Black. White.

:

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

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. SarahR
    Apr 2, 2007
    10
    America needs more of this!
  2. 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 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. 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?… Expand
  3. JoeH
    Jun 24, 2006
    10
    Love this show when is the next season?
  4. PatB
    Apr 11, 2006
    10
    This is the best reality show on television. It clearly shows the reality that most of white America claims doesn't exist anymore. A reality show like this is long overdue. I especially admire the brave families participating in the show.
  5. SLee
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    The show exposes the truth about race that whites are un-willing to own up to or admit. It peels aways the perception and the hypocrisy that not only affects and shows the true nature of White America but how it deals with other races through out the world. To receive fairness (or any God given right from white America) you have to have money or a resource that they want and then and only The show exposes the truth about race that whites are un-willing to own up to or admit. It peels aways the perception and the hypocrisy that not only affects and shows the true nature of White America but how it deals with other races through out the world. To receive fairness (or any God given right from white America) you have to have money or a resource that they want and then and only then, will you have white America's attention, tolerance and exceptance.… Expand
  6. Ray
    Apr 6, 2006
    8
    I am looking forward to seeing the new season because i don't think the people in this season were ready for it. I think Bruno and Rose are the only ones that are completely open minded and completely not racist. I think Carmen was open to the new ideas but this kind of idea was out of her realm. She may be a nice lady but she is a complete ditz and possibly a little scared of the I am looking forward to seeing the new season because i don't think the people in this season were ready for it. I think Bruno and Rose are the only ones that are completely open minded and completely not racist. I think Carmen was open to the new ideas but this kind of idea was out of her realm. She may be a nice lady but she is a complete ditz and possibly a little scared of the black race. I think that Brian is a complete racist and acually spends time looking for problems between black/white race. He is overly sensative and offended too easilly. Andrea was very aprehensive in the beginning but she has come around and I believe her slight racism can be worked with. Their son didn't have anough exposure. My summary of this season is that Bruno, Carmen and Rose were more involved as a family to really trying to learn about the black race. Brian, Andrea and their son were more involved in trying to prove their is white against black racism. From this season, I concluded ONLY from these families and the location they shot, there is more black against white racism. Again, looking forward to next season with different famlies and different lacations.… Expand
  7. keyonnat
    Apr 6, 2006
    10
    I can't find the show on anymore does it still come on & what time?
  8. angelb
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    I love the show mostly because it is interesting. It interesting to see how the teens on the show are more open then the adults.
  9. NikkiC
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    The show makes you think. It's excellent and I want to see another season/series. Good for both races to see.
  10. BrandiP.
    Apr 5, 2006
    7
    The show is good for the purpose of getting people to talk about race. Otherwise, it is a load of BS. I find that the families are both a bit onesided and not so willing to be open minded. I will say that Bruno pisses me off to the fullest. What people need to realize is that the world is racist and that we need to be honest about this fact before solveging it. By racist I don't be The show is good for the purpose of getting people to talk about race. Otherwise, it is a load of BS. I find that the families are both a bit onesided and not so willing to be open minded. I will say that Bruno pisses me off to the fullest. What people need to realize is that the world is racist and that we need to be honest about this fact before solveging it. By racist I don't be individually, I mean systemically and institutionally. This is a white world and everyone needs to just face it.… Expand
  11. carlac
    Apr 1, 2006
    9
    What a great show to open up a dialgogue about the current state of race relations. I think it is a great show that can be used as an educational tool in schools and in life.
  12. MeMyself
    Apr 1, 2006
    8
    I think it is provocative and gets better with each episode.
  13. StephanieB
    Mar 31, 2006
    10
    I didn't want to watch it at first, but when I actually gave it a chance I was completely blown away! I can't wait to see the episodes I missed.
  14. sanl
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    My husband and I can hardly wait for each wed. night's new show. I am eagerly awaiting the white father's very first acknowledged racial slight.
  15. WendyI
    Mar 30, 2006
    9
    Instead of ignoringth existance of racism, this program exposes it for what is it: subtle, ugly and pervasive-even today.
