Black. White.

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 8, 2006
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 22
  3. Negative: 2 out of 22

Critic Reviews

  1. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    80
    An endlessly curious and unexpectedly intelligent social experiment.
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  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Storm
    80
    It demonstrates the potential of reality television to go beyond determining who can eat the most worms or scream the loudest, to illuminate important social and cultural issues.
  3. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    80
    "Black. White." makes you think, makes you want to have a conversation about racial issues and makes you examine your own beliefs and biases. How often does a TV show do that?
  5. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    80
    As these two families question their assumptions and experiences, we not only get insights into a thorny issue but, through the families on the show, we also get fascinating glimpses into lives we'd never otherwise lead.
  6. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Ray Richmond
    80
    This show goes in for neither cheap gags nor easy stereotypes, crafting a thought-provoking narrative that embodies genuine sociological heft without transforming its subjects into buffoons.
  7. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Diane Werts
    80
    Uncompromisingly revelatory.
  8. Detroit Free Press
    Reviewed by: Mike Duffy
    75
    What may appear at first glance to be a cheap reality TV gimmick... soon evolves into something quite compelling.
  9. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Adam Buckman
    75
    It is quite simply one of the most fascinating TV shows I have ever watched - warts and all.
  10. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Joy Press
    70
    Black.White takes the reality subgenre to a whole new level, shining a beacon on American's most excruciating blind spot.
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  11. Variety
    Reviewed by: Phil Gallo
    70
    Consistently compelling.
  12. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Doug Elfman
    63
    Some results are interesting anthropologically. But "Black.White" bogs down in conversation and never fascinates.

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best TV Season of 2006
22
#22 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 110 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 110
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 110
  3. Negative: 26 out of 110
  1. AbbyL
    Jul 6, 2007
    6
    To say that America is not racist is wrong. I, myself, as a black American have had to deal with idiots. This show makes me sad and happy at To say that America is not racist is wrong. I, myself, as a black American have had to deal with idiots. This show makes me sad and happy at the same time. It makes me upset that they try to make it seem like blacks are hated by everyone, when in reality not everyone hates African Americans. It also makes me happy that they are trying to prove that racism is alive and well. And to the idiots that say America's racist population is 'booming' because of this show, clearly are mislead.… Full Review »
  2. SarahR
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    America needs more of this!
  3. KarenS
    Sep 10, 2006
    9
    Whenever I watch this show, I am completely enthralled--I begin analyzing what I think about the whole race issue and why I have my ideas. I Whenever I watch this show, I am completely enthralled--I begin analyzing what I think about the whole race issue and why I have my ideas. I gave the show a nine out of ten, though, because of one issue that keeps rearing its ugly head but has not been dealt with yet. The issue is: who is able to say the 'n' word? I personally believe that no one should say it, white or black. If we allow one race to say the word and then attack the other if they say it, we'll just be furthering the racism and solidifying the double standards. Why use a word that is so negatively racially charged, anyway?… Full Review »
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