Black Hollywood is taking center stage in 2025 with two must-watch documentaries that pull back the curtain on the industry’s past, present, and future. Seen and Heard and Number One on the Call Sheet are set to celebrate, examine, and challenge the narratives surrounding Black creatives in TV and film—because the story of Hollywood isn’t complete without them.
Issa Rae’s Seen and Heard Shines a Light on Black TV’s Evolution
Black television has been a force—shifting culture, shaping representation, and sparking conversations for decades. But being “seen” on screen is just half the battle. Seen and Heard, a two-part documentary executive produced by Issa Rae, dives deep into the journey of Black creatives who fought not just for visibility but for a seat at the table behind the scenes.
Premiering at SXSW before streaming on Max, Seen and Heard explores the evolution of Black storytelling on television. Directed by Giselle Bailey and Phil Bertelsen (Who Killed Malcolm X?), the documentary weaves together personal stories from an all-star lineup, including Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay, Lena Waithe, Cord Jefferson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Swizz Beatz, and the late Norman Lear.
First announced in 2020, the documentary blends archival footage, candid interviews, and raw storytelling to unpack how Black TV has shaped American culture. The conversation isn’t just about celebrating wins—it’s about acknowledging the barriers that still exist and the road ahead.
Alongside Rae, Seen and Heard is executive produced by Montrel McKay (Issa Rae Productions), Jonathan Berry and David Becky (3 Arts Entertainment), Rachel Dretzin, John Maggio, John Ealer, and Nancy Abraham, among others. With SXSW as its launchpad, the documentary is poised to leave an impact when it lands on Max later in 2025.
Apple TV+ Spotlights Black Leading Actors in Number One on the Call Sheet
Being at the top of the call sheet isn’t just about billing—it’s about power, presence, and the journey it took to get there. Apple TV+ is tackling that conversation head-on with Number One on the Call Sheet, a two-part documentary series celebrating Black actors who have redefined Hollywood.
Premiering March 28, the series is split into two films, each with a different focus.
- Black Leading Men in Hollywood, directed by Reginald Hudlin (Marshall, The Black Godfather), takes a deep dive into the experiences of Black male actors navigating an industry that hasn’t always been welcoming.
- Black Leading Women in Hollywood, directed by Shola Lynch (Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed, Free Angela and All Political Prisoners), highlights the challenges, victories, and legacies of Black women who’ve led the charge on and off-screen.
And when it comes to star power, Number One on the Call Sheet is stacked. Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Halle Berry, Whoopi Goldberg, Tessa Thompson, Jamie Foxx, Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Kevin Hart, Morgan Freeman, Cynthia Erivo, Michael B. Jordan, and Will Smith are just some of the heavy hitters sharing their experiences.
Produced by Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner, and Dan Cogan, the series is backed by Hart’s HartBeat Productions and Cogan’s Story Syndicate, with Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Reginald Hudlin, and Bryan Smiley serving as executive producers.
With Apple TV+ giving Number One on the Call Sheet a prime showcase, and Seen and Heard setting the stage on Max, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Black Hollywood’s legacy. These aren’t just documentaries—they’re required viewing.
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