black experiences and creativity.
Best Black shows on Disney Plus
With a mix of punchy comedy, riveting drama, and a sprinkle of that classic Disney magic, these shows are more than just a watch; they’re a celebration of culture and storytelling.
So grab your Mickey ears and a bowl of popcorn because you’re about to stream some of the most captivating Black shows on Disney Plus.
Black-ish (2014-22)
Starring: Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Marsai Martin, Miles Brown, Marcus Scribner
Genre: Comedy
Best for: A go-to modern-day, family-friendly comedy featuring real-life situations
A witty and insightful sitcom that follows the Johnson family as they navigate personal and sociopolitical challenges while living in a predominantly white upper class neighborhood.
Also available on Disney+ is the follow up series, Grown-ish.
The Crossover (2023)
Starring: Derek Luke, Jalyn Hall
Genre: Drama
Best for: Sports fans looking for a new show to watch
A coming-of-age story centered around twin basketball prodigies navigating the pressures of growing up, family, and sport.
Genius: MLK/X (2024)
Starring: Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Weruche Opia, Aaron Pierre, Jayme Lawson
Genre: Drama
Best for: History buffs
Season 4 of the critically acclaimed anthology series from National Geographic, Genius, offers a dramatized look at the lives and impact of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
Saturdays (2023)
Starring: Danielle Jalade, Daria Johns, Peyton Basnight
Genre: Comedy
Best for: Gal pals and fans of rollerskating
Experience the highs and lows of adolescence with three best friends as they find freedom and joy in the Chicago roller-skating scene.
The Wonder Years (2021-23)
Starring: Elisha Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki
Genre: Drama-Comedy
Best for: Fans of the original series, Anyone interested in a glimpse into life for a Black family in the 60s.
This nostalgic series offers a touching and humorous glimpse into the life of a middle-class Black family in Montgomery, Alabama during the 1960s through the eyes of the youngest son, Dean.
Black reality series on Disney+
Twenty years ago, media professionals would swear that reality TV was just a fad that would go away in just a few years. Well, they certainly were wrong about that prediction!
And while there are plenty of non-sensical reality shows out there, these Black reality series on Disney+ are all well worth the watch.
So add them to your watchlist and get ready to meet some of the coolest Black hosts and real life stories from today.
7 Toughest Days (2023-ongoing)
Starring: Dwayne Fields
Genre: Adventure
Best for: Outdoorsy, survivalist types
Adventurer Dwayne Fields tests his survival skills against some of the world’s most challenging environments, with just 7 days to escape each one.
Choir (2024)
Starring: Anthony White, Detroit Youth Choir
Genre: Reality
Best for: Fans of America’s Got Talent, Music aficionados
Follow the heartwarming journey of the Detroit Youth Choir as they sky-rocket to fame after a strong run on America’s Got Talent, where they inspired a nation to be heard.
Critter Fixers: Country Vets (2020-23)
Starring: Dr. Vernard Hodges, Dr. Terrence Ferguson
Genre: Reality
Best for: Animal lovers – especially farm animals!
Real-life veterinary heroes Dr. Hodges and Dr. Ferguson bring their charm as they tend to animals big and small in rural Georgia.
Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper (2023)
Starring: Christian Cooper
Genre: Reality, Animals
Best for: Fellow birders
Birdwatching comes to life as Christian Cooper travels America to discover its most fascinating avian species.
Locations include Puerto Rico, NYC, Hawaii, DC, Palm Springs, and Alabama.
Farm Dreams (2023)
Starring: Indy Officinalis
Genre: Reality, Gardening
Best for: Gardeners and wannabe green-thumbs
From garden beds to barnyards, watch dreamers bring their vision of farm living to reality with the help of green-thumbed guide, Indy Officinalis.
Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins (2023-ongoing)
Starring: Jeff Jenkins
Genre: Reality, Adventure
Best for: Adventure junkies
Travel blogger Jeff Jenkins shows that adventure knows no limits, embarking on journeys that inspire and challenge preconceptions.
Jeff is a friend of mine and I’m not at all surprised that he made it from travel blogger to travel host. He’s engaging, inspiring, and genuine. I hope you check out his show!
Animated Black shows on Disney+
Sometimes only an animated show will do when you want to curl up on the couch and watch a new tv show.
