Number One on the Call Sheet: A Celebration of Black Excellence in Hollywood
“Number One on the Call Sheet” is a two-part documentary spotlighting Black Hollywood’s top talent—both men and women—who have redefined what it means to lead on screen.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- “Number One on the Call Sheet” is a two-part documentary spotlighting Black Hollywood’s top talent—both men and women—who have redefined what it means to lead on screen.
- Features candid interviews with major stars like Viola Davis, Regina King, Morgan Freeman, and more.
- Executive produced by Jamie Foxx and Kevin Hart, the doc explores the joys, struggles, and legacies of being a Black actor in Hollywood.
- Premiered on Apple TV+ and is part of a growing slate of projects addressing representation in the entertainment industry.
What Is Number One on the Call Sheet?
Number One on the Call Sheet is a powerful two-part documentary that dives deep into the stories of Black leading men and women in Hollywood. The title refers to the top name on a film or TV show’s daily call sheet—usually the lead actor. In this case, it’s symbolic of Black actors not just appearing in films, but leading them.
The project is split into two documentaries:
- “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood”
- “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood”
Each installment features interviews with A-list stars who open up about the barriers they've faced, the groundbreaking roles they've taken on, and the paths they've paved for future generations.
Who’s Featured?
The film includes a wide range of Hollywood royalty and trailblazers:
- Viola Davis, who speaks on the complexities of playing powerful Black women and carving out space in a historically white industry.
- Samuel L. Jackson and Morgan Freeman, reflecting on decades of roles that changed the game.
- Jamie Foxx and Kevin Hart, who also serve as executive producers, adding insight into the behind-the-scenes battles for representation and respect.
Other featured talent includes Halle Berry, Don Cheadle, Angela Bassett—creating a cross-generational conversation on legacy and vision.
What It Explores
This documentary isn’t just a collection of interviews—it’s a reflection on history, resilience, and evolution. Topics include:
- Representation: How the film and TV industry has portrayed Black characters historically, and how that’s changing.
- Barriers to entry: The structural and cultural hurdles Black actors have faced, from being typecast to being overlooked entirely.
- Success stories: Personal breakthroughs that marked turning points in their careers.
- Future leaders: A spotlight on emerging talent and the importance of mentorship within the community.
Why It Matters
At a time when conversations around equity, inclusion, and identity are more visible than ever in media, Number One on the Call Sheet serves as both a celebration and a call to action. It’s about recognizing how far Black actors have come—and how far there is still to go.
This doc is also notable for being one of Apple TV+’s standout original documentary productions, pushing the platform further into prestige documentary territory.
Where to Watch
Number One on the Call Sheet is available now exclusively on Apple TV+.
