30 TV Shows That Race-Swapped White Characters With Black Actors and Won

Casting directors increasingly look beyond traditional descriptions to find the best talent for iconic television roles. This approach has led to some of the most memorable performances in recent TV history by Black actors playing characters originally written as white. These changes often bring new depth and perspective to familiar stories while expanding representation on screen. The following series demonstrate how embracing diversity in casting can lead to critical acclaim and audience adoration.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020– )

Simon Basset serves as the primary love interest in the first season of this hit period drama. The Duke of Hastings enters a fake courtship with Daphne Bridgerton that eventually turns into real romance. Regé-Jean Page plays the character with a suave charm that differs from the description in the original novels. His portrayal became a cultural phenomenon and set a high standard for the series. The show uses this casting to explore themes of race and class in a reimagined Regency era.

‘The Flash’ (2014–2023)

Iris West works as a journalist and serves as the emotional anchor for Barry Allen throughout the series. The character was historically depicted as white in DC Comics but was played by Candice Patton in this adaptation. Patton brought resilience and heart to the role of the intrepid reporter and future wife of the Scarlet Speedster. Her chemistry with Grant Gustin remained a central pillar of the show for nine seasons. The series successfully modernized the comic book lore for a new generation of viewers.

‘Hannibal’ (2013–2015)

Jack Crawford heads the Behavioral Science Unit at the FBI and recruits Will Graham to hunt serial killers. Laurence Fishburne commands the screen in a role previously played by white actors in film adaptations. He portrays the character with an imposing physical presence and a deep sense of moral conflict. This iteration of Crawford serves as a stern yet protective father figure to his unstable team. Fishburne provides a grounding force amidst the psychological horror and surreal imagery of the show.

‘The Boys’ (2019– )

A-Train features as a speedster member of the corrupt superhero team known as The Seven. The character was drawn as white in the original comic series but is played by Jessie T. Usher in the show. This version of the character deals with unique pressures regarding his status and public image. The show uses his storyline to critique corporate branding and the commodification of diversity. Usher delivers a performance that balances arrogance with deep-seated insecurity.

‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022– )

Louis de Pointe du Lac narrates his life story as a vampire to a journalist in this gothic horror series. The show reimagines the plantation owner from Anne Rice’s novel as a Black creole man in early 20th-century New Orleans. Jacob Anderson captures the melancholic and philosophical nature of the character with great intensity. This change adds layers of racial complexity to his dynamic with his maker Lestat. The series received praise for this fresh and culturally rich interpretation of the source material.

‘Foundation’ (2021– )

Salvor Hardin serves as the Warden of Terminus and protects the colony from external threats. The character was originally a white male in Isaac Asimov’s seminal science fiction novels. Leah Harvey plays the gender-swapped and race-swapped role with a mix of toughness and curiosity. This adaptation shifts the focus to action and personal stakes while maintaining the grand scale of the books. The casting choice allows for a more modern dynamic within the show’s vast timeline.

‘House of the Dragon’ (2022– )

Corlys Velaryon leads the most powerful navy in Westeros and serves as the head of a legendary ancient house. The character hails from Valyrian descent which is traditionally described with pale skin and silver hair. Steve Toussaint portrays the Sea Snake as a formidable and ambitious political player. The decision to depict House Velaryon as Black enriched the visual history of the Targaryen dynasty. His performance stands out as one of the most commanding in the prequel series.

‘Merlin’ (2008–2012)

Guinevere works as a servant to Morgana before eventually becoming the Queen of Camelot. Angel Coulby plays the legendary figure who captures the heart of Prince Arthur. This casting deviated from medieval art and previous adaptations that depicted her as fair-skinned. Coulby brought a grounded and compassionate energy to the future queen. The series successfully reimagined the Arthurian legends for a diverse family audience.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Tara Thornton is the best friend of Sookie Stackhouse and often finds herself entangled in supernatural drama. The character in the Southern Vampire Mysteries novels was white but Rutina Wesley made the role her own. Wesley infused Tara with a sharp wit and fierce loyalty that made her a fan favorite. Her storyline expanded significantly compared to the books due to the strength of her performance. The show benefited greatly from her intense and emotional portrayal.

