We took a stroll down Apple TV + and took note of the content that was featured that seemingly catered towards Black and brown communities. The context of the search consisted of whether or not there was a Black or brown actor on the initial trailer that automatically plays, followed by the context of the preview that played. Out of the 48 featured titles on the Apple TV+ homepage, only nine appealed to Black and brown viewers. So here they are.
Films
Hala
My adaptation
The Apple TV+ original follows a Pakistani American teenager who seemingly struggles to find a place to fit in with the American culture, the struggles of a school environment mixed with the differences of her home environment are ever-changing in this already confusing time of being a teenager.
Apple TV + Description
Seventeen-year-old Pakistani American teenager Hala (Geraldine Viwanathan) struggles to balance desire with her family, culture, and religious obligations. As she comes into her own, she grapples with a secret that threatens to unravel her family.
The Banker
My adaptation
Samuel L Jackson looks right in place in this time period based-film in Los Angeles. The purchase of the real estate market shows of interest to the two main characters who both are Black leads – in hopes to conquer the black market in white neighborhoods using a white man as a front. Additionally, the purchase of real estate leads to the business of buying banks, which leads them into trouble with the FBI.
Apple TV + Description
In the 1960s, two entrepreneurs (Anthony Mackie and Samuel L. Jackson) hatch an ingenious business plan to fight for housing integration – and equal access to the American Dream. Nicholas Hoult and Nia Long co-start in this drama inspired by true events.
Dads
My adaptation
The story of being a father and the experiences of what it is like to be a dad in opposition to the typical view of being a mother. The film follows a series of fathers, both everyday dads, as well as a few famously known dads from their experiences of bringing home their kids for the first time, to their growing changing personalities in those tough times as well as the perspective of what those dads have about their dads.
Apple TV + Description
A joyful exploration of modern fatherhood, this doc gathers the testimonies of dads around the world, from famous comedians to everyday parents. Their unfiltered stories speak to the beauty, struggles and ridiculous hilarity of being a dad today.
TV Series
The Oprah Conversation
My adaptation
Oprah sits down with some of the famous names in Hollywood to discuss potentially uncomfortable topics like racism, discrimination in the industry, as well as the difference between the expectations between women and men in the workplace.
Apple TV + Description
Oprah leads intimate discussions with today’s foremost newsmakers, thought leaders, and masters of their craft. Bringing truth and perspective to a range of topics shaping our world, they reveal gripping stories of human connection.
Little America
My Adaptation
The limited series follows individuals who immigrated to the United States and the adaptation of their blend in American culture from a realistic and comedic perspective of individuals from all over the world.
Apple TV + Description
From the people who brought you The Big Stick and Master of None, Little America is an anthology series that observes the funny, romantic, and heartfelt, inspiring, and surprising stories of immigrants in America.
Dear…
My Adaptation
The series seems to follow a collection of actors and influencers that have managed to speak to extraordinary lives that they have impacted and the transformation they have caused in common people. The effect of what they have caused in others and what those others have gone on to do for others.
Apple TV + Description
One person’s story can change the world. From Emmy-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler, this 10-part docuseries profiles game-changing icons and the people whose lives they’ve inspired.
visible out on television
My adaptation
Some of the biggest faces of daytime television along with early TV icons talk about the “coming out” of the LGBTQ+ community.
Apple TV + Description
Explore the history of the American LGBTQ movement through the lens of TV in the first five-part docuseries. Combining archival footage with new interviews, the series looks at homophobia, the evolution of LGBTQ characters, and coming out in the TV world.
OprahTalks – COVID-19
My adaptation
Oprah sits down with virtual visits from people all over the US, to get their take on the surviving of a mental and emotional, yet educated form in surviving the coronavirus.
Apple TV + Description
How can we mindfully move through a crisis while holding on to ourselves and our humanity? In this series, Oprah has remote conversations with experts and everyday people to provide insight, meaning, and tangible advice for the human spirit.
Little Voice
My adaptation
The Apple TV+ series follows the journey of a young 20-something-year-old girl and the struggles of growing up without parents and the added pressure of raising an autistic brother. Additionally, the finding of oneself is within the search of her soul and finding it through love and music.
Apple TV + Description
Meet Bess King, a uniquely talented performer struggling to fulfill her dreams while handling rejection, dating drama, and family issues. Featuring original music by Sara Bareilles, this is a story about finding your authentic voice – and the courage to use it.
Considering that based on its presentation of inclusion, Apple TV + is showing progress in the diverse entertainment market. While its a marked improvement compared to other networks, Blacks and Latinos want streaming services to do better.
Top image of Lin-Manuel Miranda in “Dear…,” now streaming on Apple TV+.
