Apple TV+’s Number One on the Call Sheet is more than a documentary—it’s a love letter to Black excellence in Hollywood. Broken into two powerful parts, the series celebrates the legacies of both Black men and women who have redefined what it means to be a leading actor. Directed by Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch, each film brings a unique tone, style, and emotional perspective to the screen—while honoring the individual and collective journeys of those who’ve fought to be seen, heard, and valued at the top of the call sheet.
I had the opportunity to sit down with the brilliant directors behind the project to dive into the “why” behind their storytelling choices, what it meant to create separate—but deeply connected—films for men and women, and how the process of making this documentary transformed them. From the intentional design of the set to the emotional impact of Black icons like Will Smith, Viola Davis, Eddie Murphy, and Angela Bassett sharing their truths, this conversation gets into the heart of why Number One on the Call Sheet is essential viewing.
Let’s get into it.