Apple TV+ may not always ace the marketing game, but when it comes to programming, they quietly deliver some of the best content in the streaming world—and Number One on the Call Sheet is no exception. Directed by Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch, this two-part documentary is both a celebration and a reckoning. It’s a powerful deep-dive into what it really means to be Black in Hollywood—whether you’re on your way up, or already at the top.
Let’s start with the obvious: I loved it. Absolutely loved it. From the direction to the intentionality behind every single story told, this was one of those rare documentaries that hits you on every level—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
Part One: The Men – Decisions, Legacy, and Cultural Impact
The men’s portion, directed by Reginald Hudlin, was a masterclass in legacy-building. It opens with Denzel—because of course it does. He’s the blueprint. But what stood out to me was the clarity these Black men had about who they wanted to be and how they planned to get there.
Will Smith in particular—listen, say what you want about him, but the man is intentional. Hearing him speak about shaping his own path to movie stardom was inspiring. Kevin Hart and others joined the conversation too, and what I appreciated was that there was no ego, just reflection. They gave each other flowers, and talked about the sacrifices, pivots, and defining moments that shaped their paths.
One story that stuck with me? Boomerang. I’ve always loved the film, but I didn’t realize how revolutionary it was in its time. Eddie Murphy using his star power to make space for a Black director and Black excellence on screen—it’s history we need to keep telling. That kind of power move is what we talk about when we say “using your seat at the table.”
Part Two: The Women – Standards, Struggles, and the Silent Tests
Shola Lynch’s direction of the women’s portion hit harder—more emotional, more intimate. Because let’s be real: it’s one thing to be Black in Hollywood. It’s another thing entirely to be a Black woman in Hollywood.
What made this section stand out was how raw and honest the women were about the unspoken rules. It’s not just about being talented—it’s about fitting into a certain mold. Your complexion. Your body type. How easily your hair can be manipulated. And even after you land a role, you’re still navigating unequal footing in terms of wardrobe, lighting, styling, and overall presentation.
The documentary didn’t just lay it out plainly—it made you feel the weight of it. And as a Black woman who walks through the world in my natural hair, hoodie, and sweats 99% of the time, I felt seen. Because Hollywood doesn’t just ask Black women to be good—they ask us to be palatable. To be “Black but accepted.” That distinction is devastating, and it was powerful to see it articulated so clearly.
The Oscars Moment – A Gut Punch
One of the most painful—but necessary—moments in the film was the conversation about the Oscars. When they broke down just how rare those wins are for Black women, I felt it in my chest. We talk about “Oscar so white,” but we don’t always connect the dots. Halle Berry remains the only Black woman to win Best Actress. Since 1929.
Let that sink in.
And it hit me—sometimes we’re so used to not being given anything that even when we do win, we barely take the time to celebrate it. We’re quick to say “yeah, but—” instead of just sitting in the moment and honoring the work it took to even get there.
Final Thoughts – Watch It. Then Watch It Again.
This doc is a must-watch. I’ve seen it multiple times already, and every time I walk away with something new. It’s a reminder that greatness doesn’t come easy. It takes intentionality, sacrifice, and community.
After watching the documentary, I thought of the bigger picture. Yes, it celebrated wins—but it also pointed out how much more work we still have to do. Being “number one on the call sheet” is a huge deal, but it’s also just the start. What do we do with that platform? How do we make sure we’re bringing others in, hiring Black designers, Black publicists, including Black media,? How do we shift the culture not just on camera but behind the scenes too?
We have to keep having these real conversations—not just about the obstacles but about the strategies to overcome them together. I hope we stop judging each other by end results and instead honor the journey. I hope we stop being so critical of Black art and start celebrating it—even if it’s not perfect. Because nothing about this journey is easy, and we owe each other a lot more grace and support.
And when you’re done? Watch Hollywood Black (MGM+), Black Comedy in America (Vice), Fat Tuesday (Prime Video), and Is That Black Enough for You?!? (Netflix). The more we educate ourselves, the more intentional we can be about how we support Black stories—on screen and off.