TV Shows Where Black Characters Lead Policy Reforms

For years, television has reflected changes in society. But recently, we’ve seen a notable change in how Black characters are portrayed when it comes to politics and the law. Instead of just being involved in existing systems, these characters are now often shown as leaders who are actively working to change those systems. We’re seeing stories that explore how they rethink public safety, address inequalities in healthcare and the legal system, and generally examine power and how it’s used. This shows a shift towards stories that focus on characters taking control and questioning the system, rather than simply watching things happen. The following shows feature Black main characters who are directly involved in creating policy and pushing for legal changes within their worlds.

‘How to Get Away with Murder’ (2014–2020)

Annalise Keating, a renowned lawyer and law professor, fights for justice, even taking a case all the way to the Supreme Court. A major plotline involves her leading a lawsuit against the government to fix problems with the public defender system. She argues that a lack of funding unfairly harms poor defendants and people of color. The story highlights the significant legal and political challenges of reforming the country’s court system.

‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)

Olivia Pope is a Washington D.C. crisis manager who works with the nation’s most powerful people, impacting laws and public opinion. She skillfully navigates political situations, often influencing the president and national policies to achieve what she believes is right. Her father leads a hidden government agency that secretly controls both foreign and domestic affairs. The series demonstrates how individuals without official power can control the direction of democracy through information, influence, and determination.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

Frustrated with the ongoing failures of the drug war, police officer Bunny Colvin takes a bold and unauthorized step by creating ‘Hamsterdam.’ This involves allowing drug sales in specific areas with the goal of reducing violent crime and improving safety for residents. Colvin’s actions raise important questions about whether harm reduction strategies are more effective than traditional policing, and his story highlights how rigid rules and performance measurements can hinder real progress in police reform.

‘For Life’ (2020–2021)

I just finished watching a truly compelling series about Aaron Wallace, a man who was wrongly convicted and sentenced to life. What’s amazing is that he didn’t just accept his fate – he taught himself law while in prison to fight for his freedom and the freedom of others. It’s based on the incredible true story of Isaac Wright Jr., and the show really digs into the corruption within the legal system. We see Wallace using his unique position to challenge unfair laws and overturn wrongful convictions, which really exposes the flaws in how our justice system works. It’s more than just one man’s fight; it sparks a larger conversation about prison reform and the rights of those behind bars. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking watch.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

I’ve always been so impressed watching Dr. Avery grow. It was powerful to see him move away from the day-to-day of surgery and take on something even bigger – leading the Catherine Fox Foundation. He’s not just focused on individual patients anymore, but on fixing the deep-rooted problems of racism within healthcare itself. It’s about making real, lasting change at an institutional level, and he’s exactly the person to do it. He’s shifted from saving lives one at a time to trying to heal the entire system, and I find that incredibly inspiring.

‘Station 19’ (2018–2024)

Dean Miller, who is both a firefighter and has a legal background, created a program called Crisis One to improve how emergency calls that aren’t violent are handled. The program teams firefighters with social workers to help calm down people experiencing mental health crises, with the goal of avoiding situations where police involvement could escalate things. While initially met with some pushback, Miller’s idea eventually became a successful example of a more modern approach to emergency response, and is remembered as a key change he made to better protect people in the community.

‘Empire’ (2015–2020)

Cookie Lyon is now using her fame and experience with prison – she spent 17 years incarcerated – to fight for changes to the system. She’s organizing concerts and using her powerful position in the media to draw attention to the harsh realities faced by inmates. Her story shows her challenging those in power – investors and politicians – to improve conditions and treatment within prisons. The show highlights how celebrity, wealth, and fighting for social justice can come together.

‘Power’ (2014–2020)

Okay, so “Power” really throws you for a loop this season. We see Ghost St. Patrick trying to go legit, trading in drug dealing for a run for Lieutenant Governor of New York. It’s fascinating watching him try to reinvent himself, especially with this ambitious plan – the Queen’s Child Project – aimed at fixing up his old neighborhood and giving kids a way out. It’s clear he wants to actually make a difference, to use the system instead of working around it. The show does a great job of showing just how hard it is to go from running things on the street to navigating the world of politics – it’s messy, complicated, and totally gripping.

‘The Good Fight’ (2017–2022)

Liz Reddick and Adrian Boseman run a Black-owned law firm specializing in cases of police misconduct and discrimination at work. They are committed to diversity, practicing what they preach by following the Rooney Rule in their own hiring and suing companies that don’t prioritize diversity. The show explores important and timely political and social issues, focusing on the legal challenges faced by activists and those fighting for civil rights. It demonstrates how law firms can shape public policy by winning landmark cases.

