Lord knows life ain’t no crystal stair, but if there’s one thing that makes the climb a whole lot easier, it’s watching somebody else’s messy TV drama. Let’s be real: drama hits different when Black folks are at the center of it. Whether you’re willing to admit it or not, we all love to indulge in a little chaos—it’s why shows like Love Island USA, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black consistently take over our group chats. If you’re looking to squeeze in a few more drama-filled binges before the season wraps, we’ve got you covered. From wild reality TV and sharp comedies to high-stakes dramas and action, here are the messiest shows to add to your watchlist before summer.
“Survival Of The Thickest”
With the final season releasing in June, now’s the perfect time to sink your teeth into Netflix’s coming-of-age comedy “Survival of the Thickest.” Starring Michelle Buteau as the newly single Mavis Beaumont, the series follows Beaumont as she returns home to find her boyfriend cheating on her. She must figure out how to rebuild her life while trying to become a successful stylist and make it big in fashion.
Streaming on Netflix
“Love Is Blind”
Can you fall in love with someone without ever seeing them? The contestants on “Love Is Blind” can, but whether that love will last after they see their future spouses for the first time is up for debate. While some couples find their match, others struggle with strong feelings for someone they aren’t attracted to. That’s a recipe for major drama.
Streaming on Netflix
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“Ride Or Die”
Starring Octavia Spencer and British actor Hannah Waddingham, “Ride or Die” is a show that will take you on a wild journey from start to finish. After discovering that her friend of over 20 years has secretly been working as an assassin, Debbie (Octavia Spencer) finds herself thrust into her friend’s gunslinging world. Worse yet, she discovers her ex-husband might’ve put a target on her back.
Streaming on Amazon Prime
“Million Dollar Nannies”
“Million Dollar Nannies” is all about the world’s richest kids and the people hired to care for them. On the Spanish island of Ibiza, eight nannies come together to try to work with families in hopes of getting a full-time job. But on a party island like Ibiza, who can resist some fun? The nannies have to do their best to keep their personal lives from getting in the way of their careers, because everyone talks.
Streaming on Hulu
“Bridgerton”
If you haven’t been watching “Bridgerton” already, then what have you been doing? Set in 19th-century England, the show follows the Bridgerton family as they fall in love one by one—from enemies to lovers to friends who can’t keep their feelings buried any longer. Word on the grapevine is that the gorgeous Black South African actress Masali Baduza will be leading the storyline next season, so make sure to catch up!
Streaming on Netflix
“Adults”
Following a group of 20-somethings, Hulu’s “Adults” is a coming-of-age comedy about friends trying to find their way in the world and settle into adulthood. Starring the up-and-coming Black actor Owen Thiele as Anton, the show is relatable and hilarious for anyone still trying to figure out their five-year plan—and the rest of their life.
Streaming on Hulu
“The Four Seasons”
“The Four Seasons” follows a group of friends who go on frequent couples’ vacations together and speak about the woes of married life. With a standout cast featuring Colman Domingo, Tina Fey, and Steve Carell, this show will have you cracking up on your couch and is the perfect low-stakes, messy drama to binge-watch on a chill summer night.
Streaming on Netflix
“Not Suitable for Work”
Starting a new job can be tough, but it’s especially tough when you’re straight out of college and haven’t spent a day in the corporate scene. “Not Suitable for Work” is a comedy centered around recent graduates—some excited to build their careers, while others dread it. Kel, played by Nicholas DuVernay, is a Columbia University med student who secretly wants to be an actor. Whether to stick with the stable medical route or pursue his Hollywood dreams is a decision only he can make.
Streaming on Hulu
“The Ultimatum: Marry Or Move On”
In “The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On,” six couples who are at a crossroads in their relationships must decide if they want to get married or leave each other for good. They spend a week in a trial marriage with other couples facing the same conundrum before returning to their original partners and deciding whether they can face the realities of married life.
Streaming on Netflix
“Vanderpump Villa”
Think of the famous reality show “Jersey Shore.” Now imagine if those partygoers were working at the same places where they were causing havoc, and you’ll get “Vanderpump Villa.” Employed by English restaurateur, businesswoman, and former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump, the staff members at “Vanderpump Villa” are chaotic and need serious training before tending to Mrs. Vanderpump’s guests.
Streaming on Hulu
“Ginny & Georgia”
On the outside, “Ginny & Georgia” might seem like any other relatable family drama series. But after spending five minutes with the mother-daughter duo, you’ll be hooked on the constant mess they find themselves in. Moving to a new town should’ve been a fresh start, but running away from Georgia’s dark past is a difficult task. Nothing is as innocent as it seems.
Streaming on Netflix
“Perfect Match”
Is there such a thing as the perfect match? Netflix’s reality dating show is testing that theory. On a romantic island, a group of singles comes together to examine who they have the most compatibility with and whether it will last when more singles enter the mix, checking if their connections are as strong as they think.
Streaming on Netflix
“Age of Attraction”
Last but certainly not least, Netflix’s “Age of Attraction” will make your jaw drop as hopeful singles form connections without knowing their partners’ ages. It makes for some awkward moments as contestants find out they’re dating someone who could be the same age as their kids. But is age just a number? This is the show to find out.
Streaming on Netflix
