Top telly picks for Black History Month UK 2022

What is Black History Month?  

Black History Month was first created in the US and takes place in February to coincide with the births of former President Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass, both of whom played significant roles in helping to end slavery in the US.  

In the UK, Black History Month takes place in October, and is intended to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of those with African or Caribbean heritage. It also is a chance to challenge stereotypes and racism towards these communities with a focus on key moments in Black history such as Britain’s colonial past.  

From Walter Tull, one of the first Black English football players and the first Black officer to command white troops in the British Army, to Malorie Blackman, the first Black Children’s Laureate, there are many key Black figures Black History Month aims to celebrate, along with the communities’ cultures and heritages.  

This year, Black History Month’s theme is inspired around Black Lives Matter, which has come to the forefront of current events over the last year. With a slogan of ‘Proud to Be...’, this year encourages ethnic minority groups to be proud of their African or Caribbean roots.  

Top picks for Black History Month on Freesat: 

Check out a few of our top TV recommendations to help you discover, learn and celebrate Black history, culture, narratives and talent... 

Black and British Collection  

Black is the New Black 

Stream on BBC iPlayer 

In this documentary series, important figures from politics, business, culture, sport, science and religion share their perspectives and insights on being Black in Britain today. From TV personalities to Sir Trevor McDonald to supermodel Naomi Campbell and musicians like Dizzie Rascal, hear about their experiences and insights, as well as what they believe the future holds. Stream Black is the New Black now on BBC iPlayer.  

I May Destroy You 

Stream on BBC iPlayer 

Written by and starring Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You has been one of the stand out dramas of the last two years, and has recently won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie after rave reviews. The drama follows Arabella, a writer who joins her friends on a night out, only to be sexually assaulted after having her drink spiked in a nightclub. An exploration of consent, I May Destroy You is a powerful, raw and surprisingly comedic drama which will stay with you long after you’ve watched the final episode. Stream I May Destroy You on BBC iPlayer.  

Uprising 

Stream on BBC iPlayer 

From acclaimed director Steve McQueen, Uprising is a three-part documentary series focusing on three events from 1981 which significantly impacted race relations in the UK. Starting with a birthday party that ended with a horrific fire in South London that left 13 young black people dead, the first episode explores the events which led to the fire and how it ignited an uprising by the Black British community.  

Noughts + Crosses 

Streaming on BBC iPlayer 

Based on Malorie Blackman’s bestselling novels, Noughts + Crosses follows Sephy and Callum, two characters from different walks of life who fall in love in dystopian London and will have to try to breach the divide between the black elite and white underclass. Stream series one of Noughts + Crosses now on BBC iPlayer.  

Stream more of the Black & British Collection on BBC iPlayer. 

Black History Month on ITV: 

Starts 3rd October  

ITV will have a wealth of telly available to educate and entertain for Black History Month 2022. As well as dramas and documentaries, ITV have also opened submissions for Fresh Cuts, giving rising Black filmmakers the opportunity for a platform for their work. These Fresh Cuts include:  

• The Bottom Line, by producer/director Louise Coleman  

• Ink To Your Skin, by Yemi Adegbulu 

• Our Jubilee, by Jason Osbourne 

• Everyone Can Rap, by Daniel Dempster 

• Black, British and Basketball, by David Adeyemi 

Sorry, I Didn’t Know  

ITV and ITVX, Sundays at 10:30pm 

Sorry I didn’t know follows two teams of comedians as they take viewers on an eye-opening tour of Black history across the globe, and is hosted by Jimmy Akingbola. The comedians must bring their knowledge, boldness and humour in order to have a chance of winning, and the show attempts to bring the phrase “Sorry, I didn’t know,” to an end. Find out more about the show from Jimmy Akingbola himself. 

All American 

ITVX

Spencer James (Daniel Ezra) is a rising American football player who gets the chance to attend Beverly Hills High School to play the game he loves and get a real shot of playing in the NFL. At first, he struggles to find his footing in a predominantly white team, who are threatened by his arrival, but soon forms a brotherly bond with them and a fatherly bond with the coach. The series is based on the real life of Spencer Paysinger, a former professional NFL lineback, and co-producer of the show.  

Stephen 

ITVX

Stephen follows the heart-breaking story of Doreen and Neville Lawrence’s struggle for justice after the murder of their son Stephen in 1993. Still sending shockwaves through the country to this day, the drama adaptation highlights the ways in which time hasn’t changed, with two convictions only secured eighteen years after his death, in 2011.  

Black History Month: The Bridge 

Black History Month: The Bridge, follows two influential figures from different generations who work in the same field as they take part in one-on-one conversations about their journeys and experiences.  

Ashley Banjo: Britain in Black & White 

ITV and ITVX, Tuesday 19th October at 9pm

In 2020, actor and dancer Ashley Banjo suddenly found himself in the centre of the Black Lives Matter movement after the pro-equality routine performed by Diversity was met with mass complaints, blurring the line between entertainment and politics. A year and a BAFTA later, Ashley is about to delve into British Black history while exploring his own past.  

Charlene White: Empire’s Child  

ITV and ITVX, Coming soon 

Join television personality Charlene White as she embarks on a personal journey about her own roots and connections to the British Empire, exploring how Black Britons’ contributions to the UK are still so often overlooked and their “Britishness” questioned. Asking questions about the legacy and shadow of the empire and what the future holds for Black Britons, this moving, personal and surprisingly funny film looks into the heart of Britain’s history and place in today’s racially charged atmosphere.  