These animated shows all feature Black leads and include shows specifically for the Disney Junior crowd, while others are enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
Doc McStuffins (2012-22)
Voices by: Natalia Rosminati, Kiara Muhammad, Laya Deleon Hayes, Loretta Devine
Genre: Family
Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers, especially animal lovers
An empowering Disney Junior series about a young Black girl who dreams of becoming a doctor and practices by running a clinic for her stuffed animals.
Also available to stream on Disney+ are:
- The Doc Files: Shorts (2013)
- Doc McStuffins: Shorts (2018)
- Doc McStuffins: The Doc is In (2020)
- Doc McStuffins: The Doc is Ten (2022)
- Doc McStuffins: The Doc & Bella Are In (2023)
Iwájú (2024-ongoing)
Voices by: Simsola Gbadamosi,
Genre: Sci-Fi
Best for: Sci-Fi geeks
Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, this Disney+ original animated series explores the adventures and challenges facing two youngsters in a story rich with cultural nuances.
The series premieres on Disney+ starting February 28, 2024.
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire (2023-ongoing)
Genre: Sci-Fi
Best for: Sci-Fi geeks, Marvel fans
A visually stunning compilation of animated Afrofuturistic short films, showcasing storytelling from across the African continent.
The Afrofuturism concept reminds me a bit of Marvel’s Black Panther and Wakanda Forever, so if you loved those movies, you’ll likely enjoy this series, as well.
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (2022-ongoing)
Voices by: Kyla Pratt, Paula Jai Parker, Keke Palmer, E.J. Johnson, Cedric the Entertainer, Soleil Moon Frye
Genre: Comedy, Family
Best for: Fans of the original show, Pretty much any kiddo!
The classic early 2000s animated show about the Proud family is back, tackling new challenges with humor and heart.
If you loved the original, you’re gonna love this one – perhaps even more! Plus, it’s a chance for us adults to introduce this fun family to a new generation.
Rise Up, Sing Out (2022-ongoing)
Voices by: Nia Thompson, Alexander Bello
Genre: Family
Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers
In this Disney Junior animated series from music legends Questlove and Black Thought of The Roots, we are treated to short episodes that convey powerful messages we all want to teach our little ones, including some specifically about Black culture and heritage.
Each episode is just a few minutes long, making it a perfect watch for toddlers and preschoolers constantly on the go!
Marvel series with Black leads on Disney+
Get your cape and your Disney+ subscription at the ready. In this section, we’re diving into Marvel series on Disney+ that celebrate Black leads with all the action, heart, and heroics you could ask for.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell
Genre: Action
Best for: Old school MCU geeks; Prepping for Captain America: Brave New World
Witness Sam Wilson’s journey from The Falcon to the first Black Captain America in this gripping Marvel series examining legacy and identity.
Luke Cage (2016-18)
Starring: Mike Colter, Simone Missick, Alfre Woodard, Rosario Dawson, Theo Rossi
Genre: Crime
Best for: Sci-fi/Crime/Action crossover goodness
A Marvel hero like no other, Luke Cage battles criminals in Harlem with his super strength and unbreakable skin, challenging stereotypes and protecting his community.
This is one of those Marvel shows that ended way too early! I’m crossing my fingers for a reboot.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2023-ongoing)
Voiced by: Diamond White, Alfre Woodard, Laurence Fishburne, Fred Tatasciore
Genre: Animation
Best for: Introducing your kiddos to the wonders of Marvel’s storytelling
Join Luna Lafayette and her loyal T-Rex in an animated Marvel adventure that combines superhero action with youthful exuberance.
Secret Invasion (2023)
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Emilia Clarke
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Best for: Marvel fans starved for the next movie
Marvel’s Nick Fury confronts a Skrull invasion in a story packed with action, intrigue, and pointed commentary on identity and trust.
If you’re getting impatient while waiting for the next big Marvel movie, this show is a great watch to tide you over.
What are your favorite Black shows on Disney Plus?
These shows not only provide entertainment but also offer perspectives that can educate and inspire viewers of all backgrounds.
Celebrate Black History Month by immersing yourself in these compelling narratives and witness the power of Black storytelling on Disney+.
About the author
Meg Frost is the creator of The Park Pixie, where she covers Disney World, Disney+, and Disney fandom.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami in Florida.