US Edition‘Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan’ review: How the TV variety show boosted Black talent when segregation was the norm
The documentary reveals Ed Sullivan’s commitment to featuring Black artists despite opposition, highlighting his role in advancing racial integration on national TV during segregation.
- On Sunday, Tribune critic Nina Metz rated 'Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan' 3 stars out of 4, examining Sullivan's efforts to showcase Black talent during segregation.
- His conviction that television should unite audiences led Sullivan to oppose segregation, calling barring Negro performers 'stupid and vicious.'
- Despite sponsor objections, Sacha Jenkins, director, shows Sullivan pushing back against network forces and sponsors to celebrate Black performers.
- The documentary challenges how Sullivan's show, often remembered for Elvis and The Beatles, significantly boosted Black talent during 1950s–1960s social change, prompting cultural reflection.
- In today's TV landscape, his approach to showcasing Black talent remains unmatched and his influence endures beyond the boomer generation.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Marin Independent Journal
‘Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan’ review: How the TV variety show boosted Black talent when segregation was the norm
The documentary “Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan” on Netflix examines the pivotal role “The Ed Sullivan Show” played in spotlighting Black music and culture to TV audiences at a time when segregation was still the norm. In a clip discussing his Sunday night variety show, which ran on CBS from 1948 to 1971, Sullivan keeps his intentions clear and to the point: “It seemed to me, if you’re using public air(waves), the least you can do …
‘Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan’ review: TV variety show boosted Black talent when segregation was norm
The documentary “Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan” on Netflix examines the pivotal role “The Ed Sullivan Show” played in spotlighting Black music and culture to TV audiences at a time when segregation was still the norm. In a clip discussing his Sunday night variety show, which ran on CBS from 1948 to 1971, Sullivan keeps his intentions clear and to the point: “It seemed to me, if you’re using public air(waves), the least you can do …
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