Watch United Shades of America

United Shades of America is a documentary series that first aired on CNN in 2016. Hosted by comedian W. Kamau Bell, the show explores some of the most complex issues in American society, from race and immigration to religion and gender identity. Each episode of United Shades of America takes Bell on a journey to a different part of the country, where he immerses himself in the local culture and speaks with people from all walks of life. Through these conversations, Bell seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and perspectives that shape American society.

One of the things that makes United Shades of America so compelling is Bell's skill at navigating difficult conversations. He approaches each topic with sensitivity, curiosity, and a willingness to listen, even when he disagrees with his interviewees. This allows him to have frank and open discussions with people who may hold very different views from his own, and to tease out the nuances of complex issues like racism, poverty, and political polarization.

In the first season of United Shades of America, Bell visits places like San Quentin State Prison, where he meets with inmates and prison staff to learn about the impact of incarceration in the United States. He also travels to the Mississippi Delta to explore the legacy of slavery and segregation in the American South, and to Arizona to talk with border patrol agents and undocumented immigrants about the heated debate over immigration reform.

Other episodes of the show focus on topics like the Black Lives Matter movement, the challenges faced by Muslim-Americans in the wake of 9/11, and the experience of being a person of color in Hollywood. Throughout each episode, Bell brings his trademark wit and humor to bear, poking fun at himself and the situations he finds himself in while also exposing the absurdities of some of the cultural norms and assumptions he encounters.

Along with Bell, United Shades of America features a number of guest contributors, including Canadian comedian Russell Peters, who joins Bell for an episode about multiculturalism in Canada, and journalist Mark Nykanen, who helps to unpack some of the political and economic factors that shape issues like income inequality and the Rust Belt's decline.

Overall, United Shades of America is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the many complexities that define American society. Whether you're a die-hard political wonk or just someone who wants to broaden their perspective on the world, this series offers a compelling and often surprising look at some of the most pressing issues facing the United States today.

United Shades of America is a series that ran for 7 seasons (54 episodes) between April 24, 2016 and on CNN