Diversity in Hollywood exists in cycles of boom and bust. There are moments of abundance when Black people are most visible on the big and small screens, with the Blaxploitation era of the 1970s and the rise of Black auteurism in the 1990s being prime examples. But once Black creators and actors find their feet, they are no longer considered valuable by the industry and are quickly erased. In his new four-part MGM+ series, “Hollywood Black,” based on the book by historian Donald Bogle, director Justin Simien argues that cinema as a medium is impossible without Blackness. Taking audiences on a journey through film history with anecdotes from industry icons including Ryan Coogler, Ava DuVernay and Charles Burnett, the series re-examines film history through the lens of the people who helped shape and sometimes save the industry, but who are often left behind.

In order to rethink how film history is examined, the series’ first episode, titled “Built on Our Backs,” begins with the birth of the moving picture. During the silent film era and in sound films, blackness was performed in minstrel acts, in blackface, or under restrictive stereotypical representations presented by actors like Bert Williams, Stepin Fetchit, and Hattie McDaniel. Rather than crucify the performers for their involvement in these often offensive portrayals, Simien analyzes their brilliant artistic expression and explains how these earlier acts paved the way for stars like Lena Horne and Richard Pryor. As he suggests, working under such oppressive conditions was no small feat.

Although “Hollywood Black” is primarily told in a linear fashion, personal stories from people in and around the industry create a beautiful thread through the decades. This structured timeline allows viewers to see how the rise of megastars like Sidney Poitier, Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington are interconnected. By aligning their careers with American history, it illustrates the impact that black liberation and the civil rights movement had on all sectors of society.

Some viewers are likely well-versed in key moments in film history. For example, the rise of Spike Lee led to the birth of the modern black auteur director. Additionally, the controversy surrounding 1985’s “The Color Purple,” directed by Steven Spielberg, caused a frenzy and led to a boycott due to the film’s black male representation. Still, there are lesser-known facts that emerge in the docuseries that set it apart from similar historical shows. The third episode, “The Price of Admission,” explores the rise of black female directors like Julie Dash, Cheryl Dunye and Kasi Lemmons. It also focuses on the impact of “Waiting to Exhale.” Based on Terry McMillan’s acclaimed book and Forest Whitaker’s directorial debut, the film spoke to the vast, underrepresented audience of black female moviegoers. The film’s original soundtrack, produced by Babyface, was just as popular, and continues to be.