  16. KatherineE
    Mar 30, 2006
    9
    The characters appear to be developing. Rose remains open and a witness to the experience. Carmen has undergone some kind of ephiphany, I suspect when whe and Bruno took a walk through the park as a mixed race couple. Bruno remains frozen in his conviction that racism is an excuse for personal unaccountability. The scene where he lectures the muscian was truly sad. Since the first episode The characters appear to be developing. Rose remains open and a witness to the experience. Carmen has undergone some kind of ephiphany, I suspect when whe and Bruno took a walk through the park as a mixed race couple. Bruno remains frozen in his conviction that racism is an excuse for personal unaccountability. The scene where he lectures the muscian was truly sad. Since the first episode it seems we are seeing less of Brian in social situations. The scene of Brian in the local white bar during the first episode was shocking in its revelation, but excellent commentary. But since then I haven't seem him interacting much outside the family setting. Renee, it seems, has not put herself out much and seem to be holding back and judging the process. I would like to see her more involved in public interactions. Nick is interesting. His turn around on the "n-word": was that truly a reframing of his thinking or was it a capitulation to his parents and the visit to the barbershop or did he in fact connect to a historical sense of persecution? Look, the show it great just because it is doing what it is doing, examing the issue of race relations through these families. As a production it is rough by the nature of its reality component and its attempt to dramatize everyday life. It ain't slick, but it does get one thinking.… Expand
  17. VIkI
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    Everyone needs to watch.
  18. acanadian
    Mar 29, 2006
    8
    This show makes you think.......and shows you just how racist american society really is. Bruno is a fucking joke by the way his wife needs to lose him.
  19. PamelaT
    Mar 29, 2006
    7
    First of all, Bruno needs to be kicked off. He is so embarassing to me as a white person. I love all people black or whatever. Bruno is making us look so ignorant and idiotic. I sure hope there are less people like him than the majority! Why can't we all just get along??? p.s. that rap that Bruno made up shows just how ignorant HE is!!
  20. SharonB
    Mar 28, 2006
    10
    Like a breath of fresh air to see these issues confronted. Issues such as people burying their heads in the sand perpetually convincing themselves that racism does not exist and the pre-existing stereotypes, that cause the affected people damage, are just a figment of, those affected, imaginations. It illustrates that racism exists in both the black and white communities. I am a black Like a breath of fresh air to see these issues confronted. Issues such as people burying their heads in the sand perpetually convincing themselves that racism does not exist and the pre-existing stereotypes, that cause the affected people damage, are just a figment of, those affected, imaginations. It illustrates that racism exists in both the black and white communities. I am a black woman from Britain and sometimes I have been faced with the issue that I do not know where I belong since living in Florida. I have not felt completely accepted in the black community and I there are times I am convicted that some white people only like me because on the way I speak. I wish, hope and pray that this series has a positive impact on people to be kinder to one another and to try to accept the differences. Once people learn that color does not determine who you are or your destiny, communities will comprehend acceptence and black and white people may become more confident to live together. For now, it is the case that color determines how you are perceived and untimately treated and this is the barrier built though mis-conception, lack of education and in many cases bad parenting. As for those members in the black communty that have problems with white people before hate, albeit through pain and confusion, try thinking of those members in the white community that died for your black race and try to find peace in your heart. God bless all Gods children.… Expand
  21. DallasC
    Mar 24, 2006
    8
    I was about to give up on this series until episode 3. That episode showed me that the potential of a social experiment such as this, might actually be realized. I was disappointed with the first 2 episodes, because I thought such great potential for a enlightening series, was being wasted. It looks like Black. White. is simply slowly paced. It is the first of its kind........
  22. JCapulet
    Mar 22, 2006
    10
    I'm biracial. I find the show is interesting. Eye opening & hopefully will open peoples minds to look past racial stereotypes. Although while I agree Mrs Sparks appears to be "mean", Mr Wurgel is a trip himself. The youngest Wurgel looks beautifal as a black young lady. As a cosmetologist into special effects makeup I was very impressed. I hope the dvd for the show would contain I'm biracial. I find the show is interesting. Eye opening & hopefully will open peoples minds to look past racial stereotypes. Although while I agree Mrs Sparks appears to be "mean", Mr Wurgel is a trip himself. The youngest Wurgel looks beautifal as a black young lady. As a cosmetologist into special effects makeup I was very impressed. I hope the dvd for the show would contain bonus footage on how they had to prepare for the makeup, & prehaps how they found these 2 families.… Expand
  23. MichaelC
    Mar 22, 2006
    9
    I think that the show is awesome. I hope that eventually it will tear down some racial bounderies, and present an avenue towards healing.
  24. TaraL
    Mar 17, 2006
    10
    I think that any avenue that creates dialogue on the issue of race is great. I don't think that it is important that the show doesn't portray the "ideal" black and white familes and their behavior. What is important is that it displays how FULLY messy prejudices are and how we all have them. Not all circumstances have happy-endings and self-realizations......and this is reality. I think that any avenue that creates dialogue on the issue of race is great. I don't think that it is important that the show doesn't portray the "ideal" black and white familes and their behavior. What is important is that it displays how FULLY messy prejudices are and how we all have them. Not all circumstances have happy-endings and self-realizations......and this is reality. It is more important to me that people start talking about race in this country, than how these 2 families changed. I find their prejudices to be more illuminating than their acceptance. It is in their prejudices that we can hold a mirror up to our own.… Expand
  25. claye
    Mar 17, 2006
    9
    More people should watch this show closely and learn from it, theres a lot of learning potential behind the thoughts of this show... would like to see another season. If Beauty and the geek can go into the 3rd season this one should at least make the same....
