Promotional collage for fall Black TV shows featuring cast members from series
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Fall 2025 Must-Watch Black TV Shows: From “Abbott Elementary” to Tracy Morgan’s New Series

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

As summer fades, television fans can gear up for a jam-packed fall 2025 season filled with returning favorites and exciting new series featuring Black talent in front of and behind the camera. From Quinta Brunson’s award-winning “Abbott Elementary” to Tracy Morgan’s highly anticipated “The Rise and Fall of Reggie Dinkins,” here’s a curated guide to the can’t-miss shows lighting up screens this fall.

Returning Favorites

Tyler Perry’s “Beauty in Black” – Netflix

Tyler Perry’s drama phenomenon is back for season 2 after shattering Netflix viewership records last year. The gripping story continues September 11.

Reasonable Doubt – Hulu

Morris Chestnut (l) and Emayatzy Corinealdi star in “Reasonable Doubt”.

Emayatzy Corinealdi returns as powerhouse attorney Jacqueline “Jax” Stewart in the hit legal drama’s third season, premiering September 18.

Abbott Elementary – ABC

ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” stars Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, William Stanford Davis as Mr. Johnson, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard, and Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti. (Disney/Pamela Littky)

Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, and the beloved cast are back for season 4 on October 16 at 8:00 PM ET.

Loot – Apple TV+

Maya Rudolph in “Loot” season three, premiering October 15 on Apple TV+.

Maya Rudolph headlines season 3 of this sharp comedy about reinvention, returning October 15. Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Ron Funches co-star.

9-1-1 – Fox

Black TV shows
ABC’s “9-1-1” stars Angela Bassett as Athena Grant. (Disney/Justin Stephens)

The Angela Bassett-led procedural returns for its ninth season on October 16 at 8:00 PM ET, following a jaw-dropping season 8 finale.

Grey’s Anatomy – ABC

Chandra Wilson (l) and Anthony Hill star in “Grey’s Anatomy” returning for its 22nd season Oct. 9 on ABC.

The Shonda Rhimes juggernaut enters season 22 on October 9, with Chandra Wilson and James Pickens Jr. still scrubbing in.

Scrubs – ABC

Sarah Chalke, Zach Braff (c), and Donald Faison are scrubbing back in for the reboot of “Scrubs” on ABC.

After 15 years, the beloved medical sitcom returns in fall 2025, reuniting Donald Faison, Zach Braff, and Sarah Chalke.

The Braxtons – We TV / ALLBLK

Black TV shows
The Braxtons, starring Toni, Towanda, Tamar, Trina, and family matriarch Ms. Evelyn, premieres in October on WEtv.

The iconic musical family returns for season 2 this October, navigating career moves and family life after the loss of Traci Braxton.

Gen V – Prime Video

The gritty “The Boys” spinoff returns September 17 with three new episodes starring Jaz Sinclair.

Stranger Things – Netflix

The global phenomenon closes its story with a split final season starting November 26, featuring Caleb McLaughlin and Priah Nicole Ferguson.

New Must-See Series

The Rise and Fall of Reggie Dinkins – NBC

Black TV shows
Erica Alexander (l) and Tracy Morgan star in “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins”, one of the Black TV shows airing this fall.

Tracy Morgan stars as a disgraced athlete looking for redemption, joined by “Living Single” legend Erika Alexander. Premieres this fall.

It: Welcome to Derry – HBO Max

Taylour Paige in “It: Welcome to Derry”

A chilling prequel to Stephen King’s “It,” starring Taylour Paige and Chris Chalk, debuts this October with Pennywise returning to haunt viewers.

Why This Matters

This fall’s lineup reflects the range, talent, and influence of Black storytelling in television, offering everything from laugh-out-loud comedies to edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Whether you’re here for nostalgia, representation, or new adventures, there’s something for every taste.