Issa Rae, the award-winning actor, producer, and writer, is shedding light on a crucial part of television history with her new documentary, "Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television." This two-part series, executive produced by Rae, dives deep into the evolution of Black representation on TV and how Black artists and creators have revolutionized the industry while facing significant obstacles.
The documentary, premiering on HBO and HBO Max on September 9th and 10th, features interviews with media icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Tracee Ellis Ross, Norman Lear, and Shonda Rhimes. Rae and her collaborators began working on this project in 2019, aiming to highlight the importance of seeing oneself reflected on screen.
Rae explained that her own inspiration came from watching Black actors and shows on TV growing up in the 90s. She noted a period in the early 2000s where Black representation seemed to disappear, only to reemerge in the 2010s with a wave of new shows featuring diverse casts. However, she points out that the industry is now facing a similar decline, with fewer Black characters and shows on mainstream television.
The Impact of Cable TV
Rae suggests that the rise of cable television played a role in this shift. As networks aimed to capture the broadest possible audience to compete with niche cable channels, there was a tendency to cater to a more general, often perceived as white, demographic.
Despite the universal appeal of shows like "Family Matters" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," there's a persistent feeling that Black shows might exclude certain audiences. Rae's documentary also emphasizes the importance of representation behind the camera, ensuring that Black voices are involved in creating and shaping the narratives.
Representation Matters
"Seen and Heard" is not just about the past; it's a call to action for the future. As Rae emphasizes, "If you’re telling Black stories, then you need to have Black people create their own." The documentary highlights the legacy of Black talent in television and the ongoing need for authentic and diverse representation.
- Explores the history of Black representation in television.
- Features interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Shonda Rhimes.
- Highlights the importance of Black creators behind the camera.
- Premieres on HBO and HBO Max on September 9th and 10th.