Whatever you think of Tyler Perry’s TV projects overall, “Beauty in Black” definitely has a bingeable quality to it. We’re not surprised that it was renewed for a surprise Season 4 after its Netflix cancellation. And if you’ve already burned through the latest episodes, we’ve compiled a list of five TV shows to watch when you’re craving more. Perry is somewhat controversial in the sense that while sometimes his works perfectly embody the positive aspects of melodrama, other times it comes off as too heavy handed and too hokey to land. Still, there is an undeniable charm to the characters and situations he creates, and “Beauty in Black” is a perfect example of a cast of characters that leave long-lasting impressions (maybe you can actually credit the incredibly talented actors for this instead of Perry).
Nevertheless, below is a list of shows to check out that build on the themes and environments of “Beauty in Black.” Some of these series dive even further into the world of pole dancing and sex work, some lean more on the themes of crime and justice, and one might be considered the show that started it all when it comes to Black family-run businesses and the drama that can come with them.
P-Valley
Perhaps one of the best shows out there about “midnight ballerinas,” aka strippers, “P-Valley” is a critically acclaimed “delta noir” strip club drama, based on an original stage play by showrunner Katori Hall. The series stars Brandee Evans, Nicco Annan, Shannon Thornton, Elarica Johnson, and J. Alphonse Nicholson. The focus is on the activities of both staff and patrons at The Pynk, a strip club in the Mississippi Delta, as the club struggles to remain open through general financial struggles, local politics, and COVID-19.
The best part of “P-Valley” is the characters and how they choose to deal with life’s lemons. Whether that’s getting revenge for abuse, fighting stigma related to sex work, or even adjusting to the physical toll that hardcore pole dancing takes on one’s body. There is also a groundbreaking relationship between the openly non-binary character Uncle Clifford (Annan) and an up-and-coming rapper named Lil Murda (Nicholson). The series currently has two seasons and will air a third and final season in December 2026. “P-Valley” is available to stream on Starz and wherever Starz subscriptions are available.
Reasonable Doubt
“Reasonable Doubt” is an Onyx Collective (a Disney-owned content brand focused on creators of color) original starring Emayatzy Corinealdi as Jax Stewart, a high-profile corporate defense attorney whose life is turned upside down when she discovers that her husband Lewis (played by McKinley Freeman) has had an affair and it also led to an unplanned pregnancy. If that’s not enough stress, Jax also has to contend with several high-profile court cases involving dangerous clients. Morris Chestnut also joins the cast in Season 2 as Corey Cash, a fellow defense attorney that assists Jax on a case.
The best part of “Reasonable Doubt” is the way it excellently balances tone and high stakes situations, along with incredible acting by Corinealdi. If it almost feels like a cousin to Shonda Rhimes’ “Scandal,” likely because the series was created by former “Scandal” writer Raamla Mohamed Hunter, and Kerry Washington serves as an executive producer and directed the pilot episode. “Reasonable Doubt” is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu with Season 4 to premiere on October 6, 2026.
Claws
Sticking with our themes of crime and punishment, “Claws” is the story of a group of nail techs who get caught up in all kinds of schemes while trying to make ends meet in Palmetto, Florida. As mentioned before, the series stars Niecy Nash as Desna Simms, alongside Carrie Preston, Judy Reyes, Karreuchi Tran, and Jenn Lyon. The show premiered in 2017 and lasted five years before the wild series finale in 2022.
“Claws” is a bit more comedic in tone than “Beauty in Black” and other series on this list, but still has all the drama, twists, turns, and conflict that crops up when doing legal and illegal business. The best part of “Claws” is the found family of the nail salon and the camaraderie between all the ladies. It’s a no-judgment zone, even when they make mistakes. It’s as warm and fuzzy as one can get considering the environment, and that’s what makes the show so incredibly charming. You can stream “Claws” on Hulu and Disney+.
All the Queen’s Men
“Magic Mike” fans might be interested in “All the Queen’s Men” based on the subject matter, but be warned: This is not a feel good story about male strippers. This is a much grittier look at the occupation from the perspective of their “madam” and strip club owner in Atlanta played by Eva Marcille. This BET original TV show probably feels the most like Tyler Perry’s “Beauty in Black” because Tyler Perry serves as a writer for the series.
The show is as much about the cost of doing business as it is reveling in one’s success in business. It’s also just cool to see women in charge and being as ruthless as their male counterparts. “All the Queen’s Men” was created by Christian Keyes and is based on his 2015 novel “Ladies Night.” In addition to Marcille, the series also stars Skyh Black, Candace Maxwell, Michael Bolwaire, Racquel Palmer, and Oshea Russell. “All the Queen’s Men” is available for streaming on BET+, Paramount+, and wherever BET+ is available as a subscription add-on.
Empire
“Empire” is one of those once‑in‑a‑generation TV dramas that owned the cultural zeitgeist while it was airing. The series follows the Lyon family as they claw, scheme, and sing their way through the high‑stakes world of a fictional hip‑hop family dynasty built on equal parts brilliance and betrayal. Terrence Howard plays Lucious Lyon, the patriarch who believes legacy is worth any cost, while Taraji P. Henson stars as Loretha “Cookie” Lyon, who storms back into the family picture demanding her share of the empire she helped build.
What makes “Empire” so bingeable and aligned with the energy of “Beauty in Black” is its blend of melodrama, cutthroat business maneuvering, and everything that comes with mixing family and business. The show’s music‑driven storytelling also adds a fun rhythm to the chaos. “Empire” Season 1 in particular is great because of its sharp writing, standout performances from Henson and other cast members, and some pretty iconic songs (and eventual memes). “Empire” is available for streaming on Hulu, Disney+, Tubi, and The Roku Channel.
