Written by Kianna Best on Mar 25, 2025. Posted in Production News

New Apple TV+ documentary highlights leading Black talent

​Apple TV+ is set to premiere the compelling two-part documentary film event, Number One on the Call Sheet, on 28 March 2025. This series delves into the experiences of Black leading men and women in Hollywood, highlighting their challenges, triumphs, and enduring legacies.​

Image courtesy of Apple TV+

The first installment, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood, is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Reginald Hudlin. It features candid interviews with luminaries such as Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Kevin Hart, Morgan Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Foxx. These actors share personal stories about their journeys to prominence, the obstacles they've overcome, and the significance of holding the top spot on a production's call sheet—a position denoting the lead actor in a film or television project. 

The second installment, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood, directed by Shola Lynch, shines a light on the experiences of Black actresses who have made significant impacts in the industry. Featuring interviews with Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Cynthia Erivo, Gabrielle Union, and others, this segment explores their paths to success, the unique challenges they've faced, and their efforts to create opportunities for future generations. ​

The documentary also examines the broader implications of being number one on the call sheet, a term that signifies the lead actor's position and influence within a production. Number One on the Call Sheet is produced by industry veterans Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Datari Turner, and Dan Cogan. Foxx produces through his Foxxhole Productions with Turner, while Hart produces through Hartbeat and Cogan through Story Syndicate. 

The documentary promises to offer unprecedented access and intimate insights into the lives of some of Hollywood's most influential Black actors and actresses. By sharing their personal stories, the film aims to celebrate their contributions, acknowledge the barriers they've overcome, and inspire future generations to pursue their dreams in the face of adversity.​

Number One on the Call Sheet joins Apple TV+'s growing slate of impactful documentary films, including Sidney, honouring the legendary Sidney Poitier, and STILL: A Michael J. Fox Movie, recounting Fox's extraordinary journey.