Show Stealers: My 5 Favorite Black Characters on TV
I like when characters are different not for the sake of diversity, but when it's a genuine addition to the story. Strong black personalities are not new to TV, but here are some of the greatest names.
Over the years, television has introduced us to many powerful black characters that changed pop culture forever. The depiction is almost always accurate, with as few stereotypical features as possible. That makes us believe that the effort the new showrunners are putting in creation of black characters is only going to grow, and the upcoming series will continue the trend on authenticity.
While there are many characters that deserve our praise as being fundamental for culture exploration on TV, I want to share my favorite characters based not on power they hold, but on how they managed to affect me.
1. Annalise Keating from ‘How To Get Away With Murder’
I am going to start with this character for many reasons, and the fact that it’s Viola Davis who’s playing her is only one of them. Annalise is a high-profile criminal defense attorney and law professor, who has a dark past which affects her current life. She is complex, enigmatic, powerful, and every time she is on screen you can’t help but feel tense.
2. Jessica Pearson from ‘Suits’
Another powerful black woman on TV, but with totally different vibes. While Annalise Keating is dark and suspicious, Jessica is calm and confident. You never see her scream or feel visibly nervous, even when she is put in the most dangerous positions. She is the woman of action, and she demands without words that everyone around her respect her.
3. Eric Effiong from ‘Sex Education’
My favorite teenage black character on TV is definitely Eric. I can’t even start with how powerful he is! And his power comes with all of his mistakes that he learns from. He is strong and caring, and he is not afraid to be himself, that's what makes him so unique in a world where every decision is filtered by how society would react.
4. Ava Coleman from ‘Abbot Elementary’
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The series primarily focuses on black characters and their struggles while being teachers in an elementary school, and every character is a perfectly written persona with their own flaws and quirks. However my favorite is Ava Coleman, the school’s principal.
She is the perfect example of how the facade of a person doesn’t match with what’s inside. While desperately trying to cover her pure soul and seem distant, she was the heart of Abbot Elementary school.
5. Darryl Philbin from ‘The Office’
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What can I say? I just love seeing a chill guy finally realizing his worth and being seen! Darryl wasn’t always perfect, but who is, right? At least he was a good friend, great father, and a funny fella to keep in touch with. Everybody needs a Darryl in their lives.
