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Limited Series – Washington Black

Play trailer 2:04 Poster for Limited Series – Washington Black 2025 Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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86% Tomatometer 35 Reviews 61% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, Washington Black follows the 19th-century odyssey of George Washington “Wash” Black, an 11-year-old boy born on a Barbados sugar plantation, whose prodigious scientific mind sets him on a path of unexpected destiny. When a harrowing incident forces Wash to flee, he is thrust into a globe-spanning adventure that challenges and reshapes his understanding of family, freedom and love. As he navigates uncharted lands and impossible odds, Wash finds the courage to imagine a future beyond the confines of society.
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Washington Black — Limited Series

Washington Black — Limited Series

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Critics Consensus

An adventure yarn bolstered by weighty themes, Washington Black brings Esi Edugyan's acclaimed novel to life with a terrific ensemble and striking production design.

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Critics Reviews

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Craig Mathieson The Age (Australia) The location cinematography is genuinely striking, but this family-friendly limited series can struggle with the fine line between uplifting and glibly reassuring. It only just evens out. Rated: 3/5 Aug 18, 2025 Full Review Zaki Hasan San Francisco Chronicle A thoughtful and well-acted adaptation that carries the weight of its historical setting without ever feeling inert or overburdened. Rated: 3/4 Aug 6, 2025 Full Review Vinson Cunningham The New Yorker Brown is working far above the level of the material -- he’s one of the show’s executive producers -- but there’s only so much that his sad eyes and occasional tears can do to redeem “Washington Black.” Aug 5, 2025 Full Review John Stark Mac the Movie Guy It is packed full to the brim with so much it overflows, and the whole thing is shot like it was prepared for the Wonderful World Of Disney in the 90’s. It’s a concoction that seems at odds with itself. Rated: 44/100 Aug 24, 2025 Full Review Alex Southey That Shelf There is a sweetness at the core of the historical adventure series Washington Black that is reminiscent of the best of filmmaker Chris Columbus’s work. Aug 14, 2025 Full Review Brooke Obie Black Girl Watching Get past two small annoyances in the premiere episode and you’re off to the races on a fantastical, family-friendly adventure around the globe in a hot air balloon with a brilliant Black scientist whose imagination became the source of his freedom. Aug 7, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Tanaputz J Couldn't finish the first episode. Poor plot presentation and that's just in the first 15 minutes. Stereotypes abound in the introductory phase of this flop. From the evil plantation master to the socialite daughter who is so obviously "passing"...as she has to "live in the skin of necessity". The Tavern scene was where I called and end to it. It just made no sense. I couldn't imagine groaning my way through another 30 minutes of it, let alone finishing the series. The trailer seemed like a great concept, however in reality, it's just another soap opera with really bad writing. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 08/20/25 Full Review William W The ideas and practices of this show were very strong. But, they weren’t used to their full potential. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/16/25 Full Review Carolann T Brilliant x what’s rollercoaster of emotions, adventure, heartbreak, love, lies I’ve not watched a series like this in years x brings joy, sadness, anger and love x brilliant series binged it as it was addictive x Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/13/25 Full Review John F. It’s well acted and beautiful to look at, but the screenplay is convoluted and boring at times. It would have been wiser to stick closer to the source material. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/07/25 Full Review Lane M Did not care for this series, overacting, could not get thru the second episode- Rated 1 out of 5 stars 08/07/25 Full Review Cj W Stubbled upon this series because it was listed on the feature screen not expecting much… after the first episode I watched it in its entirety over 4 days. Great acting and great show Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Washington Black — Limited Series

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Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jul 23, 2025 The Flying Man & the Musician In 1837 Halifax, inventor Washington Black chases flight while haunted by his past; he meets Tanna, a bold, independent woman; together, they face trials and learn that daring to dream can defy the limits of their world. Details Episode 2 Aired Jul 23, 2025 Movements of Jah People Young Wash and Titch flee a plantation in the Cloud Cutter but crash onto a pirate ship; in Halifax, Wash battles his past as his bond with Tanna deepens, a fight for survival and belonging amid growing tensions on land and sea. Details Episode 3 Aired Jul 23, 2025 Of Love & Caribbean Rum As Wash confronts his past, his bond with Tanna grows, but is tested by her engagement to McGee; betrayed and attacked by bounty hunters, Medwin, betrayed and under attack from bounty hunters, needs to act fast. Details Episode 4 Aired Jul 23, 2025 The Souls & Science of Black Folk Young Wash, Titch, and Theo head to Virginia to confront truths about Titch's father; in Halifax, Tanna's plan to sabotage her engagement backfires; Wash's daring dive to impress Goff brings both danger and a chance for something greater. Details Episode 5 Aired Jul 23, 2025 St. George and the Dragon Young Wash and Titch dodge capture, uncovering allies, threats, and truths about Titch's family; in Halifax, Tanna's plan backfires, straining ties with Wash and Goff; as Wash's aquarium impresses, danger tests loyalty and ambition. Details Episode 6 Aired Jul 23, 2025 Selamiut Pursued by Willard, Wash faces a life-changing decision; as tensions rise between Tanna and McGee, Young Wash must carve his own path on a perilous Arctic journey. Details Episode 7 Aired Jul 23, 2025 J'ouvert Morning Wash urges Medwin to fight for love, then joins Tanna and Goff in London; at the Royal Science League, betrayals surface and a reunion at the Wilde estate unveils a powerful truth about Wash's past. Details Episode 8 Aired Jul 23, 2025 If You See My Mama, Whisper Her This In Morocco, Wash reunites with Titch and discovers his father's true legacy. Details

Season Info

Creator
Selwyn Seyfu Hinds
Executive Producer
Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, Kimberly A. Harrison, Sterling K. Brown, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Wanuri Kahiu, Maurice Marable, Rob Seidenglanz, Jeremy Bell, Lindsay Williams, D.J. Goldberg, Jennifer Johnson, Anthony Hemingway
Network
Hulu
Genre
Drama, History
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jul 23, 2025