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

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User Reviews

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  1. RonnetteS
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    This show is real. It deals with the typical sterotypes that african americans go thru. I thought the show was impressive.
  2. HeatherB
    Mar 9, 2006
    8
    Interesting, but creepy. The white family seems odd, but the daughter is smart.
  3. TedS
    Mar 9, 2006
    8
    Could have been even better, but hey nothing is prefect. It does it's job at getting the point over to you if you are really tuned in.
  4. 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
  5. Gina
    Mar 19, 2006
    6
    The Spark family makes me sick! Nothing Bruno or his wife does is right and it will never be right because they are WHITE! Anyone who doesn't see the racisim embedded in this black couple is blind! They want to get on Bruno and his wife for upholding 'sterotypes' yet on the other hand they are doing the same thing in regards to the white race and their own race. I am white The Spark family makes me sick! Nothing Bruno or his wife does is right and it will never be right because they are WHITE! Anyone who doesn't see the racisim embedded in this black couple is blind! They want to get on Bruno and his wife for upholding 'sterotypes' yet on the other hand they are doing the same thing in regards to the white race and their own race. I am white and my husband is black, my stepdad, my sister law, all my in-laws are black, my children are mixed and I was raised in a black community. I have experienced looks and different/ill treatment because I am sharing my life with a black man (from whites and blacks). Yet at the same time I agree with Bruno; for those of you who call him a bigot, I could not give a HOOT what those racist think about me, because I have GOD and they can't stop me and my family. It's about attitude and mindset. Let's turn downpressors who shoot up barriers into stepping stones! The white family is somewhat embrassing, but I can forgive them for being nieve. Yet, the black wife is unrelentless, unforgiving and down right unhelpful. It digust me that this black women was offended by the white woman wanting to wear African dress to church. I agree that maybe it was 'too much', yet I thought it was wonderful that this white woman was drawn to this beautiful garment. Yet the black woman voices that there is some sterotypical idea behind the choice. Mrs. Spark, .....can't she just like it? Not only do I think there are beautiful too, but I wear them also! One thing I agree on is that this experiment shows a common philosophy in the black American community. That if we whites do anything it's because were' racist and because of our matching skin color of oppessors/downpressors either in the present or in the past.......we, whites will just never understand. Sorry guys, no one wins a prize for the most sufferation on this earth, for we have all (races, cultures, sexes, clases) suffered at the hands of workers of inequity. Period. "Intill no one race is raised superiour than another....there is a war." Hailie Salessie I, Former King of Ethopia… Expand
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. VIkI
    Mar 30, 2006
    10
    Everyone needs to watch.
  9. ab
    Mar 9, 2006
    0
    i think this show is ridiculous. i know blacks can be discriminated. but so can the handicapped, young, and old. everyone is discriminated at one time or another, all for different reasons. im tired of people complaining about how they are treated. i think blacks are created just as equally as everyone else. if someone discriminates you, whether it be for your color, age, religion, i think this show is ridiculous. i know blacks can be discriminated. but so can the handicapped, young, and old. everyone is discriminated at one time or another, all for different reasons. im tired of people complaining about how they are treated. i think blacks are created just as equally as everyone else. if someone discriminates you, whether it be for your color, age, religion, weight, or sex it is their own stupidity and they are not worth you time. i think the world needs to quit focusing on the negative and look at all of the positive things we have done. maybe if that happened we would have a better place to live.… Expand
  10. PhillipM
    Mar 9, 2006
    9
    I think that this show gives a real look at each owns race. It doesnt make you feel the other's race but makes you more aware of your own and how you really can experience racism, or ignore it. I think people can learn a lot about themselves through it and can challenge there own beliefs through it.
  11. HollyL
    Mar 9, 2006
    6
    Definitely sparked some conversation between my boyfriend & I. The biologically white daughter on the show is obnoxiously overdramatic and the biological black son couldn't seem to care less about what this "experiment" reveals about society. An earlier post hit the nail on the head- read Black Like Me and you'll understand why this show is a disappointment.
  12. TiffanyD
    Mar 9, 2006
    8
    Being a Black person, I thought it was very interesting to see just how some White people actually feel. Some of the White viewers may not see the world the way an average Black person may, but through the next few weeks I feel that the White viewers will be in for a rude awakening to see exactly what it's like to be the stereotypical Black person.
  13. HakimA
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    This show should be on regular tv so that all of amercan can see the true effects of racism which still go on today!
  14. E.LouiseL
    Mar 9, 2006
    1
    I changed the channel when the black dad attempted to show the white dad how to "hug like a black man". I found that to be stereotypical and ridiculous. Also, it seems to me that the black mom is way too aggresive...and the white mom is way too passive. It seems very one-sided, as if to say that the blacks have to teach the whites. Their neighborhoods aren't equal. The whites live in I changed the channel when the black dad attempted to show the white dad how to "hug like a black man". I found that to be stereotypical and ridiculous. Also, it seems to me that the black mom is way too aggresive...and the white mom is way too passive. It seems very one-sided, as if to say that the blacks have to teach the whites. Their neighborhoods aren't equal. The whites live in a mostly white neighborhood, and so they haven't had much exposure to being around blacks. On the other hand, the black family's neighborhood includes many people of different races/ethnic groups, and so they have had more exposure to being around white people. The show was an interesting idea, but it needs to have a white family who has at least had some exposure to being around blacks.… Expand
  15. 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
  16. JoeH
    Jun 24, 2006
    10
    Love this show when is the next season?
  17. CalvinHobbs
    Mar 12, 2006
    6
    The show opens up dialogue which is a plus. Trust me on this though when I say very few white people are as clueless as the ones on the show. We are no longer seperated by race but class.
