Over the year, with each passing day, discrimination in the form of colour saw itself diminishing from society. Time has passed since blacks and whites were separated and given different treatments based on the colour of their skin. In the early days of television and the internet, when new shows used to come out, they mostly had white characters, including people in lead roles.
You might also have some favourite black characters like Black Panther, which is an inspiration for so many DC fans. As time passed, black characters started to appear more and more on screens, and soon there were shows based on black characters. Today in this article we are going to name and discuss 15 such animated shows that have black characters as leads, including where they are available to stream. If you have watched any of them or which one is your favourite, don’t forget to comment below!
Black Panther
The most well-known black character of all time, the DC superhero and ruler of Wakanda, must be at the top of this incredible list. The program premiered in 2010 and has since undergone numerous live-action remakes. The Black Panther is the hereditary ruler of Wakanda, an untouchable warrior kingdom in Africa, and the story of Wakanda is told through a stunningly intricate narrative of stories-within-stories that spans vast time and space. At the same time, the present-day story steadily intensifies to a suspenseful climax in which Wakanda is under attack from enemies on all sides.
Storm and the X-Men, Juggernaut, The Black Knight, Captain America, a terrifying Condoleezza impersonator, and even President O himself are riding along for the ride. This is a witty, intelligent attack on the imperialism of all kinds, from the Vatican to the White House, and the politics will undoubtedly be contentious. This is a classic tale not about Black Panther specifically, but about Wakandan culture and its inhabitants. This is the tale of an unconquered people who preserved their cultural traditions and created cutting-edge technology. Many people who have been separated from their homes wish they could have never been separated and have resisted attacks even when Captain America is leading the charge.
You can watch the show on Amazon Prime Video and the official YouTube channel of Marvel Entertainment.
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Afro Samurai
Samuel L. Jackson produced and starred in the anime series Afro Samurai, which debuted in 2007 and had 18 episodes. It’s a revenge story, and its goal isn’t to make you change your life or cry for the protagonist’s tragic fate. It aims to bring tears to your eyes, heart palpitations, and perhaps a few bellies laugh.
The anime’s plot is set in a futuristic version of feudal Japan, where all of the world’s swordsmen are ruthlessly vying for the #1 headband, which, if won, would grant its owner the right to refer to himself as a god and the ruler of everything he observes. Afro, the son of #1, swears an oath of vengeance against now-#1 Justice after #1 is killed in a fight with a gun-toting madman and #2 Headband Justice. After receiving traditional samurai training from a renowned master, young Afro grows up, receives the #2 headband, and then embarks on his mission of vengeance by attempting to obtain the #1 headband by slaying every opponent. Afro’s devoted sidekick and solitary friend, Ninja, who contributes significantly to the humour of the program, is present to witness everything.
The show is available to stream on HULU and Netflix.
The Deep
This underwater program debuted in 2015 and is still regularly releasing new seasons, winning the hearts of both kids and adults alike. It is both instructive and thrilling! The Nektons, a family of daring underwater explorers who live on the cutting-edge submarine Aronnax and delve into uncharted waters of the Earth’s oceans to uncover the secrets of the deep, are the subject of the story, which centres on their presence. The kids made the decision to embark on a journey to the underwater world with the assistance of some friends in search of their parents and the fabled city of Lemuria during this time after the family’s parents disappeared.
The show is available to stream on Netflix for four seasons to stream.
Home: Adventures with Tip and Oh
The show came out in 2016 and ran till 2018 and was somewhat of a sequel to the 2015 film, Home. Although it was childish, it at least had a positive message, imaginative graphics, and excellent animation. There are many different kinds of animation, as well as cartoons and theatrical animated films, produced by DreamWorks Animation. Home: Adventures With Tip & Oh, its animated series, did a good job, though. Every episode of this show features imaginative visuals and captivating narratives, and it also teaches audiences of all demographics some valuable lessons. Its visuals and tone are very similar to those of Adventure Time, especially in terms of the emphasis on great friendship and fun adventures.
