BLACK WATCH: (7.3.25) ‘Sinners,’ ‘The Bear,’ ‘Maids’ & More

This year, July 4 falls on a Friday, which means a long weekend of time that can be used for choice binge TV watching. That said, Black Watch returns for the best holiday TV watching recommendations, with people of color in mind.

This week’s picks include Ryan Coogler’s entry in the GOAT movie list, stressed-out restaurant workers in Chicago, and more.

Whether it’s documentaries, cult classic shows, or movies newly introduced to your favorite streaming platform, we’re making sure your watch list features some of the brightest talents the culture has to offer.

Sinners – Max

Much has been said about Sinners since its theatrical release, and it’s all true. Ryan Coogler’s masterpiece is still setting records and now we can watch it over and over on the small screen since it’s streaming on Max (beginning July 4). In case you don’t know, identical twins and war vets with swagger Smoke and Stack Moore (portrayed by Michael B. Jordan aka forever Wallace from The Wire) throw an epic party in Clarksdale, Mississippi and ish goes all the way left when some out-of-pocket vampires try to crash the juke joint. Not just a horror film, it elegantly touches on Mississippi Delta culture, Black excellence, family trauma and all sorts of cultural nuances worth diving into. This film will be taught in schools. Also, the Choctaws tried to tell ’em.—Alvin aqua Blanco

Maid — Netflix

One of the dopest aspects of a limited series is that producers aren’t given the opportunity to ruin a show’s ending with a lackluster second season. That rings true for the anxiety-inducing and book-inspired Maid on Netflix, which follows a young mother named Alex attempting to flee the constraints of an abusive relationship to ensure a less toxic future for her daughter. Through a sketchy job as a maid, she befriends a filthy rich lawyer named Regina, played by Anika Noni Rose, who’s got a pivotal role in helping her get her life together.

You can stream the 10-episode-long mini-series on Netflix now.—Bruce Goodwin II

Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together – Peacock

Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together on Peacock had the internet on fire all week. I watched every episode in 2 days (Thank you, Peacock for releasing the whole season at once!). I love a good “spin the block” love story, and it’s been so sweet watching these two reconnect.

The series gives us a behind-the-scenes look at rap star Nelly and singer/actress Ashanti’s busy world. We get to see them from performing on stage to special moments with family, and of course, raising their baby boy, KK. This is Ashanti’s first child and Nelly’s fifth (he raised his late sisters’ two children). Now newly married, they’re figuring out how to balance love, parenting, and their evolving priorities.

While they don’t always see eye to eye, especially when it comes to parenting styles and politics, you can tell they’re committed to communicating and showing up for each other. If you want to join the internet debates, definitely watch the show for yourself and form your own opinion.—Alexis Felder

The Bear – Hulu

Now in its fourth season, the chaotic yet charismatic cast of The Bear returns to the small screen and puts on an amazing acting clinic while peeling back the layers of the ultra-competitive restaurant business. Starring Jeremy Allen White (Shameless, The Iron Claw) as top chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, The Bear focuses on Carmy’s descent from the heights of the restaurant world to taking over his late brother’s Italian roast beef sandwich joint, The Beef.

Joining White in the cast is Ayo Edebiri as Sydney “Syd” Adamu, an ambitious young chef who flourishes under Carmy’s guidance but also clashes with her mentor. Lionel Boyce (Loiter Squad) plays gentle giant and pastry chef Marcus Brooks. Liza Colón-Zayas stars Tina Marrero, a sharp-tongued line cook who takes on the challenge of high-end cuisine with gusto. Corey Hendriix plays Gary “Sweeps” Woods, a former Major League Baseball player who also blossoms in the high-pressure environment.

The series focuses on Carmy’s efforts to turn his brother’s struggling business into a fine dining destination. This comes at the cost of Carmy’s relationships, spurs on his anxiety, and the show does a great job of illustrating Carmy’s difficulty in dealing with the loss of his brother, Michael Berzatto, who is played by Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, The Punisher).

After a somewhat uneven third season, the new season showcases what makes The Bear must-watch television. In fairness, the award-winning show does get intense and deals with touchy themes such as suicide, depression, and how family can be one’s worst enemy. The show moves fast and doesn’t waste much time, making it a perfect weekend binge. D.L. Chandler