Sunday Best

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Sunday Best

2023

1h 27m

Biography

Documentary

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14 Reviews

98%

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100+ 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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Alan Ng

Film Threat

Best reminds us that Ed Sullivan’s influence went far beyond introducing legendary performers—he directly influenced the cultural fabric of America. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of television to unite people and move society forward.

Rated: 8.5/10

Oct 2, 2025

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Robert W. Butler

Butler's Cinema Scene

The doc features several vintage TV interviews of Sullivan and testimony from dozens of entertainment figures, but the film’s greatest selling point is its jaw-dropping collection of great on-air performances.

Rated: B+

Sep 19, 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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Julie D

What Jenkins unpacks here is nothing short of revelatory.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/02/25

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Tanaputz J

After the token bits of basic bio, this "biography" is nothing more than testimony about racial division 50 years ago. Ed Sullivan didn't single handedly bring about the changes that came about in broadcasting back then, contrary to this shows theme. This show is a biopic of black entertainment disguised as a tribute. I quit watching when I realized it wasn't really about Ed Sullivan...

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/28/25

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John B

Terrific film and highly recommended! We all know something about Ed Sullivan, even if it is from the Beatles famous landing on his show, but... this really opened my eyes about his impact on culture and the fight for civil rights for Black Americans. I enjoyed the lesson immensely. Plus, I love music and music history and this took me on a great journey. Thanks to the filmmakers!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/16/25

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Frank K

Absolute Must-See! - Best movie on Netflix. I would love to see it on the big screen - Great movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/11/25

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John Y.

A good history of the role Ed Sullivan played in providing a national stage for Black artists that otherwise wouldn’t be able to have such large exposure. However, sometimes the complete story wasn’t told. For instance, Bo Diddley was shown making his breakout performance on the Sullivan show. What wasn’t mentioned is that this was his only performance on the show because Ed banned him for life because he didn’t play the song that Ed was expecting him to play. But overall, some excellent material here.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/10/25

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Movie F.

I used to watch the Ed Sullivan show when growing up and had no idea how influential he was. Fantastic documentary with great music.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/07/25

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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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