It that time of year again when major network television releases their list of shows for the fall season. As is the case every year, black folks inevitably find themselves browsing the periodicals and dallies for faces that look like their own. This year, as the still foggy stable of such shows scheduled for the fall season come into view, we see a few more black faced scattered like polka dots through the listings.
Based upon the trailers we have seen so far, this fall might be among the best ever for original content featuring a black star featured in the lead role. Though the total number of shows is still in question, there are several offerings viewers might be able to pick from.
Oscar winner Octavia Spencer will star alongside Dave Annable and Justin Falvey in Red Band Society, the story of a group of teenagers who meet as patients in a children’s hospital. They all become friends and allies in what is being dubbed as a comedic young soup reminiscent of a Breakfast Club vibe. Spencer will play their matriarchal figure Nurse Jackson on the FOX offering.
On ABC, the ever likeable Anthony Anderson heads Black-ish, the story of a middle age man struggling to deal with race, culture and class in the 21st century. The creative comedy stars Trace Ellis Ross and Laurence Fishburne.
While Empire is another ambitious television offering that stars Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. Produced by director Lee Daniels, it features Howard as a music mogul who's pulled himself up from homelessness, hiding a sinister truth behind his fame.
Another hopeful and heady offering from ABC is How to Get Away with Murder starring Viola Davis. Executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsey Beers’ through their company, Shondaland, Davis plays a hardcore criminal defense professor.
And lest we forget your boy Craig Robinson who will star in Mr. Robinson on NBC as a musician that winds up becoming a middle school music teacher. Executive produced by Mark and Robb Cullen (Back in the Game), with Howard Klein and Mark Schulman as well it's a new comedy sitcom for the NBC crew.
Check the trailers below.
The Red Band Society:
Black-ish:
Empire:
How To Get Away with Murder:
