Hulu's "Washington Black" is an epic globe trotting adventure worthy of the novel
- The Real Perspectives
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 23
Reel Perspectives
July 23, 2025
Sterling K. Brown is having an outstanding year. Coming off the heels of executive producing and starring in the fantastic Hulu series "Paradise", which premiered earlier this year, reuniting Brown and "This is Us" creator Dan Fogelman with the political thriller, he's back with another impressive Hulu Original, "Washington Black", based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Esi Edugyan. The series premiered today on Hulu and Disney+ internationally with all 8 episodes released at once.
Produced by 20th Television in association with Indian Meadows Productions and The Gotham Group, "Washington Black" follows the 19th-century odyssey of George Washington "Wash" Black, an 11-year-old boy born on a Barbados sugar plantation, whose prodigious scientific mind sets him on a path of unexpected destiny. When a harrowing incident forces Wash to flee, he is thrust into a globe-spanning adventure that challenges and reshapes his understanding of family, freedom, and love. As he navigates uncharted lands and impossible odds, Wash finds the courage to imagine a future beyond the confines of society.
From the moment it was announced, Brown, who also serves as executive producer, was attached to the project back in 2019, Reel Perspectives was sold. The series vividly brings the story of Washington Black to life with an epic globe-trotting adventure and sweeping cinematography that is visually stunning, capturing the essence of the novel. "Washington Black" does an excellent job of not lingering on the brutality of slavery, but wisely chooses to focus on the hope of escape and the rich elements of finding one's identity. The story is told from the eyes of the scientifically brilliant young boy who dared to dream with the help of Christopher Wilde, "Titch", the idealistic brother of the plantation owner. Titch recognizes Wash's brilliance and, rather than use it against him, encourages him to hone his brilliance and becomes his mentor. One of the most dynamic aspects in the series is the interesting relationship between Titch and Wash.
Both Eddie Karanja and Ernest Kingsley Jr. portray the younger and older versions of Wash, bringing a soulful presence to the role. While the series primarily focuses on Kingsley Jr., who anchors the character with his maturity, Karanja, best known for his roles as Jed Walker in the Netflix series "The Sandman" and Jack in the Sky Original Film "Jack And The Beanstalk: After Ever After", portrays his innocence that connects Wash's past with the events of the current timeline.
The ensemble cast does a great job making the series thoroughly immersive. Tanna Goff, portrayed by Iola Evans, has a fantastic arc that reminds us all too painfully of the history of colorism, so when her path connects with Wash, it feels cosmic. Rupert Graves as Mr. Goff, Edward Bluemel as William McGee, Sharon Duncan Brewster as Miss Angie, and Kamar de Los Reyes as Captain Alvarez round out the cast.
The series is a fantastic adaptation of Esi Edugyan's novel, while taking creative liberties of its own. While the subject matter of "Washington Black" is heavy, it does not detract from the inspiration it provides. This wonderful coming-of-age story offers a history lesson filled with hope, ambition, loss, and love, challenging us not to let history define us but to embrace the euphoria of a poignant journey of self-discovery.
All episodes are available to stream on Hulu.
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