I’ve just finished binge watching a new series focused on a Black British family and their business. Riches focuses on the Richards family, divided by the fact that the head of the family – Stephen Richards – started two different families who are brought together upon his death trying to secure the family hair business, Flair and Glory.
Riches does an extremely good job of telling a universal story of betrayal, secrets, affairs, sibling rivalry, and business. The family just happens to be Black. But it also gives viewers from the community a sense of belonging by peppering the six one-hour episodes with references and cameos that would be lost on those not familiar or immersed in the culture.
As a Black woman and someone who works in and around the Black communities, it was a detail I appreciated. From references to our press (The Voice, Pride) to events aimed at us (Afro Hair and Beauty) to references or cameos from a host of Black British women (Judi Love, Candice Brathwaite, Patricia Bright and Paula Sutton), there’s something a little sweeter about knowing the references.
The fact that Black women are placed center stage is edifying. Nina Richards, played by Deborah Ayorinde is not only a stunning dark skinned Black woman but masterfully plays the lead role which takes us on a journey of twists and turns.
The ensemble is fantastic with Sarah Niles doing a stunning job of playing the manipulative and domineering widow of Stephen Richards, Claudia.
Really Riches should be experienced first hand so I’m not going to speak much to the storyline so not to give things away and because it’s now 7am. As I said, I watched all six episodes back to back and have to collect my Christmas shopping in a few hours.
What I will say though is that it is an excellent watch and a completely unseen presentation of Black British people. They’ve set it up perfectly for a second series and I hope to see it better positioned beyond ITV’s new digital platform ITVx. I’d like to also see it with better – and correct – marketing as UK audiences were privy to the fact it would be released December 2, where I’m unsure (the states?) as it would’ve be released here until 20 days later.
Congratulations to the team – could this be a revolution is television programming? We wait to see.
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