  18. RonaldV
    Mar 10, 2006
    10
    I am a 42 year old African American male and I have lived through the civil rights period. It amazes me to this day how white Americans act like they treat African Americans with such equal treatment and respect. If many of them walked in our shoes for even a minute they to would be angry and resentful at how this great land of opportunity treats them. We can die in wars for this country I am a 42 year old African American male and I have lived through the civil rights period. It amazes me to this day how white Americans act like they treat African Americans with such equal treatment and respect. If many of them walked in our shoes for even a minute they to would be angry and resentful at how this great land of opportunity treats them. We can die in wars for this country but not earn the respect of American citizens. Hopefully this show will enlighten perhaps even change the way white Americans views the African American… Expand
  19. 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
  20. AndrewS
    Mar 16, 2006
    0
    I was very excited about this show at first, and very interested in it, but when I started to watch it I was really disappointed. In my opinion they went about this all in the wrong way. They took two families, from way different environments, one from California which is very diverse, and has very little racism, and then Georgia, which still has some issues. I could tell from there that I was very excited about this show at first, and very interested in it, but when I started to watch it I was really disappointed. In my opinion they went about this all in the wrong way. They took two families, from way different environments, one from California which is very diverse, and has very little racism, and then Georgia, which still has some issues. I could tell from there that the show was going to go down hill but when the people were introduced in the show I could tell that this was going to be one sided. Getting a Caucasian family that doesn't know anything about black people just put them up for failure. Not only do they know nothing about the other culture, but the mother of that family is so ignorant and naive that it makes me sick, all of her views comes from the media, and what she… Expand
  21. LindaJ
    Mar 16, 2006
    4
    I like the Premise however, what I think is wrong about how they did this show is not showing how they are filming it. It tries to make you think that everything is spontaneous but how honest are people with cameras present? There are so many camera angles and switches that I think they could'nt be hidden cameras. If they are hidden, that should have been shown to the viewing public. I like the Premise however, what I think is wrong about how they did this show is not showing how they are filming it. It tries to make you think that everything is spontaneous but how honest are people with cameras present? There are so many camera angles and switches that I think they could'nt be hidden cameras. If they are hidden, that should have been shown to the viewing public. I have only seen 2 episodes, I will watch 1 more to see if it gets any better. Im one of those who read Black like Me many years ago and was moved by it. So far this hasn't moved me..oh I am white and wish they had used better representatives of the white race.. I dont know anyone so white as the people they chose..Oh I forgot..it's probably all staged and rehearsed to make us look totally ignorant of the black race?… Expand
  22. 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.
  23. jr
    Mar 16, 2006
    1
    I feel the black family from the 3/15 episode never gave the white family a chance.Such as the part where the men were in the white bar and discussing interracial dating. I believe the things the white man was asking was to show the black man that not all whites are racist.There are white racists and black as well .Dont have you mind made up in the beginning..If you are not willing to be I feel the black family from the 3/15 episode never gave the white family a chance.Such as the part where the men were in the white bar and discussing interracial dating. I believe the things the white man was asking was to show the black man that not all whites are racist.There are white racists and black as well .Dont have you mind made up in the beginning..If you are not willing to be open minded and give the other family a chance without immediately down talking them, then dont agree to be on the show!… Expand
  24. JaysonD
    Mar 16, 2006
    4
    I like the idea for the show, but I do think it is not well balanced. The show is clearly slanted to favor Blacks and makes Whites look like idiots and latent racists. They need more authentic situations to make it more "real". The son is also completely useless. He doesn't even try to do anything. I like Rose. She's the best of all of them.
  25. Michael
    Mar 17, 2006
    5
    Generally, I wouldn't get involved with trolls such as Roger and Dana, but in this particular instance I have been offended. I am not sure what show they were watching, but "Black / White" is certainly not trying to "Bellitle White" as Roger stated. I do, however, dislike the show, as Roger does as well. It seems somewhat trivial for the days that we are in. The only racist that Generally, I wouldn't get involved with trolls such as Roger and Dana, but in this particular instance I have been offended. I am not sure what show they were watching, but "Black / White" is certainly not trying to "Bellitle White" as Roger stated. I do, however, dislike the show, as Roger does as well. It seems somewhat trivial for the days that we are in. The only racist that still exist are generally a very small minority of rural whites.… Expand
  26. dickr
    Mar 20, 2006
    1
    Won't watch again
  27. RoseW
    Mar 29, 2006
    0
    This show in no way does justice to the views and attitudes of greater America. It is a huge gimmick involving two seemingly ignorant families and a predetermined storyline and it does nothing to break through stereotypes.
  28. CathyH
    Mar 31, 2006
    2
    This show is for the birds. This show is more onesided than ever. I have not seen the black family(Mother and Father)interact with any whites to learn the white culture. The black father need to learn from his son that this new generation is more mixed that our generation in the 70's and 80's. After reading some of the reviews, I agree that the families were not carefully This show is for the birds. This show is more onesided than ever. I have not seen the black family(Mother and Father)interact with any whites to learn the white culture. The black father need to learn from his son that this new generation is more mixed that our generation in the 70's and 80's. After reading some of the reviews, I agree that the families were not carefully picked. The white family seem to never been around blacks and the black family came in with a chip on their shoulder about the racism. The producer should have picked families with some simular life styles. The teens to me had their heads on and was willing to learn. I have a stong belief that our child of today can cut the racism if the parent have an open and willing heart. This show only brought out the worst and at the end of it all the parents still had an issue. I pray that Bruno and his wife marriage do not break up over this mess. Their love for each other is more than the racism in this world. Yes I am a black female in her 40.… Expand
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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 »