  26. CharH
    Mar 16, 2006
    8
    The premise for this show is thought provoking, and a great way to get people to discuss race. The casting could have been better; I think the white mom is lacking in common sense. What adult woman around 40 years old thinks that saying, "hey bitch" with a smile is a typical pleasant greeting to another adult woman; and thinks that people dress in clothing from their home-land to go to The premise for this show is thought provoking, and a great way to get people to discuss race. The casting could have been better; I think the white mom is lacking in common sense. What adult woman around 40 years old thinks that saying, "hey bitch" with a smile is a typical pleasant greeting to another adult woman; and thinks that people dress in clothing from their home-land to go to church, rather than to simply dress up to attend church? The white man throws the "N" word out there a little too comfortably, and he's rather insensitive. I would like to see him in his black role at the all white bar, or yes, at a new car dealership with other white customers. The black couple has strong opinions on racism, but when they are in their white roles they listen and observe their environment instead of going in and immediately bring attention to themselves. The white guy asking other whites about the stereotypical beliefs about blacks should have been slapped when he asked the white woman if the myth is true. He's a nutcase. I think the kids will learn from this experiment, and I hope future episodes will show more real-life type situations in less of a controlled environment.… Expand
  27. AlvaH
    Mar 16, 2006
    10
    Well, Well, Well, I think its right on point. As usual white folks don't have a clue about their surroundings because they haven't had to, we've been bending and accepting their every whim. Just how does one say whatever they want and its fine. Cause this is America, right -- You can't tell me that the white lady in this show ever got the impression she could call Well, Well, Well, I think its right on point. As usual white folks don't have a clue about their surroundings because they haven't had to, we've been bending and accepting their every whim. Just how does one say whatever they want and its fine. Cause this is America, right -- You can't tell me that the white lady in this show ever got the impression she could call anyone a "bitch", but she wanted to and she did -- so what!! She white. No where could she have thought they were on that kind of relationship where she was allowed to call anyone out of their name. Please, help me understand where folks get off talking down to anyother group of people. You Should Know Better (in all caps). Its just manners.… Expand
  28. jess
    Mar 16, 2006
    9
    the fact that the white people in this show are so ignorant of the people that they are portraying is so hilarious that it's impossible to stop watching. The black family is also so negative toward everythiing the white family does and it portrays the commonly disputed issue of racism of racism today. It is the best reality show I have seen in a long time.
  29. velmad
    Mar 15, 2006
    10
    I have waited on a show like this one for years. I always thought that Opray would be the one to expose the not so obvious racism in the world today. There was a time when whites could tell a Black person to go to the back door. Now they will say "There is fresh paint on the door. Would you please go to the back? same same I love it that these issues can be exposed. The white family is a I have waited on a show like this one for years. I always thought that Opray would be the one to expose the not so obvious racism in the world today. There was a time when whites could tell a Black person to go to the back door. Now they will say "There is fresh paint on the door. Would you please go to the back? same same I love it that these issues can be exposed. The white family is a typical white family. flowers-roses happy happy head in the clouds-clueless Friends,Fun and Weekends kind of people… Expand
  30. TashaH
    Mar 15, 2006
    8
    This show is attempting to highlight some of the major differences and race relations within the two races. But at the same time, I feel it will lose it's steam soon if not better directed. I would hate for it to die before the message is demonstated. I will continue to watch hoping that the producers and writers will be able to make it more real life. As a 34 year old black woman This show is attempting to highlight some of the major differences and race relations within the two races. But at the same time, I feel it will lose it's steam soon if not better directed. I would hate for it to die before the message is demonstated. I will continue to watch hoping that the producers and writers will be able to make it more real life. As a 34 year old black woman from Florida, I especially feel that they are in the wrong part of the country. Points that the two families here are trying to show would easily be done in other states. They could bring the show to the east coast or near the south, where it would progress quicker and maybe both races would be able to see how the other race, truly reacts to issues… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. San Jose Mercury News/Contra Costa Times
    Reviewed by: Charlie McCollum
    60
    What I've seen suggests an intriguing show, although there's something so contrived about the series that it makes me more than a bit uneasy.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    80
    An endlessly curious and unexpectedly intelligent social experiment.
  3. 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.
See all critic reviews »