The newly launched streaming service BLKFAM arrives on the scene as a significant entrant with a focus on Black families, offering a treasure trove of over 1,000 hours of new animations for kids. But it doesn’t stop there – BLKFAM’s expansive library includes an array of content designed to entertain the whole family, featuring sitcoms, reality series, health and wellness programs, news, and music features.
Acclaimed actress and personality Whoopi Goldberg participates as an equity investor alongside her role of creative director at BLKFAM. As of now, 10 exclusive original series, including both live-action and animation, are in the production pipeline, with releases scheduled throughout the year 2024.
BLKFAM proudly identifies as the inaugural Black-owned, Black-centric family streaming platform, targeting Black audiences who frequently find themselves absent or inaccurately depicted in mainstream media. This demographic is known for consuming the most television, with Nielsen reporting over 81 hours of media engagement per week. Furthermore, free OTT services are utilized by 80% of Black Americans, which overshadows the 69% national usage as stated by Horowitz Research.
BLKFAM’s mission is to craft content that not only entertains but also empowers and exalts the narratives pertinent to Black American families. The platform seeks to build a meticulously curated repertoire of inclusive stories that resonate with and encourage conversation among its viewers. BLKFAM has allied with content creators like PlayWatch Kids and Candle Media’s ATTN to present educational programming such as “Kembe,” “Gabby Galactic and the Orbiteens,” and “12th Street,” to name a few.
The platform is distinct in its co-viewing approach, aspiring to attract entire families with content rather than targeting individual age brackets.
Founder Larry Adams, with his extensive background including being the former chief brand officer for HBO Max, highlighted the absence of platforms oriented towards family co-viewing. Representing Black parenthood, Adams emphasized the struggle to find content suitable for family viewing without adult themes. “Separated viewing experiences result from a lack of choices,” acknowledges Adams who also played a role in introducing DirecTV Now, AT&T’s live TV streaming service, in 2016.
BLKFAM is currently accessible on various platforms and devices such as Amazon Prime Video Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, YouTube TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio, LG, and across iOS and Android devices.
FAQ Section
- What is BLKFAM?
BLKFAM is a free, ad-supported streaming service focused on providing Black-focused, family-friendly content.
- Who is behind BLKFAM?
Whoopi Goldberg is an equity investor and creative director, while the platform was founded by Larry Adams, former chief brand officer for HBO Max.
- What type of content does BLKFAM offer?
BLKFAM provides over 1,000 hours of children’s programming, sitcoms, reality shows, health and wellness series, news, and music content. The service also has 10 original series in development.
- How does BLKFAM aim to be different from other streaming services?
BLKFAM focuses on co-viewing content that is family-friendly, celebrating and educating about Black American culture, which is often underrepresented in mainstream media.
- On which devices can you access BLKFAM?
BLKFAM is available on Amazon Prime Video Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, YouTube TV, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio, LG, and iOS and Android devices.
Conclusion
BLKFAM’s launch marks a notable addition to the digital streaming landscape, bringing meaningful representation and tailored content for Black American families. With industry veterans like Whoopi Goldberg and Larry Adams at the helm, the platform sets out to fill a vital niche. By recognizing and addressing the gap in co-viewing experiences for Black families, BLKFAM positions itself as a cultural cornerstone in entertainment, hoping to unite families around content that celebrates their heritage and stories.
