5 Of The Best Black Heroes On TV Right Now

Black TV characters we can all root for

If you were to turn the TV to any given channel today, you’d likely come across a show or movie featuring a Black actor. It’s a welcome change from years ago, when Black and brown people weren’t featured regularly on the small screen, let alone in larger motion pictures.

According to a 2020 UCLA study, Black characters are currently represented in 450 on-air shows. Representation, while it could be better, is at an all time high for Black actors, and this is a small triumph in itself. Various articles have sought to categorize Black characters on-screen, awarding them superlatives like most relatable Black character or most likely to be your best friend. Today, I’ll be taking a number from each of these publications and discussing five of the best Black heroes on TV right now.

The heroes we’ll be talking about won’t always have superspeed or laser eyes. Instead, they’ll be determined, caring, quick-witted, smart and have all the qualities that make a good hero. Without further ado, let’s start with our number one: Anissa Pierce.

1. Anissa Pierce from “Black Lightning”

Anissa Pierce, aka Thunder, aka Black Bird, aka all-around badass. Anissa is the daughter of Freeland’s resident superhero Black Lightning, and a fledgling caped crusader in her own right. Gifted with super strength and the ability to generate “thunder claps,” Anissa is arguably one of the most powerful members of the Jefferson clan. She’s also a member of the LGBTQ+ community and pursuing a degree in nursing in her free time. With Anissa, showrunners have been able to explore the idea of intersections, and articulate how Anissa’s affinity with various groups combine to create her identity. She’s also made to fight in some of the biggest, most epic blowout fights in the show’s history, making her a powerful hero with layers. And someone who’s easily deserving of the first spot on this list.

2. Spencer James from “All-American”

Spencer James is just trying to make it. South Central Los Angeles is an unforgiving place, and he knows that his prowess in football is his ticket out. A chance encounter with a football coach in Beverly Hills turns his dream into reality, and he soon finds himself on the other side of the tracks attending Beverly High as the school’s new running back. Despite his new circumstances, Spencer remains humble. He doesn’t forget where he came from, and exhibits a sense of emotional maturity that far exceeds the capabilities of most 17 year olds. Yes, he makes mistakes, but at the end of the day he’ll go the distance to do the right thing.

3. Monica Rambeau from “WandaVision”

Our newest edition to the list is Monica, who made her return to the big screen in episode four of Marvel’s WandaVision. Agent Rambeau is believed to be one of the greatest minds in the Marvel universe, and plays a key role in the “Hex” operation. Even though she currently has no superhuman abilities, her intuition and overall ability to command a room make her a formidable force in the Marvel universe. She’s also a complex character that’s been able to successfully compartmentalize the death of her mother and disappearance of her childhood hero Captain Marvel to effectively investigate the Hex anomaly. Rambeau is set to star in Marvel’s Captain Marvel 2, and I suspect her role in the movie will further solidify her status as one of the MCU’s greatest minds.

4. Lucas Sinclair from “Stranger Things”

For three seasons, Lucas has braved everything from a meddlesome sister to terrifying monsters in the Upside Down. He’s the one character in the series that’s able to sniff out BS and remains skeptical of the otherworldly presence in Hawkins. He’s loyal, brave and exactly the kind of guy you’d want on your side if you ever had to lead a rescue mission to another dimension to rescue one of your friends from the clutches of an interdimensional beast. Lucas is also known for his famous one liners and sayings, delivering viewers some of the most classic quotes that literally make the show the phenom it is today. Just thinking about that moment in season one when he said “Friends don’t lie” still makes me tear up.

5. Andre Jonshon Jr. from “Black-ish”

Everyone’s favorite “Longhead” Junior has brought us some of the most hilarious moments in all seven seasons of the show. Remember when we learned that he could speak fluent Dothraki? Or, what about the time he and Jack made their shared room into a frat house? Junior’s been in his fair share of hijinks and schemes, but still managed to make it on this list for his loyalty and love for his family. He may be a little weird yes, but he’s the kind of son brother, son and friend you’d want in your corner.

This is just a fraction of what’s out there. Black representation on-screen has never been higher, meaning that there are so many different characters to watch and identify with. We’ve got a ways to go before we reach parity when it comes to diversity on-screen, but Black heroes like these serve as reminders that if we make diversity a priority, we can get there one day.

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