• Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Mar 8, 2006
  • Season #: 1
Black.  White. Image
  • Starring: Renée Sparks, Carmen Wurgel, Bruno Marcotulli
  • Summary: In this six-episode social experiment from executive producers R.J. Cutler ("The War Room") and Ice Cube, the three members of the African American Sparks family wear white makeup, and the three members of the white Wurgel family don black makeup, in an attempt by each to experience American life from a different racial standpoint. Expand
  • Genre(s): Reality, News/Documentary
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 22
  2. Negative: 2 out of 22
  1. 80
    As these two families question their assumptions and experiences, we not only get insights into a thorny issue but, through the families on the show, we also get fascinating glimpses into lives we'd never otherwise lead.
  2. It works best at its most intimate, as family drama, and as another variant on "The Real World," in which people who would not ordinarily live together are made to do so.
  3. 38
    An abject failure both as sociology and as entertainment, this incompetent update of Black Like Me is no more than a gimmick in search of an idea.

See all 22 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 93
  2. Negative: 23 out of 93
  1. SarahR
    10
    America needs more of this!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. RossC
    5
    The strength of the show is its casting. The biggest weakness of the show is its casting. It all depends on the producers' goals and the viewers' expectations. If they were shooting for outrageous reinforcement of the stereotypes both races hold--they chose a perfect mix of characters. The audience gets the entertainment factor they expect from so-called 'reality' television and enjoy the warm fuzzies that come from a voyeuristic camaraderie with several characters that share their perspectives on race. Every one tunes in to scoff at the bad guys and root for the good guys--an age-old (though tried and tired) formula that draws an audience and the subsequent ad revenue. If, on the other hand, you intend to produce television that leans toward the noble causes of mutual enlightenment, education and discovery--choose a cast with a few more folks like Rose. Her introspective and honest efforts in the project were a bubbling spring of hope amidst a desert full of racist clowns, self-righteously mugging for the camera to prove their deeply embedded and closely held point of view. Here's hoping for an engaging followup series where the cast of characters reflects the growing appetite for meaningful interaction between the races. Throw in a couple of racist goons from each family so we can get our giggles--but for goodness sake, give us more Roses that are willing to be real with themselves. What a concept for a true 'reality' show! Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. DamarcusW
    3
    For all the good this project attempts it still manages to shoot itself in the foot. By putting the two families together has, at best, marginally helped in their mutual understanding. However, the overall misunderstanding is significantly greater because each family represents their entire race. The ONLY saving grace of the families is Rose and sadly her voice hasn't so far been strong enough to make a difference with the families and possibly with the viewers. Racism exists. Newsflash. But there is a such thing as personal accountability and rarely is that shown by any of the participants on this show. One side blindly rattles off incidents of victimization while the other counters with knee-jerk defenses. Where is there any understanding? It's early in the series but I really hope there comes a turning point in the show; it has potential. As the project continues I hope it becomes apparent that putting on makeup isn't actually walking a mile in someone else's shoes. Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 93 User Reviews

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