Tyler Perry’s new drama TV series Beauty in Black has reached the summit of the Netflix charts, despite a lukewarm Rotten Tomatoes rating. The show was created, directed, and executive produced by Perry – best-known to audiences for his Madea character – via his production company, Tyler Perry Studios. It follows a stripper as she gets entangled with the wealthy yet dysfunctional family behind a global cosmetics empire. The 8-episode series dropped on Netflix on October 24, and has quickly risen on the Netflix charts.
Beauty in Black has performed well despite a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 47%, and, per Netflix, is the most watched English-language TV show globally over the past week, with more than 8.7 million views, and 57.4 million viewing hours for the week of October 28 through November 3. It ranked above titles such as Territory season 1, The Diplomat season 2, This is the Zodiac Speaking, The Lincoln Lawyer season 3, The Manhattan Alien Abduction, Nobody Wants This season 1, Outer Banks season 4, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and My Wife: My Abuser: Captured On Camera.
What This Means For Beauty In Black
Examining How Beauty In Black Has Become A Hit
Beauty in Black is capturing viewers’ imaginations, and looks set to enjoy a strong run on Netflix. One of the most appealing elements of the show is the strong Beauty in Black cast, who provide another powerful testament to the talent in Black film and TV, as well as a strong story and interesting social commentary. Perry himself is also another draw, and while he can be a controversial character, he has certainly raised the profile of Black cinema over the past two decades. This has secured him a strong and dedicated following, which has doubtless had an impact on the show’s popularity.
|
Beauty in Black Actor |
Character |
|
Taylor Polidore Williams |
Kimmie |
|
Crystle Stewart |
Mallory |
|
Amber Reign Smith |
Rain |
|
Ricco Ross |
Horace |
|
Debbi Morgan |
Olivia |
|
Richard Lawson |
Norman |
|
Steven G. Norfleet |
Charles |
The transition into more serious storytelling is bound to make some viewers curious, and Perry’s ability to craft a compelling and unique narrative is always likely to be a source of interest. That fact, coupled with the engaging story, could bode well for the future success of Beauty in Black. Then there is the fact that this is only the first half of the season. Netflix ordered 16 episodes, and this run represents only part one of season 1, so there is plenty more to come from this story.
Our Take On The Future Of Beauty in Black
Could The Show Return For A Season 2?
Beauty in Black might have been met with lukewarm critical reception, but Perry has never concerned himself too closely with this. I think the success could lead to a season 2, but much will depend on how the second part is received. Another eight episodes are due and will likely pick up from the Beauty in Black season 1 part 1 ending, which concluded with Horace letting Kimmie go, Lena getting two job offers, and Mallory’s reluctance to reveal her romance with Calvin. These are all plot points that should be tied up in the next half of Beauty in Black.
Beauty in Black season 1, part 2 is due to drop in spring 2025.
Source: Netflix