‘Queen Sugar’ (2016–2022)

Nova Bordelon is a dedicated community organizer and journalist working for social justice in rural Louisiana. She focuses on issues like challenging the prison system, revealing police misconduct, and raising money to help local people get out of jail. Over time, Nova expands her work to influence laws around community policing and fight environmental racism impacting Black farmers. The show realistically depicts the personal sacrifices and challenges of this kind of activism, as well as how long it takes to achieve meaningful legal changes.

‘Black Lightning’ (2018–2021)

Jefferson Pierce leads a double life as both a high school principal and a superhero dedicated to protecting his community, Freeland. He doesn’t just fight crime; he also works to improve education and safeguard people with special abilities from being taken advantage of by the government. A major part of his mission involves uncovering the wrongdoing of a powerful, corrupt organization called the A.S.A. and pushing for policies that keep his students safe from being used as weapons. The show combines classic superhero action with relevant social issues, exploring themes of government power and the strength of local communities.

‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–Present)

Janine Teagues takes a job with the Philadelphia school district to help improve how public schools are run. While working there, she tries to launch programs, like a new library initiative, to get more funding to schools that need it most. Her experiences highlight how difficult it is for those in charge to understand what teachers and students actually need. Janine’s story shows how challenging it can be to make big changes within a large, established system.

‘Godfather of Harlem’ (2019–Present)

The series tells the story of an unlikely partnership between Bumpy Johnson, a powerful Harlem crime boss, and Malcolm X, a leading voice in the Civil Rights Movement. Together, they worked to uplift the Harlem community, focusing on safety and economic opportunity. While Johnson used unconventional methods, he and Malcolm X collaborated on strategies to challenge the established power structures and fight against systemic racism, aiming to achieve justice for Black Americans. The show offers a fictionalized take on this historical period, exploring how different leadership styles came together in the pursuit of equality.

‘Mrs. America’ (2020)

The limited series focuses on Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazing figure as the first Black woman in Congress, and her historic 1972 presidential campaign. It highlights her struggle to make sure the voices of women of color were included in important issues like the Equal Rights Amendment. Chisholm pushed both the political system and the women’s rights movement to think more broadly and inclusively. The series depicts her campaign as a pivotal moment that aimed to change American politics for the better, inspiring future generations.

‘Women of the Movement’ (2022)

After her son, Emmett Till, was tragically murdered, Mamie Till-Mobley turned her sorrow into a powerful fight for justice, becoming a key figure in the early Civil Rights Movement. She skillfully used the media and courts to reveal the harsh realities of segregation and racial violence, pushing the government to take action. Her tireless work helped pave the way for important civil rights laws and federal efforts to combat lynching. The series shows how one person’s courage can change the nation and inspire new laws.

‘Small Axe’ (2020)

The ‘Mangrove’ episode tells the story of the Mangrove Nine, a group of Black activists accused of causing a disturbance during a protest against police mistreatment. Instead of simply defending themselves, Darcus Howe, Altheia Jones-LeCointe, and the others used the trial to challenge the justice system itself, revealing racism within the London police. Their approach led to an important acknowledgment of racial bias in policing and changed how courts handled similar cases going forward. This installment of the series showcases key moments in the fight for legal changes by Black Britons.

‘S.W.A.T.’ (2017–Present)

Daniel ‘Hondo’ Harrelson leads the S.W.A.T. team with a focus on improving relationships between the police and the Black community. He consistently questions traditional policing methods and works to create positive change within the department, aiming to reduce the use of deadly force. Hondo’s story examines the challenges faced by Black officers working to reform the police force from within, highlighting his commitment to building trust with the community and ensuring accountability.

‘Good Trouble’ (2019–2024)

Malika Williams becomes a social justice activist and eventually takes a job with a City Council member, where she works on solutions to address homelessness and incarceration. The series follows her as she moves from protesting to actually writing laws – laws that help fund women’s shelters and create alternatives to jail. It realistically portrays the challenges and successes of local politics, showing how activist beliefs can be put into practice when governing a city.

‘The Chi’ (2018–Present)

Victor Taylor, known as ‘Trig’, transforms from a local hero protecting his community to a Chicago City Councilman focused on improving the South Side. He’s elected on a promise to invest in neighborhoods and prioritize social programs over increased policing. As a politician, Trig faces the challenges of Chicago’s corrupt political system while striving to represent the people who elected him. His story highlights the struggle to turn grassroots community support into real political power.

‘Pearson’ (2019)

Jessica Pearson steps into the challenging world of Chicago politics, working as a problem-solver for the Mayor. She deals with complicated issues like housing and land use, using her legal skills to negotiate agreements that consider both the city’s growth and the rights of people living in affordable housing. The show explores the gray areas of political influence and the secret negotiations that determine how the city is built and run. Pearson aims to make a difference within a system known for its favoritism and dishonesty.

Share your favorite example of a character fighting for change in the comments.

2025-12-19 08:19