Watch Black Jesus

Black Jesus is a comedy television series that premiered on August 7, 2014, on Adult Swim. The show was created by Aaron McGruder and Mike Clattenburg and starred Gerald Johnson as Jesus Christ, who is living in modern-day Compton, California. The show lasted for three seasons, with the final episode airing on May 12, 2019.

The show follows the adventures of Jesus Christ, as he attempts to spread his message of love and kindness to the people of Compton. Despite his divine origins, Jesus is portrayed as a down-to-earth and relatable character, who is very much a part of the community. He is also shown to have an irreverent sense of humor, which often leads to hilarious situations.

One of the most notable aspects of the show is its depiction of Jesus as a black man. This casting choice was controversial at the time, with some viewers and religious groups accusing the show of being blasphemous. However, the creators of the show defended the decision, stating that they wanted to explore the idea of what it would be like if Jesus were to come back to Earth today.

Gerald Johnson gives an incredible performance as Black Jesus. He portrays the character with a quiet confidence and a calm demeanor, which is in stark contrast to the chaotic and often violent world of Compton. Despite the many challenges that he faces, Jesus never wavers in his commitment to spreading his message of love and acceptance.

The supporting cast of the show is also excellent. Charlie Murphy (RIP) plays Vic, one of Jesus' closest friends and a former gang member. Kali Hawk plays Maggie, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Corey Holcomb plays Boonie, a drug dealer who is always up to no good. Andra Fuller plays Fish, a reformed criminal who is trying to turn his life around. King Bach, John Witherspoon, Angela Gibbs, Valenzia Algarin, and Antwon Tanner also make appearances throughout the series.

One of the things that sets Black Jesus apart from other comedies is its willingness to tackle serious issues. Throughout the series, the characters deal with poverty, gun violence, racism, and other social issues. However, the show manages to do this without ever becoming preachy or overly serious. There is always a sense of humor and levity to the proceedings, which makes the show both entertaining and thought-provoking.

In addition to its social commentary, Black Jesus is also a celebration of African American culture. The show is filled with references to hip-hop, black history, and other aspects of African American life. This is particularly evident in the show's soundtrack, which features songs from artists like Kendrick Lamar, N.W.A., and Wu-Tang Clan.

Overall, Black Jesus is a funny, irreverent, and socially conscious comedy that is not afraid to take risks. The show's portrayal of Jesus as a black man may have been controversial, but it ultimately adds to the show's uniqueness and originality. The performances from the cast are top-notch, and the show's willingness to tackle serious issues without sacrificing its sense of humor is commendable. While the show may not be for everyone, it is definitely worth checking out for those who enjoy edgy comedies with a message.

Black Jesus is a series that ran for 3 seasons (32 episodes) between August 7, 2014 and on