Sunday Best

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Sunday Best

2023

1h 27m

Biography

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

100%

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12 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

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Nina Metz

Chicago Tribune

A fine effort that explores Sullivan’s commitment to pushing back against network forces, sponsors and other interested parties who were opposed to the presence — the celebration, really — of Black people on the show.

Rated: 3/4

Aug 14, 2025

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David Fear

Rolling Stone

Sacha Jenkins’ invaluable documentary reappraises Sullivan’s legacy not as a TV pioneer -- that’s always been set in stone -- but as a show-don’t-tell social activist.

Aug 4, 2025

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Lisa Kennedy

New York Times

Illuminating and so entertaining, “Sunday Best” nevertheless elicits a mournful pang.

Jul 22, 2025

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Lapacazo Magrira Sandoval

New York Amsterdam News

What Jenkins unpacks here is nothing short of revelatory.

Aug 11, 2025

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Lee Zumpe

Tampa Bay Newspapers

This documentary is more than just a nostalgic walk down memory lane: [Sacha] Jenkins reminds us of the opposition Sullivan faced even at the height of his popularity.

Aug 10, 2025

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John Stark

Mac the Movie Guy

As a junkie for for documentaries about old Hollywood, this felt pretty comprehensive given the runtime. Though, I’ll lament the use of AI to recreate Ed Sullivan’s voice, and consider it distracting and unnecessary.

Rated: 80/100

Aug 9, 2025

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Maggie H

Really loved this documentary! I had no idea, growing up, just what a trailblazer Ed Sullivan was!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/12/25

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Janet K

I grew up watching Ed Sullivan with my family every Sunday. Saw Elvis on the show at age 7! And the Beatles at age 14! But this movie focuses on Ed Sullivan’s monumental contribution to bringing Black performers to the racially divided American public starting in 1948. He brought many Black Vaudeville acts on his show and promoted their careers. Then many Black artists followed like Harry belafonte, supremes and Jackson 5. Small pieces of many performances set against racial turmoil. Definitely worth watching as

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/04/25

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Michael W

This showbiz documentary about the famous talk show host Ed Sullivan was really good. The crew did a fantastic job on telling his story and how he changed television forever. It was very inspirational. If you haven't seen this documentary yet, check it out sometime. It's a must see.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/03/25

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Garry A

The Ed Sullivan show has a rich history and had a great cultural impact.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/01/25

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Evan L

Sunday Best was an excellent documentary. Something that I expected to be educational ended up being inspirational as well! All around a well done project about the legendary Ed Sullivan.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/01/25

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Lisa M

Grateful to be a child in early 70s and have the memory of my family tuned into Sunday Best each week on our one household TV. Still had no idea of the profound impact one incredible man, Ed Sullivan, had on our country’s legacy. Shows how important courage has always been: to stand up for others, especially those that may be different than you. What a great ear and heart he had for talent! Thank you for this important documentary, and for helping me feel good again about my country.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/26/25

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Sacha Jenkins

Director

Ed Sullivan

Self

Rafael Marmor

Producer

Margo Precht Speciale

Producer

Chris Leggett

Producer

Peter Bittenbender

Producer

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Director: Sacha Jenkins
Producer: Rafael Marmor, Margo Precht Speciale, Chris Leggett, Peter Bittenbender, Mark Monroe
Distributor: Netflix
Genre: Biography, Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 21, 2025
Runtime: 1h 27m

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