Black History Month on Channel 5:

BET on My5

BET shows the power of Black Culture. Get access to premium dramas, documentaries and more right now on My5 and discover what's streaming below...

The Evolution of Black British Music 

The Evolution of Black British Music on My5 takes a closer look at the different musical genres that have emerged out of the Black British rave scene, starting with Jungle and then progressing to garage, grime, Afrobashment, UK funky, road rap and drill.  

Tyler Perry’s Sistas 

A group of single black women navigate the ups and downs of modern life and spans across careers, friendships, romances and the influence of social media. Packed with comedy and drama, the series stars KJ Smith (The Family Business), Devale Ellis (Single Black Female), Ebony Obsidian (Tough Love), and Mignon Von (Furthest From).  

Moments that shaped Queer Black Britain  

Moments that Shaped Queer Black Britain celebrates the LGBTQ+ black community’s move from underground and hidden too out and proud, touching on the struggles they’ve faced along the way, as well as the struggles they still face today.  

Being Mary Jane 

This hour-long scripted drama is a follow-up to the TV movie of the same name, which premiered in 2013. Gabrielle Union (Bring It On) reprises her role as Mary Jane Paul, a successful cable news anchor and fashionista with a lavish lifestyle. But there’s one thing missing, and as she tries to start a family of her own to share in her luxuries, she discovers the person she was always destined to be.  

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne 

Tyler Perry returns for House of Payne, a sitcom about a multi-generational family living under the same roof, and the humorous trials and tribulations that come with it.  

Black History Month on UKTV:

Just Jokes 

A new series featuring a host of black comedians and performers tell their stories about black history, and detail their experiences dealing with hecklers, prejudice on the circuit and growing up black. Expect to see some of your favourite artists, including Big Zuu, Sophie Duker, Darren Harriot and Kemah Bob. 

Mrs Mandela 

In this drama, Sophie Okonedo plays Winnie Mandela, an innocent country girl and adoring wife turned fighter against apartheid and firebrand revolutionary.  

Lenny Henry’s Race Through Comedy 

Sir Lenny Henry is celebrating British TV comedy over the years, with a focus on iconic shows that have shone a light on Britain’s rich mix of multiculturalism. Tune in as he unearths forgotten gems and paints a funny yet thought-provoking picture of British comedy history.  

Small Island 

This two-part drama is based on Andrea Levy’s award-winning story of Jamaicans and Londoners, and stars Naomi Harris as Hortense alongside David Oyelowo, her new husband, Gilbert. Hortense joins Gilbert where he is lodging with Queenie Bligh (Ruth Wilson). Benedict Cumberbatch also stars. 

Dancing on the Edge  

Chiwetel Ejiofor and Matthew Goode star in a series about a black Jazz band in the 1930s, which rises in fame and popularity while becoming entangled in an intricate web of intrigue, mystery and suspense with London’s elite society.  

Walter’s War 

Walter’s War is inspired by the life of Walter Tull, who was the first black professional footballer and later became the first black commissioned officer to lead British troops during WWI. During his time serving from ordinary solider to extraordinary officer he had to face not only his own demons but the prejudice that surrounded him.

Damilola, Our Loved Boy 

This feature-length family drama reveals the story of Damilola Taylor, who died at the young age of 10 on the streets of London in 2000. The story is told from the point of view of Damilola’s father, Richard Taylor OBE, and offers a surprisingly intimate and deeply moving story of fatherhood, family and hope.  

Black Panthers of WW2 

Take a look at the history of the 761st tank battalion composed of African-American servicemen known as the Black Panthers, and their fight against not only the enemy abroad, but one at home, too.  

Black History Month on Prime Video:

Jungle  

Jungle is an original drama series based on the U.K.’s rap and drill scenes directed by Nothing Lost, aka Junior Okoli and Chas Appeti. It follows several strangers facing various struggles living in inner London, weaving in rap and drill music and featuring some of the biggest artists in the industry, including Tinie Tempah, Big Narstie, Unknown T, Jordan McCann, IAMDDB, Double Lz and many more.  

“Frequently misunderstood, it’s a world where one law governs everything: only the strongest will survive,” the official logline reads. “As the strangers’ worlds begin to unravel around them, they come to the realisation that every action, no matter how small, has a consequence. Portraying the city through compelling visuals whilst detailing the many perils of day-to-day life in inner city London, Jungle ultimately seeks to convey a bigger message about the true value of life.” 

Them 

Them is a horror drama series featuring a black family who move from North Carolina to an all-white Los Angeles neighbourhood in 1953, and find that from their arrival, their idyllic home becomes a hub for malevolent forces.  

Harlem 

Four women in their thirties who have been friends since University attempt to balance love, life and their careers as working professionals in Harlem, NYC.  

Black History Month on Netflix:

Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy 

In this totally unique view of Kanye West’s life pre-fame, jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy is a must-see documentary film directed by Coodie & Chike, and uncovers the life of the American rapper, record producer and fashion designer.  

RACE: Bubba Wallace 

Bubba Wallace rose to the elite ranks of NASCAR and became the only full-time Black race car driver. After making the decision to speak out about racial injustices, RACE: Bubba Wallace takes a look at the aftermath that followed with access to footage of him during the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season.  

Find out more about the history of Black television and the Freesat team’s own recommendations for Black History Month 📺 

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