This hidden gem BBC show is the best series you’ll watch all year

Dreaming Whilst Black’s second season is just as charming as the first, as we dive back into the trials and tribulations of aspiring Black filmmaker, Kwabena.

The BBC Three comedy delivers witty commentary on the state of the TV and film industry today by poking holes in the hypocrisy of ‘diversity drives’ and shedding light on the internal battle that comes with trying to break into the creative industry.

For those from marginalised backgrounds, there’s something almost cathartic about the show – to watch it all laid out in such an unfiltered way.

In the new season, Kwabena attempts to land his first big directing gig, and he is soon faced with a range of surface-level projects that specifically seem created to appease the ‘DEI overlords’ from Mandem in Space to Grime and Punishment.

The theme running throughout them all? Black trauma.

It’s a narrative Kwabena and his producer friend Amy (Dani Moseley) are attempting to tackle in their own way with a fresh TV show idea that they’re struggling to get off the ground.

But Dreaming Whilst Black doesn’t stop there. Instead, it questions how ethically you can truly exist under the current system. 

For those trying to make ends meet, you can’t afford to turn down projects and take the moral high ground. As Kwabena’s Uncle Claude puts it: ‘How much can integrity buy?’.

The second season doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions that come with the creative industries’ ongoing attempts to diversify.

Dreaming Whilst Black is at its most satisfying when we see Kwabena’s utter exasperation at being forced to participate in a system, quite simply, not made for him.

All explored with top-notch sarcasm that will have you laughing out loud in an empty room.

After our determined protagonist lands the ideal gig, the antics only grow crazier. What should be a coveted job soon turns into a nightmare as he’s faced with impossible demand after impossible demand.

There are some excellent moments of awkward humour, times when you’ll be cringing into your sofa cushion, and points where you’ll be shouting at the screen at how unfair it all is. 

This season also gives breathing space for our vibrant ensemble cast. We get an older generation love story from the inimitable Jo Martin that will have you kicking your feet.

The sparky dynamic between Kwabena and his family only grows in these new episodes as we see his parents’ generation hit him with home truths he needs to hear.

Meanwhile, young parents Maurice (Demmy Ladipo) and Fummi (Rachel Adedeji) must navigate trying to get their kid into the best local school to chaotic results.

And a certain person from Kwabena’s past, Vanessa (Babirye Bukilwa), stumbles back into his life, if only he’s brave enough to reconnect with her.

I won’t spoil how it ends, but the final episode culminates in a monologue that will have you pumping your fist in the air. 

As well as leaving you desperately hoping the BBC commissions the show for a third season. After all, we all want to see if Kwabena can do what’s rarely been done before, if ever, and beat the system.

Dreaming Whilst Black airs on BBC Three at 10.10pm tonight. The full box set is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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