The highly awaited historical drama Washington Black is set to debut on July 23, 2025, on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney Plus internationally. This eight-episode limited series, based on Esi Edugyan’s award-winning novel, follows the journey of an 11-year-old boy escaping slavery in 19th-century Barbados.
Washington Black Release Date and Streaming Details
All episodes of Washington Black Season 1 will be available at once, allowing viewers to binge-watch the entire series. The show will premiere at midnight Eastern Time on Hulu in the U.S. and at 8 AM UK time on Disney Plus.
The series is exclusive to Hulu in the U.S., with no plans for a linear TV broadcast. New subscribers can access the show with a 30-day free trial. International audiences can stream it on Disney Plus in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Star-Studded Cast and Key Characters
The series features an impressive lineup of actors:
- Ernest Kingsley Jr. as George Washington “Wash” Black (adult)
- Eddie Karanja as young Wash
- Sterling K. Brown as Medwin Harris (also an executive producer)
- Tom Ellis as Christopher “Titch” Wilde
- Iola Evans as Tanna Goff
- Charles Dance as James Wilde
- Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Miss Angie
- Rupert Graves as Mr. Goff
Other notable cast members include Julian Rhind-Tutt, Billy Boyd, Shaunette Renée Wilson, and Edward Bluemel.
Plot and Storyline of Washington Black
The series begins in 1830s Barbados, where Wash, an enslaved boy on a sugar plantation, witnesses a tragic event that forces him to flee. With the help of Titch Wilde, an eccentric scientist, Wash escapes aboard a flying machine called the “Cloud Cutter.”
The story spans multiple locations, including Nova Scotia, the Arctic, London, and Morocco, as Wash navigates freedom, identity, and scientific discovery. The series explores themes of racial injustice, survival, and self-discovery while blending historical drama with adventure.
Production and Filming Locations
Filming took place in Mexico, Nova Scotia, and Iceland to capture the novel’s global settings. The show is produced by 20th Television, Indian Meadow Productions, and The Gotham Group.
Showrunner Selwyn Seyfu Hinds leads the creative team, with Sterling K. Brown also serving as an executive producer. The series uses a dual-timeline structure, switching between Wash’s childhood and adulthood.
Fan Reactions and Early Buzz
Early reactions highlight the show’s strong performances and visually stunning scenes. One fan commented:
“Imaginative, colorfully filmed, and Sterling K Brown leads the cast! Can’t wait to watch this!”
Another viewer added:
“Story looks intriguing, love that they filmed on location, and I’m always here for more Sterling K. Brown!”
How to Watch Washington Black
- U.S. Viewers: Stream on Hulu (subscription starts at $9.99/month with ads).
- International Viewers: Available on Disney Plus (prices vary by region).
- VPN Option: U.S. citizens abroad can use a VPN to access Hulu.
Episode Titles and Structure
All eight episodes will drop simultaneously, with titles including:
- Episode 1: “The Flying Man & The Musician”
- Episode 2: “Movements of Jah People”
- Episode 4: “The Souls & Science of Black Folk”
The series is expected to be a one-season limited run, staying true to the novel’s complete narrative.
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