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‘Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan’ review: How the TV variety show boosted Black talent when segregation was the norm

On Sunday, Netflix released 'Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan,' which received 3 stars from Tribune critic Nina Metz for highlighting Black talent during segregation.
His conviction that television should unite audiences led Sullivan to oppose segregation, calling barring Negro performers 'stupid and vicious' and emphasizing TV's role to bring people closer together.
Despite sponsor objections, Sacha Jenkins, director, shows Sullivan pushed back against network forces and handpicked every entertainer, advocating for Black performers' inclusion.
The documentary challenges perceptions by highlighting Ed Sullivan's push to showcase Black talent during 1950s–1960s social change, contrasting with modern TV formats and the show's reputation for Elvis Presley and The Beatles.
In today's TV landscape, his approach to showcasing Black talent remains unmatched and his influence endures beyond the boomer generation.

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‘Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan’ review: How the TV variety show boosted Black talent when segregation was the norm

The documentary “Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan” on Netflix examines the pivotal role “The Ed Sullivan Show” played in spotlighting Black music and culture to TV audiences at a time when segregation was still the norm. In a clip discussing his Sunday night variety show, which ran on CBS from 1948 to 1971, Sullivan keeps his intentions clear and to the point: “It seemed to me, if you’re using public air(waves), the least you can do …

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