This show that features a black girl as the protagonist is available to stream on Netflix.
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The PJs
Only three seasons of this outstanding show, which premiered in 1999, were produced. Considering that it was released so soon, the animation was well done with the aid of clay and was pleasing. It also featured a fantastic voice cast. It is an astoundingly funny claymation masterpiece on every level—written, acted (as in radio acting), visual, and animated. An appreciative, knowledgeable audience that can keep up with the barrage of allusions in every line is necessary for Eddie Murphy and his gang’s “vision” to be consistent and literate.
On a rainy, muggy July afternoon in the inner city, it perfectly captures the smell of alcohol vapours wafting up from broken liquor bottles and the faint tinge of urine on damp concrete, mixed with diesel fumes and used fast food grease hovering in the stagnant air. Due to the overly aggressive NAACP and the excessive demand for “Political correctness” in our society, it only lasted for three seasons before being cancelled.
It is available to stream on HULU and Peacock TV.
Fillmore!
Ingrid Third, a gothic girl with a photographic memory, and Cornelius Fillmore, the film’s titular lead character, who is a street-smart black boy from a troubled past, are the two main characters in Fillmore. However, once they both joined the safety patrol, their lives would take a different turn. It’s a junior high-themed crime, mystery, and suspense program. As was evident in one episode, when the latter transferred to X, they connected and grew closer. As partners in detecting and preventing crime, Fillmore and Ingrid have such great chemistry that they rank among the greatest crime-fighting teams in history.
This show’s greatness, effectiveness, and how and why it works so well are some of its many qualities. Additionally, there are some humorous moments, allusions, or hints to other crime/mystery shows. There were those moments in which things got too serious, but that’s why the comic relief provided by O’Farrell was included. It was a Disney show and they dropped it too fast considering it had black leads. It ran from 2002 to 2004 and is now available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar.
Static Shock
The protagonist of Static Shock is Dakota City resident and high school student Virgil Hawkins. Virgil lives with his widowed father, Robert, a social worker who oversees the Freeman Community Center, and his older sister, Sharon, a college student who volunteers at the community centre, after his paramedic mother was killed by stray gunfire some time ago. When Virgil confronts bully Francis “F-Stop” Stone, the confrontation starts out badly.
However, a rival gang of F-Stops comes to Virgil’s defence and quickly demands his loyalty. Virgil is forced to attend, so he is taken to the docks where a fight between Dakota’s gangs is taking place. However, the police shooting tear gas sets off a series of events that results in the Big Bang, an explosion of volatile chemicals and gases that begins to mutate everyone present at the docks into superpowered beings known as “Bang Babies,” including Virgil. The following morning, when Virgil awakens, he finds that he has acquired the ability to control electricity and magnetic fields. Together with his best friend and confidant, Richie Foley, Virgil adopts the identity of the hero, Static.
The show, which ran from 2000 until 2004, was based on a comic book that was published in the 1990s. Now, HBO MAX and Amazon Prime Video both offer the show for streaming.
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Mister T
This legendary program debuted in 1983 and ran until 1985. The show centres on Mister T, who travels the globe with a team of young athletes who compete for the United States Gymnastics team, which is made up of children from a variety of backgrounds. Ms. Bisby, the team’s polite bus driver, also makes an appearance.
Not to mention a dog with a mohawk and one of the kids’ younger brothers who is dressed like Mr. T and wearing jewellery and a sleeveless denim shirt. While Mr. T and his team would frequently engage in combat with the bad guys, they almost never turned to violence, except in extreme cases.
In the majority of the episodes, a crime was committed, the child learned about it, and they both ended up in trouble. Afterwards, Mr. T and the crew would make up the difference and take care of business. Each episode begins with a brief introduction from Mister T, who explains the situation. Additionally, Mr. T narrates a moral lesson for the audience at the conclusion of each lesson.
The show is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.
Gargoyles
This incredible program not only teaches lessons about gun control but also how to deal with blindness, death, family, love, and life without using artificial and frequently unrealistic methods. It was produced by Disney, debuted in 1994, and ran through 1996.
