20 TV Shows That Handled Black Queer Storylines Better Than Anyone Expected

Omar Little is a truly memorable character in television, known for his bravery and strong personal ethics. He navigates the risky world of Baltimore’s drug trade by stealing from drug dealers, all while openly living as a gay man. The show depicts his love life with surprising sensitivity, especially considering his violent profession. Importantly, the writers didn’t reduce him to just his sexuality or portray it as something shameful. He broke the typical mold of the tough, hyper-masculine gangster often seen in crime shows.

18 Films Where Trans Characters Exist Without the Movie Being “About” Being Trans

This crime drama, starring Al Pacino, is based on the true story of a bank robbery that quickly became a major media event. The robbery was motivated by a desperate need to raise money for the protagonist’s partner, Leon Shermer, to receive gender-affirming care. Leon, a complex character already living as a woman, is involved in negotiating with the police during the hostage situation. Though her identity initially sparked the crime, the film mainly centers on the tense standoff and how the robbery plan falls apart.

‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ Tops Paramount+’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week

Police officers Schmidt and Jenko, known for not quite reaching their potential, go undercover as high school students. Their mission: to find the source of a new and dangerous drug. As they try to fit in and investigate, their friendship is challenged by the complexities of teenage life. Ultimately, they bust the drug dealers during a wild confrontation at the prom, proving themselves as capable officers.

17 TV Shows That Cast Non-Binary Actors in Roles Written as Binary

I’m completely captivated by Emma D’Arcy’s portrayal of Rhaenyra Targaryen. She plays the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, but it’s heartbreaking to watch her constantly fight to prove herself against so many men. D’Arcy really brings Rhaenyra to life – she’s both a fierce mother and incredibly strong politically, especially as the civil war heats up. What I love most is the weight D’Arcy brings to the role; it really grounds the story during this chaotic period known as the Dance of the Dragons. You can truly feel Rhaenyra’s loneliness as a woman trying to lead in a world dominated by men.

17 TV Shows That Cast Two Black Leads and Let Them Be Messy and Human

The popular HBO series ‘Insecure’ centers on the lives of best friends Issa and Molly as they deal with the challenges of work, love, and self-discovery in Los Angeles. The show is praised for its realistic portrayal of flawed characters, showcasing their vulnerabilities and poor choices. Throughout the series, viewers see how their actions impact their friendship and relationships. ‘Insecure’ beautifully captures both the joys and struggles of their connection, even amidst uncomfortable moments and mistakes.

19 TV Shows Where Black Women Get to Be Morally Grey Instead of Perfect

Olivia Pope is a powerful crisis manager in Washington, D.C., specializing in protecting the images of the nation’s most influential figures. She’ll go to extreme lengths – including manipulating elections and concealing crimes – to safeguard their positions, all while secretly being involved with the President. Her need to be in control frequently pushes her to make questionable and even dangerous choices, blurring the lines of morality and putting herself at risk. Olivia demonstrates that succeeding in the high-stakes world of political damage control often means making difficult compromises and getting involved in messy situations.

20 Movies Where the White Lead Learns Absolutely Nothing from Black Characters

Throughout the Civil War and Reconstruction, Scarlett O’Hara depends on Mammy for both practical help and emotional support. However, Scarlett repeatedly ignores Mammy’s advice and doesn’t respect her as an individual. Their relationship is built on a clear power imbalance, with Scarlett seeing Mammy only as a servant, not as a person with her own thoughts and feelings. Scarlett’s story centers on her own struggles and successes, and she remains unaware of the full humanity of the Black people who support her.

‘Elf’ Tops HBO Max’s Top 10 Most-Watched Movies List of the Week

I just saw Celine Song’s new movie, and it’s fantastic! It’s a really smart and funny romantic comedy set in New York City, and it follows a matchmaker – played by Dakota Johnson – who’s amazing at her job, but her own love life gets super complicated. She ends up caught between a rich client and an actor she used to know, and it’s fascinating to watch her try to figure things out. The movie really makes you think about what’s real in relationships versus what’s just…convenient. Plus, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal are both incredible – they make it so hard to root for just one guy! It’s a really well-done film.