Mike Smith
Here’s everything you need to know about Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television, the 2025 HBO Max documentary exploring the evolution of Black representation on television.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television (2025) Synopsis
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television is a two-part HBO Max documentary miniseries directed by Giselle Bailey and Phil Bertelsen. Executive produced by Issa Rae, the series traces the evolution of Black representation on television—from the early days of shows like Amos ’n’ Andy, to the cultural revolutions sparked by The Jeffersons, Good Times, and later, In Living Color and The Arsenio Hall Show.
The first part, Seen, examines how Black characters were historically created and controlled by white writers and producers, before shifting into the 1990s where Black creators took the reins. The second part, Heard, highlights the work of Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, and Tyler Perry, showing how modern-day creators not only reflect Black culture but also shape public perception, policy, and ownership in entertainment.
When Does Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television Premiere in Australia?
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television premieres in Australia on September 9, 2025 on HBO Max. The two-part documentary will air over consecutive nights, with Part 1 available on September 9 and Part 2 following on September 10.
Where to Watch Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television in Australia?
You can watch Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television on HBO Max, which is the official streaming home of the documentary in Australia. The platform will offer both parts on-demand after their premiere, so you can stream them live as they debut or catch up anytime across supported devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and mobile apps.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television Cast
This documentary features interviews and appearances from a wide range of creators and cultural figures, including:
- Issa Rae – Actress, writer, producer, and executive producer of the series.
- Oprah Winfrey – Media mogul and cultural icon.
- Shonda Rhimes – Creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton.
- Tyler Perry – Actor, director, producer, and studio owner.
- Ava DuVernay – Filmmaker and activist.
- Lena Waithe – Writer and producer (The Chi).
- Cord Jefferson – Screenwriter and showrunner.
- Tracee Ellis Ross – Actress (Black-ish).
- Swizz Beatz – Producer and cultural figure.
- Norman Lear – Legendary TV producer who shaped U.S. sitcoms.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television Episodes
Here are the all episodes:
Part 1: Seen
- Premiere Date: September 9, 2025
- Synopsis: From Amos ’n’ Andy to The Jeffersons and Good Times, Black television was historically shaped by white creators. In the 1990s, shows like In Living Color and The Arsenio Hall Show changed the game, bringing authentic Black voices to the forefront and shaping culture in new ways.
Part 2: Heard
- Premiere Date: September 10, 2025
- Synopsis: Showcasing the power of modern-day storytelling, this episode explores the influence of Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, and other creators. With ownership of media, Black storytellers now redefine culture, policy, and representation while honoring the legacy of those before them.
Is Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television Suitable for All Ages?
The documentary is rated TV-MA. It contains mature themes, historical context of racism, and social issues that may not be appropriate for younger audiences. It is best suited for mature viewers interested in history, media, and cultural studies.
FAQs
Q1: Who directed Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television?
The series is directed by Giselle Bailey and Phil Bertelsen, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in producing socially impactful documentaries.
Q2: What production companies were involved?
The documentary was produced by HBO Documentary Films, Ark Media, and Hoorae Media, with Issa Rae playing a key executive producer role.
Q3: How does this documentary differ from previous works on Black media?
Unlike many previous retrospectives, Seen & Heard goes beyond surface-level representation and dives deep into ownership, authorship, and cultural power, highlighting how Black creators shifted from being subjects to being decision-makers in entertainment.
Q4: Does the documentary cover modern streaming and digital representation?
Yes. The second part of the documentary explores how Black creators today leverage ownership of production companies, streaming partnerships, and social media influence to shape both culture and policy in entertainment.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television Trailer
Here’s the preview:
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