Black Creators Behind Some of the Biggest Streaming Hits

The landscape of digital entertainment has been significantly transformed by a diverse group of visionaries who have brought fresh perspectives to the small screen. These creators have secured massive development deals and produced some of the most-watched content across platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Max. Their work spans multiple genres, including high-stakes drama, surrealist comedy, and historical anthology. By prioritizing authentic storytelling, these individuals have influenced cultural conversations and set new standards for excellence in streaming media.

Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes moved her production company, Shondaland, to Netflix in a landmark deal that reshaped the streaming landscape. Her first major scripted series under this banner, ‘Bridgerton’, became a global phenomenon and one of the platform’s most-watched original programs. She also executive produced the limited series ‘Inventing Anna’, which dominated viewership charts upon its release. Rhimes continues to influence digital media through her commitment to diverse storytelling and high-stakes drama.

Donald Glover

Donald Glover serves as the creator, writer, and star of the critically acclaimed series ‘Atlanta’, which found a significant second home on streaming platforms. He recently expanded his footprint in the industry with the ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ series for Amazon Prime Video, serving as a co-creator and lead actor. His work often blends surrealism with social commentary, earning him multiple awards and high engagement numbers. Glover’s multi-year deal with Amazon Studios ensures his continued presence in the premium streaming space.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae rose to prominence with her web series ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’ before co-creating the hit HBO series ‘Insecure’. After the show’s successful five-season run, it gained a new wave of popularity when it began streaming on Netflix. She also created the series ‘Rap Sh!t’ for Max, showcasing the journeys of two female rappers in Miami. Rae’s production company, Hoorae, has secured multiple development deals to foster new talent and stories for digital audiences.

Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay directed and co-wrote the Netflix limited series ‘When They See Us’, which received widespread acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations. She also created the documentary ’13th’, a pivotal work in the streaming giant’s non-fiction library regarding the American prison system. Her series ‘Queen Sugar’ maintained a strong presence across streaming services throughout its long television run. DuVernay’s collaboration with Netflix continued with ‘Colin in Black & White’, a series exploring the formative years of athlete Colin Kaepernick.

Jordan Peele

Jordan Peele’s production company, Monkeypaw Productions, has been instrumental in creating provocative content for streaming services like Amazon Prime Video. He served as an executive producer and narrator for the revival of ‘The Twilight Zone’ on Paramount+. Peele also produced the Nazi-hunting drama ‘Hunters’, starring Al Pacino, which ran for two seasons on Amazon. His influence extends to the horror genre, where his unique vision has inspired numerous digital projects and collaborations.

Ryan Coogler

Ryan Coogler’s production company, Proximity Media, signed a five-year exclusive television deal with Disney+ to create original content. He is currently developing a series set in the Kingdom of Wakanda, expanding on the lore established in his ‘Black Panther’ films. Coogler also produced the critically acclaimed film ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’, which had a high-profile simultaneous release on HBO Max. His work continues to bridge the gap between blockbuster cinema and long-form digital storytelling.

Kenya Barris

Kenya Barris is best known for creating ‘black-ish’, a series that became a staple of Hulu and Disney+ after its broadcast run. He signed a major overall deal with Netflix, where he produced and starred in the series ‘#blackAF’. Barris also co-wrote and produced the animated musical special ‘Entergalactic’ alongside Kid Cudi for the same platform. His work typically focuses on modern cultural dynamics and family structures through a comedic lens.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel wrote, directed, and starred in ‘I May Destroy You’, a co-production between BBC and HBO that became a major streaming hit on Max. The series addressed sensitive themes surrounding sexual consent and recovery, earning Coel an Emmy for Outstanding Writing. She also created and starred in ‘Chewing Gum’, which gained international fame after being licensed by Netflix. Coel’s distinct voice and uncompromising storytelling have made her a central figure in modern digital media.

Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for her work on ‘Master of None’. She is the creator of the drama series ‘The Chi’, which has maintained a strong viewership on Showtime and various streaming platforms. Waithe also produced the horror anthology ‘Them’ for Amazon Prime Video, exploring racial terror in the 1950s. Their company, Hillman Grad Productions, focuses on providing opportunities for marginalized voices in the entertainment industry.

