Kenya Barris' "Black AF" on Netflix

Kenya Barris wants you to know that EVERYTHING happened because of slavery. If you weren't aware, please refer to the title of every episode of the 1st season of Netflix's "Black AF". This show is a self-deprecating mockumentary-style show about Kenya Barris and his family.

Very similar to his flagship show "Black-ish", I've started calling "Black AF" "Black-ish" rated R, or "Black-ish" if Andre and Rainbow could curse. Joya, Kenya's attorney wife is portrayed by Rashida Jones and I'm just not a fan. As an actress; the characters Rashida Jones plays are almost always defined by the characters she's surrounded by. I don't believe her acting ability is strong at all and in the capacity of Joya, we could have done without her even though her character is very important to the storyline. Realistically, I can live without ever seeing Rashida Jones ever again. Her delivery of the downtrodden "Black Woman Speech" was less than believable and that’s not a testament to her “Blackness”, but her acting. Because of my familiarity with Kenya's previous shows, I know his wife is Black and White; however on the show, Jones fights so hard to be regarded as "Black" and doesn't identify as mixed-race until about the 5th episode.

The documentary is Drea's admission application to film school. The oldest child in the Barris clan; Chloe, is a seemingly self-absorbed, social media obsessed freshman at USC. Drea is the sensible Barris who has figured out how pretentious her family (mainly her father) is and is trying her damndest to be the exact opposite. Izzy, the youngest girl is just not with the shits, so much so, that she refused to sign the waiver to have her likeness used for this documentary. Also; everyone in the family is scared shitless of Izzy. Next is Pops, the 4th Barris child, and the oldest boy who is a sensitive soul, which the whole family does not have the patience for. The next child is Kam, who seems to be a compulsive liar, not too bright, but absolutely lovable. Lastly, you have Brooklyn the 3-year old who is not often seen, but when he is you crack a smile.

Kenya’s relationship with his kids is hilarious. He speaks to his children as if they’re little adults as opposed to children. He told Drea "that's why your crew is small" because she pointed out one of his flaws. He called his son a "small serial killer" because Joya allowed him to wear a Nike top with Adidas sneakers! He told Chloe she was a dickhead during a chance encounter at a music festival, and told Drea the world was going to drop kick her! As harsh as it sounds, it’s even more entertaining.

Like its predecessors “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish”, Black AF addresses many things affecting/plaguing the African American Community. As previously mentioned, every episode title is related to slavery. There's a Juneteenth episode that is centered around a piece of art that Kenya is unable to explain. There's an episode focused on the younger Barris' not presenting as "Black Enough" and Kenya's family is invited over to "Blacken them up" I guess. This episode also introduces us to Cousin Harold, whom I am completely in love with. There is also a telephone call with Black producers/writers in this episode in which I screamed the entire time. I also would like to be in the Black Illuminati, please and thank you. Lastly, Tyler Perry doubling down on the public reaction to his work, and writing process is on-brand. 

 

Overall, I liked the show. The season finale left a lot to be desired, but it's enjoyable. I do have a few questions though. How much of this story is true to life? Will it get more episodes next season, or will the show pick back up in a few months to complete the first season? Where the hell did Chloe's boyfriend get a disposable camera from in episode 7? Is Kenya Barris that much of an asshole? Does he really speak to his kids that way? Do Black writers regularly have group facetime calls where they discuss the Black Illuminati? If so, I can't wait to get to that level. Either way, I think you should check Black AF out and let me know what you think. 

 

T.Nicole