‘Preacher’ (2016–2019)

Tulip O’Hare is a volatile marksman and the childhood girlfriend of the protagonist Jesse Custer. Ruth Negga plays the character who was depicted as a white blonde woman in the comic series. Negga brings a chaotic energy and emotional vulnerability that defines the tone of the show. Her chemistry with the lead actors drives the road-trip narrative forward. Critics consistently praised her for turning a comic book trope into a complex human being.

‘Marvel’s Daredevil’ (2015–2018)

Ben Urich works as an investigative journalist exposing the corruption within Hell’s Kitchen. Vondie Curtis-Hall takes on the role of the reporter who was white in the Marvel comics. He plays Urich with a weary integrity and paternal concern for those he interviews. The performance grounds the superhero drama in a gritty and realistic crime narrative. His mentorship of Karen Page serves as a crucial emotional arc in the first season.

‘Invincible’ (2021– )

Amber Bennett attends high school with Mark Grayson and becomes his first serious girlfriend. The character was redesigned from a white blonde girl in the comics to a Black teenager for the animated series. Zazie Beetz provides the voice and brings intelligence and agency to the role. This version of Amber figures out Mark’s secret identity on her own and demands honesty. The update gives the character more depth and independence than her comic counterpart.

‘Supergirl’ (2015–2021)

James Olsen works as a photographer and art director while helping the titular hero adjust to her new life. Mehcad Brooks plays the character who is traditionally known as the white freckled Jimmy Olsen in Superman lore. This iteration presents him as a confident and mature professional rather than a cub reporter. Brooks brings a suave demeanor that fits the more romantic tone of the show. The character eventually becomes the vigilante Guardian to further distinguish himself.

‘Lost in Space’ (2018–2021)

Judy Robinson serves as the mission doctor and is an integral member of the Robinson family survival team. Taylor Russell plays the character who was white in the original 1960s television series. This retelling explains her background through a previous marriage of her mother Maureen. Russell delivers a performance full of courage and intellectual competence. The diverse family dynamic reflects a modern vision of humanity traveling the stars.

‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ (2018–2020)

Ambrose Spellman is the warlock cousin of Sabrina who is under house arrest at the mortuary. Chance Perdomo plays the character who was a middle-aged white man in the comics. This younger and cooler version serves as a confidant and partner in crime for the teenage witch. Perdomo brought a playful yet mysterious charm to the role that resonated with fans. The character became one of the standout elements of the dark coming-of-age series.

‘The Sandman’ (2022– )

Death is one of the Endless and serves as a compassionate guide for souls moving to the afterlife. Kirby Howell-Baptiste portrays the character who appears as a pale goth girl in the original graphic novels. Her performance captures the warmth and kindness that makes Death a beloved figure in the lore. The episode featuring her walk with Dream is widely considered a highlight of the season. Howell-Baptiste successfully embodies the spirit of the character regardless of physical appearance.

‘High Fidelity’ (2020)

Rob acts as a record store owner who recounts past heartbreaks through music and pop culture lists. Zoë Kravitz plays the lead role which was a white male in the original Nick Hornby novel and film. Her interpretation brings a cool and bohemian vibe to the obsessive music lover. The gender and race swap allows for new perspectives on relationships and dating in New York City. Critics praised Kravitz for making the cynical character likeable and relatable.

‘Watchmen’ (2019)

Hooded Justice appears in the show’s history as the first masked vigilante in this alternate universe. The series reveals that the character was actually a Black man named Will Reeves played by Louis Gossett Jr. and Jovan Adepo. This twist recontextualizes the entire history of superheroes within the narrative as a reaction to racial violence. The reveal adds profound thematic weight to the sequel series. Both actors received acclaim for their portrayal of the character’s trauma and resolve.

‘Smallville’ (2001–2011)

Pete Ross is the best friend of Clark Kent during his high school years in Kansas. Sam Jones III plays the character who was a white redhead in the Superman comics. He serves as a loyal confidant who helps protect Clark’s secret from the prying world. The casting diversified the main cast and modernized the small-town setting. Jones brought a grounded energy that balanced the supernatural elements of the early seasons.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

Allison Hargreeves possesses the power to manipulate reality by lying and uses it to gain fame. Emmy Raver-Lampman plays the sibling who was drawn as white in the graphic novels. Her storyline in the second season deeply explores the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Raver-Lampman delivers a powerful performance that highlights the intersection of her powers and her identity. The show uses her character to tackle social issues absent from the source material.

