Issa Rae, the multifaceted talent behind hits like “Insecure” and “Rap Sh!t,” is taking viewers on an insightful journey through the evolution of Black representation on the small screen with her new documentary, “Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television.”

This two-part series dives deep into the pioneering efforts, cultural impact, and often overlooked struggles of Black artists and creators in the television industry. It’s not just retrospective; it’s a vital conversation about identity, progress, and the enduring power of Black storytelling.

Unpacking a Rich History

“Seen & Heard” meticulously chronicles the trajectory of Black television, beginning with its nascent stages in the early days of the medium, often relegated to stereotypical and marginalized roles.

The documentary will skillfully navigate through pivotal eras, from the groundbreaking but often controversial depictions in shows like “Amos ‘n’ Andy” to the more nuanced and empowering narratives that emerged with series like “The Jeffersons”, “Girlfriends”, and “Good Times.”

It celebrates the shows that became cultural touchstones, offering a rare glimpse into Black family life, humor, and resilience in a way that had largely been absent from mainstream media.

“What inspired me to even get my start was just seeing the people that I love, the people that I know, the people that raised me on TV, and that representation was so essential for me to recognize that I could do it,” Rae told “CBS Mornings” Tuesday about her inspiration growing up in the 90s.

The series particularly shines in its exploration of the 1980s and 90s, often considered a golden age for Black sitcoms.

Shows like “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World,” and “Living Single” not only dominated ratings but also profoundly influenced a generation, showcasing Black excellence, higher education, and aspirational lifestyles.

However, “Seen & Heard” doesn’t shy away from the complexities of these portrayals, discussing the pressures to appeal to a broad audience and the internal debates within the Black community about authenticity and representation.

Beyond the Screen: Impact and Influence of “Seen & Heard”

What makes “Seen & Heard” particularly compelling is its ability to connect the dots between on-screen representation and real-world impact.

The documentary features an impressive array of interviews with iconic actors, writers, producers, and showrunners who were instrumental in shaping this history.

The series, which Rae and her collaborators started creating in 2019, features media icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Tracee Ellis Ross, Norman Lear and Shonda Rhimes.

Their candid reflections offer invaluable insights into the challenges they faced, including fighting for creative control, battling stereotypes, and navigating predominantly white corporate structures.

Issa Rae’s involvement as an executive producer brings a contemporary lens to the historical narrative.

A Call for Continued Evolution

Ultimately, “Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television” is more than just a historical account on Black representation; it’s a powerful statement about the importance of seeing oneself reflected on screen.

It underscores how television, as a pervasive cultural force, shapes perceptions, fosters understanding, and empowers communities. For anyone interested in the intersection of media, culture, and social progress, this documentary is essential viewing, offering a rich, comprehensive, and often moving exploration of Black television’s enduring legacy.

It’s also a call to action for continued innovation and authentic representation, ensuring that future generations can truly feel “seen and heard.”

The HBO documentary film “Seen and Heard: The History of Black Television” debuts Sept. 9 on HBO and HBO Max.