Watch #blackAF

#blackAF is a Netflix Original comedy series created by the one and only Kenya Barris, known for creating hits like Black-ish, Grown-ish, and Mixed-ish. This mockumentary-style show follows the life and family of Barris himself, played by himself, as he navigates the world of Hollywood with his wife Joya, played by Rashida Jones, and their six children.

This show is a perfect blend of humor, reality, and satire. It creates a funny narrative about the everyday problems that people go through, but with an added touch of Black culture that is sometimes overlooked in the media. The show employs a very impolite and shamelessly honest approach, with the characters often breaking the fourth wall to deliver witty commentary. This adds to the overall feel of the show, making it feel like an intimate portrait of the Barris family rather than a scripted TV show.

The show delves into themes such as parenting, marriage, and the complicated lives of successful Black people. Kenya and Joya try their best to balance their demanding Hollywood careers with their family’s needs, but it's not always easy. Their children are also constantly exposing them to new challenges, such as finding unique ways to express themselves or trying to protest the family’s wealth in the face of inequalities faced by Black people.

The show explores the many dimensions of Black identity, and how it shifts depending on context. Kenya grapples with what it means to be a successful Black man, and the pressure to represent his entire race. Joya struggles with the intersectionality of being a feminist and a Black woman. They both try to impart these values to their children as they grow up and try to find their place in the world.

At the core of the show is the family dynamic, and #blackAF does an excellent job of exploring the relationships between its characters. Kenya and Joya’s marriage is a central focus, and the show does not shy away from portraying the ups and downs of their relationship. The children all have unique personalities and interests, and the show effectively captures the chaos of raising six children in a busy modern family.

One of the standout performances of the show is Rashida Jones’s portrayal of Joya. Her character is snarky, sarcastic and fiercely independent. She is a no-nonsense mother who is always there for her kids but will not hesitate to call them out on their nonsense. Jones expertly delivers Joya’s lines in a way that is both sharp and hilarious. Kenya Barris also shines in his portrayal of himself. He is a relatable everyman who is not afraid to poke fun at himself.

The show has received criticism for being too self-indulgent and for not representing the wider Black community. While it is true that the show focuses mainly on the lives of a wealthy Black family, this is also somewhat the point. The show is meant to explore the lives of successful Black people, and the unique challenges they face. It does not claim to be representative of all Black people, but rather provides a glimpse into the lives of one family.

Overall, #blackAF is a hilarious and fresh take on the family comedy genre. It tackles serious issues with humor, wit, and self-awareness. It is not afraid to be bold and daring and will make you laugh out loud while also making you think. It is a show that will leave you eagerly waiting for the next episode.

#blackAF is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between April 17, 2020 and on Netflix