‘The Walking Dead’ (2010–2022)

Bob Stookey joins the group of survivors as a former army medic struggling with his past. Lawrence Gilliard Jr. plays the character who was an older white local in the comic series. This version of Bob brings a sense of optimism and philosophical insight to the bleak world. His relationship with Sasha became a significant emotional thread in the narrative. Gilliard made the character a memorable and sympathetic figure during his tenure.

‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2017–2019)

Mr. Poe manages the Baudelaire orphans’ estate and consistently places them in dangerous situations. K. Todd Freeman plays the incompetent banker who is white in the book illustrations. Freeman brings a comedic obliviousness to the role that contrasts with the sinister tone of the villain. His performance underscores the theme of adult negligence in the children’s lives. The casting fits perfectly into the surreal and stylized world of the show.

‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023– )

Annabeth Chase is a demigod daughter of Athena and a master strategist for the young heroes. Leah Sava Jeffries plays the character who is described as white and blonde in the novels. Her casting was defended by the original author for capturing the spirit and intelligence of Annabeth. Jeffries brings a sharp wit and commanding presence to the screen. The series has been renewed and praised for its faithful yet modern adaptation.

‘Shadowhunters’ (2016–2019)

Luke Garroway serves as a werewolf leader and a father figure to the protagonist Clary Fray. Isaiah Mustafa plays the former Shadowhunter who was white in The Mortal Instruments books. Mustafa brings a protective strength and wisdom to the role of the supernatural detective. His relationship with the main characters provides a stable emotional anchor. The show successfully updated the character to fit its diverse urban fantasy setting.

‘The Equalizer’ (2021– )

Robyn McCall uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn. Queen Latifah stars in the role previously held by white actor Edward Woodward in the 1980s series. This reboot reimagines the vigilante as a Black woman balancing family life with dangerous missions. Latifah brings charisma and physical authority to the action-heavy proceedings. The show has been a ratings success and solidified her status as an action star.

‘Doctor Who’ (2005– )

The Fifteenth Doctor travels through time and space in the TARDIS to save civilizations. Ncuti Gatwa took over the mantle as the first Black actor to lead the series as the primary Doctor. His portrayal injects the show with high energy and a fresh sense of style. The casting marks a historic moment for the sixty-year-old British franchise. Gatwa has been praised for his instant charisma and command of the screen.

‘Riverdale’ (2017–2023)

Josie McCoy leads the band Josie and the Pussycats and has ambitions for a music career. Ashleigh Murray plays the character who was white in the classic Archie comics. This version is more driven and navigates the pressures of her mother’s political career. Murray’s musical performances became a signature element of the show’s early seasons. The update added layers of ambition and family drama to the character.

‘Titans’ (2018–2023)

Starfire is an alien princess named Koriand’r who possesses powerful energy projection abilities. Anna Diop plays the character who has orange skin in comics but is often depicted with European features. Diop faced initial backlash but won over fans with her regal and fierce performance. Her storyline explores her alien heritage and leadership within the team. The show allowed the character to evolve into a complex and powerful matriarch.

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

Amenadiel is the eldest angel and brother to the titular character who initially seeks to return him to Hell. D.B. Woodside plays the angel who was drawn as a white male in the Sandman spinoff comics. Woodside brings a stoic gravity that evolves into brotherly affection over the seasons. His character arc from antagonist to a father figure is one of the show’s strongest. The actor’s chemistry with Tom Ellis was essential to the show’s dynamic.

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021– )

Perrin Aybara is a blacksmith who discovers he has a connection to wolves and the dream world. Marcus Rutherford plays one of the central heroes from the Two Rivers village. While the book cover art often depicted the character as white the show features a diverse main cast. Rutherford captures the gentle giant persona and the internal conflict of the character perfectly. His physical presence and quiet intensity anchor the group’s journey.

Share your favorite example from this list in the comments.