We love seeing Black actresses over 40 on television in primetime, but the path to achieving starring-role status has not been an easy one. From Phylicia Rashad on The Cosby Show, the gold standard for elegance and intelligence, to Alfre Woodard and Vanessa Williams bringing grown-woman drama to Desperate Housewives, these portrayals helped expand what was possible on screen. But for years, those moments were the exception, not the rule. While Black women were visible on television with hit comedies that showcased Black life like Living Single and Girlfriends, those roles largely went to actresses in their 20s and early 30s, leaving women over 40 on the margins.
That dynamic began to shift when Kerry Washington broke new ground with Scandal (2012), ushering in a new era of Black women leading primetime network dramas. But it was Viola Davis in How to Get Away With Murder (2014), premiering when she was nearly 50, that redefined what was possible for Black actresses, proving that audiences were ready.
Today, continuing that legacy are actresses like Angela Bassett starring in 9-1-1 and executive producing the successful franchise; Queen Latifah, whose five-season network hit The Equalizer recently concluded; Emayatzy Corinealdi, who continues to lead the hit legal drama Reasonable Doubt; and Michelle Buteau with her comedy Survival of the Thickest.
Are we still leading primetime in the way Scandal did? No, but the momentum hasn't disappeared. From brand-new premieres to returning favorites, a new wave of series continues to spotlight Black women over 40 in layered, compelling, and unforgettable ways.
Here are some shows that are worth adding to your watch list, if they aren't already on it.
New Shows
Kerry Washington, 49
What you know her from: Scandal, Django Unchained
The show: Imperfect Women (premiered March 18, 2026)
What it's about: A psychological drama exploring the murder of a wealthy woman and the secrets surrounding her circle.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Tessa Thompson, 42
What you know her from: Creed, Westworld
The show: His & Hers (limited series; premiered Jan. 8, 2026)
What it's about: A mystery thriller centered on an estranged journalist and detective who investigate a murder while suspecting one another.
Where to watch: Netflix
New Shows on the Horizon (No Air Date Yet)
Nicole Beharie, 41
What you know her from: The Morning Show, Sleepy Hollow
The show: All the Sinners Bleed (premiere date TBA)
What it's about: A Southern-set crime drama following the first Black sheriff in a small Bible Belt county as he hunts a serial killer. Nicole Beharie co-stars in the series.
Where to watch: Netflix
Kerry Washington, 49
What you know her from: Scandal, Little Fires Everywhere
The show: Wisteria Lane
What it's about: A Desperate Housewives reimagining centered on the secrets and power dynamics of a suburban cul-de-sac.
Where to watch: In development; platform/date TBA
Recent and Returning Favorites
Sheryl Lee Ralph, 70
What you know her from: Dreamgirls, Moesha
The show: Abbott Elementary (2021-Present; renewed for Season 6)
What it's about: A workplace comedy following teachers navigating an underfunded public school.
Where to watch: ABC / Hulu
Emayatzy Corinealdi, 46
What you know her from: Middle of Nowhere, Ballers
The show: Reasonable Doubt (2022-Present; renewed for Season 4)
What it's about: A legal drama following a defense attorney balancing high-stakes cases and personal life.
Where to watch: Hulu
Michelle Buteau, 48
What you know her from: First Wives Club
The show: Survival of the Thickest (2023-2026; third and final season premiered July 2, 2026)
What it's about: A comedy about rebuilding life and love after heartbreak.
Where to watch: Netflix
Angela Bassett, 67
What you know her from: What's Love Got to Do with It, Black Panther
The show: 9-1-1 (2018-Present; renewed for Season 10)
What it's about: A high-intensity procedural following first responders navigating emergencies and personal lives.
Where to watch: ABC / Hulu