Issa Rae Brings Black Television History to HBO
Issa Rae is shining a powerful light on the history of Black television with her new HBO documentary, Seen & Heard. The two-part series explores how Black stories have moved from harmful stereotypes to bold, complex narratives that better reflect real life.
Rae, who became a cultural force with Insecure, serves as executive producer. The documentary highlights how television has shaped the way Black audiences see themselves and how the world sees Black culture.
“Since the day I said, ‘I’m rooting for everybody Black,’ I’ve carried that spirit,” Rae explained. With Seen & Heard, she turns that promise into a deeper exploration of representation on screen.
From Early Stereotypes to Breaking Barriers
Part One, called Seen, traces the earliest portrayals of Black characters. Shows like Amos ’n’ Andy and Sanford and Son were first created by white writers, often leaning on stereotypes. But Black creators soon stepped in to reshape the story.
Writer Eric Monte, often called the father of the Black sitcom, paved the way in the 1970s. With shows like Good Times and What’s Happening!, he centered Black family life with humor and humanity. His work inspired the generations that followed.
This era marked the beginning of a shift, where Black voices started to claim creative power in television. The series shows how these changes became stepping stones for more authentic storytelling.
The Golden Era of Black Creators
By the 1990s and early 2000s, Black television was thriving. Comedy, drama, and variety shows led by Black creatives dominated screens.
Mara Brock Akil built a legacy with Girlfriends and The Game, celebrating Black women’s friendships and ambitions. The Wayans family redefined sketch comedy with In Living Color. Later, Shonda Rhimes broke barriers in drama with Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder.
These shows didn’t just reflect culture—they set trends, introduced unforgettable characters, and redefined what was possible for Black talent on screen. Rae’s documentary highlights this golden era as a moment of cultural power and influence.
Modern Voices and Personal Stories
Part Two, called Heard, turns the spotlight to today’s Black creators. It captures the voices of leaders like Oprah Winfrey, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Larry Wilmore, and Byron Allen, who share their struggles and triumphs in shaping Black narratives.
One moving moment comes from Cord Jefferson, Academy Award-winning writer of American Fiction. He explains how his script became a way to heal his personal struggles, especially with his father. His story shows that Black narratives are deeply personal yet universally relatable.
Rae screened this part of the series at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in August 2025. Audiences were left inspired by how modern voices continue to push television into new directions.
Why Seen & Heard Matters Today
Seen & Heard is more than a documentary. It is a cultural archive of how far Black television has come and where it is going. From stereotypes to strength, the series honors the resilience, creativity, and innovation of Black storytellers.
For Rae, this project is personal. It reflects her lifelong commitment to uplifting Black voices while ensuring their stories are celebrated on the world’s biggest stages.
The two-part documentary premieres on HBO on September 9 and 10, 2025. It promises to educate, inspire, and remind us why Black stories matter.