It was a television series that aired in the middle of the 1990s during the “Disney Afternoon” block. Its continued status as the sole dramatic animated series produced by Disney TV gives it a special distinction. With its tragic storylines, realistic weapons, and obvious consequences for characters’ choices, it astounded people at the time. Don’t think it’s just another mindless afternoon shoot-’em-up made to sell action figures, even though it’s definitely not for young children. This saga’s mainstays are plot and character development, which are essential elements of any classic work of literature.
The story is the star of the show, remaining engaging and moderately serialized throughout the entire run despite the series’ taut writing, excellent acting, and stunning animation. It is now available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video.
The Cleveland Show
This family-friendly comedy program debuted in 2009 and ran until 2013. It amused many families and individuals. A black family is the subject of the program. It is a hilarious show with plenty of jokes to keep you laughing throughout.
Cleveland is not as quiet and frail a man as he appears to be in Family Guy. He is much more powerful and fascinating in this situation and is one of the funniest characters and is going to star in his own show. We get a brand-new Cleveland Brown who is funny and more mature. Additionally, the members of his new family are all very different from the characters in American Dad and Family Guy, and they are all a good mix of personalities. This, along with all the fresh jokes and practical jokes, is truly amazing.
The show is available on HULU, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus Hotstar with all of its episodes.
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The Proud Family
The proud family is also a Disney original creation. It follows the exploits of 14-year-old Penny Proud and her group of friends and family. With her kindness, intelligence, maturity, and general goodness (aside from the occasional foray into childish idiocy), Penny is a very likeable character. Penny and her pals are frequently the targets of bullying. Children’s programming frequently uses this motif to promote awareness and encourage children to report bullying which is what this show does.
The show came out in 2001 and ran till 2005 and is available to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar for a global audience.
Jackson 5ive
This was an animated television series that premiered in 1971 and ran until 1973, loosely based on the lives of the Jackson 5ive. The Jackson brothers, Jermaine, Michael, Tito, Marlon, and Jackie, attempt to break into the music business. They engage in bizarre, absurd adventures. Michael is the star, as he is in real life. He keeps his snake, Rosie, and his mice, Ray and Charles. The stories usually centre on Michael, and the other brothers are rarely mentioned. This is a jive, psychedelic, fantasy children’s cartoon.
For a global subscription, Jackson 5ive is now accessible to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
The Boondocks
One of the best anime-influenced cartoons is The Boondocks, which successfully combines the best aspects of American and Japanese animation to produce a unique and high-quality product. This series uses the anime aesthetic in an original and different way, with very interesting and stylish results, as opposed to only using the most defining anime elements, like big water drops, in a shallow way.
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Robert “Granddad” Freeman relocates Riley and Young Huey Freeman from the Chicago boondocks to the suburb of Woodcrest. Riley, the youngest, often experiences repression as they try to integrate into their new life, while Huey, the oldest, experiences it as another adventure that is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Black Dynamite
This program exaggerates the notoriously homophobic and misogynistic black culture of the 1970s. To avoid offending particular groups, the authors won’t change the course of history. It is a skillfully written and exquisitely illustrated series that is gripping and heart-wrenching. The dynamic angles, figures, bold colour tones, and lines immediately satisfy you visually from an artist’s point of view. The characters are all excellent fits for their respective roles. However, a sense of humour is necessary. Don’t bother watching the series if you’re stiff. It can be watched online on Amazon Prime Video and HBO MAX.
Doc McStuffins
Not only is it cute and endearing, but it also has intelligence, imparts knowledge, and has a message. The protagonist of the show is a black girl who is kind and loving and cares deeply for her family and friends. Instead of acting like a spoiled or annoying child, she instils in kids the values of respect, tolerance, and kindness. Her parents serve as excellent role models for her, showing her that intelligence and compassion are equally valuable to beauty. The Disney show is available to watch on Disney Plus Hotstar.
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