BLINDSPOTTING: WHERE ART MEETS ENTERTAINMENT

Blindspotting is an American Comedy-Drama Television Series, but it is also a spin-off sequel of the 2018 film of the same name. Set six months after the events of the film, the series follows Ashley after Miles, her boyfriend and father of their son, is suddenly incarcerated, forcing her to move in with Miles' mother and half-sister. The Series co-stars Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman, Benjamin Earl Turner, and Atticus Woodward.

The series was created and executive produced by Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, writers, producers and lead stars of the original film, with Casal also acting as showrunner. Keith Calder, a producer on the original film, is also an executive producer, as well as actress Jasmine Cephas Jones. The show premiered on June 13, 2021 on Starz. In October 2021, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on April 14 of this year.

The show currently boasts an unbelievable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an Audience Score that is less impressive, but a little more comprehensible at 87%. It also has a Metascore of 76 (based on 18 critic reviews) on Metacritic, and a 6.5/10 on IMDB (based on almost 1,500 reviews).

Blindspotting, I think, is a show that is definitely designed for a niche audience, but I also think that fans of shows like Issa Rae’s Insecure are sure to find this one enjoyable. Set in West Oakland, goes out of its way to make it’s setting just as much a character in the telling of its tale as the colorful characters that populate that setting, while being creatively conceived and brilliantly executed to the point that it reminds you ever so fondly of what it was like to take in the iconic and creative brilliance of a Spike Lee joint in his heyday.

And speaking of the shows characters, though not enduring particularly unique circumstances where stories like this are concerned, they feel wonderfully unique in their own rights. Helen Hunt’s portrayal as “Rainey” is a real bright spot, and Jasmine Cephas Jones does more than her part in holding down the fort as this series pivots its POV from Miles’ character in the original film to Ashley in the series (with Jaylen Barron, Candace Nicholas-Lippman and Benjamin Earl Turner all turning in fantastically authentic performances in support).

The writers very thoughtfully and creatively weave Bay Area culture into each episode in a way that makes the show feel hyperlocal, and the way the background extras unapologetically break into dance to beats of the likes of Mac Dre, or the way the main characters periodically deliver parts of their dialogue in potent but elegantly formulated prose, gives the show an artistic feel that, though it may deal with some heavy themes around race and class, make the show feel much more entertaining than overbearing.

The structure of the show is also a plus, with the showrunners employing a thirty minute format (as most comedies do) in conjunction with a short season (at only 8 Episodes per), making each season a relatively easy binge on a Sunday afternoon. In my opinion, this show is a must watch for those who see themselves as true Film and TV connoisseurs, and it definitely belongs in the group of highly touted films and television shows that have highlighted the modern black experience over the last decade or so.

Season 1 of Blindspotting can be found on HULU, Amazon Prime and The Roku Channel with a premium subscription as well as Google Play Movies, Redbox, YouTube TV, Apple TV and VUDU from 3.99/Episode. You can also view Season 1 of the show on the STARZ app as well as the first three episodes of Season 2.