Award-winning creator Issa Rae is executive producing “Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television,” a new two-part documentary exploring the evolution of Black representation on TV. The series examines how Black artists and creators have revolutionized the industry while confronting significant challenges, featuring commentary from media icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes, and Norman Lear.
Speaking with “CBS Mornings,” Rae explained that her own career path was shaped by the television she watched in the 1990s. “Seeing the people that I love…on TV, that representation was so essential for me to recognize that I could do it,” she said.
Rae noted a cyclical pattern in the industry, describing a sudden “disappearance” of Black-led shows in the early 2000s, followed by a resurgence a decade later. She believes television is now entering another period of decline for Black programming.
She attributes these downturns to networks attempting to capture the “broadest audience possible,” a strategy that she says often defaults to White-centric content. This approach, she pointed out, ignores the proven universal appeal of past hits like “Family Matters” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which attracted diverse viewership.
The documentary also stresses the importance of representation behind the camera. Rae explained that diverse creative teams bring authenticity to crucial details, from set design to a character’s hair and wardrobe. “If I’m immersed, like those small details really, really matter,” she said, adding that such authenticity reflects a deeper pride from the creators.
While acknowledging the current media landscape is challenging, Rae remains optimistic. “It’s another time that I’m confident we’ll get through,” she stated, finding hope in the digital platforms where she launched her own career. “If I want to tell a story I’m going to tell a story regardless.”
“Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television” debuts September 9 on HBO and HBO Max.
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