2023 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Drama Series to Add to Your Watch List
Ahead of the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards, we’re looking back at some of the groundbreaking shows to come out over the last year. Whether it’s a group of close-knit siblings looking for love in London’s high society or a story about the lives of the many different people that pass through The Pynk in fictional Chucalissa, Mississippi, television had a little bit of everything for everyone.
Many of these series are now in the running for “Outstanding Drama Serie” at this year’s celebration of Black excellence, but before we find out who will win, check out the nominees and five drama series to add to your watch list.
Bridgerton
Set against the backdrop of the Regency era, Bridgerton follows eight close-knit siblings of the prominent and wealthy Bridgerton family as they navigate London’s high society in search of love and happiness. Based on the book series by Julia Quinn, the historical fiction romance marks Shonda Rhimes’ first scripted show for Netflix. It stars Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Lorriane Ashbourne, breakout star Regé-Jean Page, and more. The show debuted in 2020 and is currently filming its third season.
Euphoria
HBO’s teen drama Euphoria was one the most talked about shows in 2019, starring Golden Globe-winning actress Zendaya as the show’s main character, Rue Bennett, a recovering teenage drug addict struggling to find her footing. The show’s a heavy watch, but Zendaya delivers a must-see performance in one of the most complex roles of her career so far. Euphoria is the network’s third most-watched series in HBO history, behind Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
P-Valley
Created by playwriter and producer Katori Hall, based on her play P**sy Valley, Starz’s drama series P-Valley follows the lives of several individuals who work at a strip club called The Pynk in the fictional city of Chucalissa, Mississippi. The show features several themes surrounding mental health, domestic violence, sexuality, and more. It stars Brandee Evans, Nicco Annan, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Elarica Johnson and has already been renewed for a third season since premiering on July 12, 2020.
Queen Sugar
Created and executive produced by Ava DuVernay, Queen Sugar follows the three estranged Bordelon siblings in Louisiana who are brought together after their father’s untimely passing. The trio must now work together to decide the fate of their dad’s 800-acre sugarcane farm while dealing with everyday life’s curveballs. The drama stars Kofi Siriboe, Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Omar Dorsey, and more.
Bel-Air
The television sitcom that thrust Will Smith into stardom takes a dark turn for its reboot in Peacock’s Bel-Air reimagining based on Morgan Cooper's short fan film of the same name. The series follows the original storyline with breakthrough actor Jabari Banks portraying Smith’s iconic character as it covers themes of racial tension, culture-specific topics, and Black excellence.
Bel-Air also stars Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, Jimmy Akingbola, and more.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
