Let’s face it, Black actors still have a long way to go for quality roles on TV. However, progress is being made. Some of the most anticipated shows this Fall star a few of our favorite Black actors new and old. Here’s my list of 10 actors to watch this season.

1. Derek Luke

Trauma (NBC)
Premieres September 28
I’m looking forward to Derek Luke starring in his first TV role. He plays an EMT who is touted as a hero on the job, but struggles with inner demons in his personal life. It doesn’t hurt that he’s nice to look at too.

2. Mo’Nique

The Mo’Nique Show (BET)
Premieres October 5
America’s favorite PHAT girl moves into the late-night arena with a nightly hour-long part-talk, part-variety show. Mo is funny and keeps it real. I can’t wait to see what she has in store.

3. LL Cool J

NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS)
Premieres September 22
LL plays Sam Hana, the tough but charming former Navy SEAL who works undercover. He’s also very nice to look at and charming in real life. This role is perfect for him.

4. Katerina Graham

The Vampire Diaries (The CW)
Airs Thursdays at 8/7c
Katerina Graham is a dancer, actress, rapper and singer. The former Fanta girl has appeared on TV shows like Hannah Montana, CSI, and in movies (most recently 17 Again). I had the pleasure of interviewing her once and she talked about how hard it is to be not just a Black actress, but also a non-wild child (read: no play from the paparazzi). She’s a rare exception of a genuinely talented triple threat, but finding roles isn’t always easy. I’m glad she’s co-starring in The Vampire Diaries, where she plays a teen psychic.

5. Wanda Sykes

The Wanda Sykes Show (Fox)
Premieres November 7
The Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian comes back to late night (she wrote for The Chris Rock Show). She’s a riot so I can’t wait. Hopefully her show won’t conflict with Mo’Nique’s as far as scheduling. Choosing is not an option.

6. Morris Chestnut

V (ABC)
Premieres November 3
This is a remake of the 1980s miniseries about an invasion of aliens known as “visitors” and the resistance against them. Chestnut will play the boyfriend of a Homeland Security Agent who doesn’t know he’s a visitor.

7. Sherri Shepherd

Sherri
Premieres October 5 (Lifetime)

The View co-host stars in a sitcom that’s loosely based on her experience as a single mom, paralegal and actress who’s dealing with dating after a divorce. Malcolm Jamal Warner also stars.

8. Rochelle Aytes

The Forgotten (NBC)
Premieres September 22
Aytes co-stars in this Jerry Bruckheimer executive-produced crime drama that follows a group of dedicated civilian volunteers who try to solve unidentified victims.

9. Mekhi Phifer

Lie to Me (Fox)
Returns September 28
Mekhi Phifer switches from ER doctor to FBI agent in this crime drama, where telling a little white lie could cost him big time.

10. CCH Pounder, Michael Strahan, Daryll “Chill” Mitchell, Carl Weathers

Brothers (Fox)
Premieres October 2
This one is a cheat because it’s a whole cast. No complaints there, somebody needs to fill the Black sitcom void and this group of talented actors is up to the job. Former NFL player Michael Strahan plays Mike Trainor, a recently retired NFL all-star. Penniless and ashamed, Trainor goes to his parent’s home where he reunites with his estranged paraplegic brother (Mitchell). Of course the boys are still at each other’s throats! Good comedy will definitely ensue.

TAGS: Derek Luke, Monique, Morris Chestnut, Rochelle Aytes, Wanda Sykes

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