TV About Racism and Social Justice

Last updated: May 1, 2024

These TV shows tackle the troubling issue of racism and the fight for social justice in age-appropriate ways. Kids as young as preschool can gain more awareness around racism and social inequity through shows like Sesame Street. Older kids and teens can learn more about the historical context of U.S. racism and the enduring fight for equality through docuseries about figures like Trayvon Martin and Kalief Browder, as well as provocative programming that doesn't shy away from exposing the flaws in our society. These stories can even help inspire kids to make a difference in their own communities and the world at large. For more media on these topics, try these Books About Racism and Social Justice and Books to Inspire Young Activists.

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Sesame Street Poster Image

TV

Sesame Street

age 2+

Classic show endures changes, but learning content remains.

PBS , Max Educational (1969)

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Sesame/CNN: Standing Up to Racism Poster Image

TV

Sesame/CNN: Standing Up to Racism

age 3+

Puppets, people tackle racism in great town hall special.

CNN Educational (2020)

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Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special Poster Image

TV

Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special

age 8+

Star-studded special is a great conversation starter.

Nickelodeon Educational (2020)

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We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest Poster Image

MOVIE

We Are the Dream: The Kids of the Oakland MLK Oratorical Fest

age 8+

Docu about kids living MLK's legacy gives all the feels.

February 18, 2020 2020 NR (60 minutes)

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We Are the Radical Monarchs Poster Image

MOVIE

We Are the Radical Monarchs

age 9+

Docu about girls' social justice troop inspires all ages.

December 8, 2019 2019 NR (95 minutes)

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Black-ish Poster Image

TV

Black-ish

age 11+

Race is tackled gently in fresh family friendly sitcom.

ABC Comedy (2014)

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The Carmichael Show Poster Image

TV

The Carmichael Show

age 12+

Comedian's show gleans laughs from polarizing news events.

NBC Comedy (2015)

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America to Me Poster Image

TV

America to Me

age 13+

Thoughtful documentary on race and other complex issues.

Starz Reality TV (2018)

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TV

Degrassi: Next Class

age 13+

An edgier Degrassi for the digital age still has heart.

Netflix Drama (2016)

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Edge of Eighteen Poster Image

TV

Edge of Eighteen

age 14+

Autobiographical docuseries raises issues relevant to teens.

Al Jazeera America Reality TV (2014)

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Kim's Convenience Poster Image

TV

Kim's Convenience

age 14+

Smart, fun, diverse Canadian show addresses social issues.

Netflix Comedy (2016)

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Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story Poster Image

TV

Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story

age 14+

Dramatic docu about birth of Black Lives Matter movement.

Paramount Network Reality TV (2018)

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The Black List: Vol. 1 Poster Image

MOVIE

The Black List: Vol. 1

age 14+

Profound docu explores African-American racial identity.

January 20, 2008 2008 NR (92 minutes)

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The Black List: Vol. 2 Poster Image

MOVIE

The Black List: Vol. 2

age 14+

Insightful docu is as informative, inspiring as the first.

February 26, 2009 2009 NR (60 minutes)

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The Black List: Vol. 3 Poster Image

TV

The Black List: Vol. 3

age 14+

Third docu in series is candid, colorful, and powerful.

HBO Educational (2010)

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The Fosters TV poster: A multiethnic family of 7 pose, smiling, on a beach

TV

The Fosters

age 14+

Heartwarming drama about foster teens and their two moms.

Freeform Drama (2013)

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They've Gotta Have Us Poster Image

TV

They've Gotta Have Us

age 14+

Lively, important history in film docuseries; some language.

Netflix Reality TV (2020)

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Time: The Kalief Browder Story Poster Image

TV

Time: The Kalief Browder Story

age 14+

Powerful docu about tragic impact of wrongful imprisonment.

Spike Reality TV (2017)

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What I Hear When You Say Poster Image

TV

What I Hear When You Say

age 14+

Docuseries tackles issues of race, class, gender, identity.

PBS Educational (2017)

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Black Cake TV show poster: A teenage black girl stands on a rock in the ocean at sunset wearing a formal dress.

TV

Black Cake

age 15+

A rich narrative exploring race, gender, and family secrets.

Hulu Drama (2023)

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