Barry Jenkins

Barry Jenkins adapted Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel ‘The Underground Railroad’ into a limited series for Amazon Prime Video. He directed all ten episodes, utilizing a high-budget, cinematic approach to tell the story of a woman seeking freedom in the antebellum South. The series was praised for its visual artistry and its unflinching look at American history. Jenkins continues to develop projects for streaming, maintaining his reputation for high-quality, atmospheric storytelling.

Mara Brock Akil

Mara Brock Akil is a prolific creator known for seminal shows like ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘The Game’, which found massive success with new audiences upon hitting Netflix. She later signed an overall deal with Netflix to produce new original content and projects under her Story27 banner. Her series ‘Being Mary Jane’ was a critical hit that remains a popular title on various streaming catalogues. Akil’s narratives often center on the professional and personal lives of Black women in contemporary America.

Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen directed and co-wrote the ‘Small Axe’ anthology series, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video to universal acclaim. This collection of five films explores the experiences of London’s West Indian community from the 1960s to the 1980s. McQueen’s transition to the small screen allowed for a deeper exploration of historical narratives through a cinematic lens. The project received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe for its performances.

Courtney Kemp Agboh

Courtney A. Kemp created the massive ‘Power’ franchise, which has spawned multiple spin-offs that are top performers on the Starz app and international streaming services. She served as the showrunner for the original series and continues to oversee the expansion of the ‘Power’ universe as an executive producer. Kemp signed a significant deal with Netflix to develop new projects outside of her established franchise. Her storytelling is characterized by complex characters and intricate criminal underworlds.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson created, writes, and stars in ‘Abbott Elementary’, a mockumentary sitcom that became a breakout hit on Hulu. The show’s success on streaming platforms helped revitalize the network sitcom format for a digital-first audience. Brunson’s background in digital content creation at BuzzFeed informed her approach to accessible and relatable storytelling. She has since signed an overall deal with Warner Bros. TV to continue her work in the industry.

Prentice Penny

Prentice Penny served as the showrunner and executive producer for the entire run of ‘Insecure’ on HBO and Max. He also directed the Netflix original film ‘Uncorked’, which explored the world of master sommeliers through a familial lens. Penny recently signed a multi-year deal with Disney’s Onyx Collective to produce content for Hulu and other platforms. His work is recognized for its authentic portrayal of contemporary Black life and professional ambition.

Boots Riley

Boots Riley made his television debut as the creator of the surrealist series ‘I’m a Virgo’ for Amazon Prime Video. The show follows a 13-foot-tall young man in Oakland and received critical acclaim for its unique visual style and political subtext. Riley’s transition from film to streaming allowed for a more expansive exploration of his signature magical realism. The series stands out as one of the most original and visually distinct offerings in the current streaming landscape.

Cord Jefferson

Cord Jefferson was a key writer for the ‘Watchmen’ limited series on HBO, which became a significant cultural moment on Max. He also contributed to ‘Master of None’ and ‘The Good Place’, both of which are major titles on Netflix. Jefferson’s work often tackles complex social issues through a mix of humor and drama. His success in the streaming world eventually led to his directorial debut with the award-winning feature film ‘American Fiction’.

Justin Simien

Justin Simien created the series ‘Dear White People’, which ran for four seasons as a Netflix original. The show was based on his 2014 film of the same name and explored racial politics at a fictional Ivy League university. Simien also directed the 2023 ‘Haunted Mansion’ film, further solidifying his relationship with major studios like Disney. His work is noted for its sharp wit, stylistic visual flair, and social commentary.

Misha Green

Misha Green was the creator and showrunner of ‘Lovecraft Country’, a genre-bending series on HBO that blended cosmic horror with the realities of Jim Crow America. The show was a significant hit on Max, earning multiple Emmy nominations and high viewership numbers. Green previously co-created the series ‘Underground’, which found a second life on streaming after its initial broadcast. She is currently developing several high-profile projects, including new entries in major action franchises.

Janine Sherman Barrois

Janine Sherman Barrois served as the showrunner for the Netflix limited series ‘Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker’. She has extensive experience in the industry, having worked on hits like ‘Claws’ and ‘The Kings of Napa’. Her work often focuses on strong female leads and historical figures whose stories have been overlooked by mainstream media. Barrois currently has a deal with Warner Bros. Television to develop new content for various streaming platforms.

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