Saturdays and Sundays in February

LA: 12:00 to 5:00 pm 
NY: 12:00 to 6:00 pm

FREE and open to the public.

Saturday, February 2 • FREE Admission

Black Comedy in America

The full scope of African-American comedy is examined by several very different programs. A rare special from the 1960s takes a unique look at African-American humor, while Tyler Perry shows how we laughed this decade. Tiffany Haddish presents her very contemporary and very unapologetically adult stand-up act, no better example of the barriers broken over the years.

NOTE: NY screenings will begin at 1:30 pm

12:15 pm

ABC Stage 67: A Time for Laughter

Hosted by Sidney Poitier, this light-hearted special examines the history of African-American humor in songs and sketches, with appearances by Harry Belafonte, Diahann Carroll, Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, Godfrey Cambridge, and many others. (1967; 60 minutes)

1:20 pm

A Tribute to Tyler Perry: For Better or Worse and Love Thy Neighbor

Acclaimed episodes from Tyler Perry’s hit series. (2012 & 2014; 45 minutes)  

2:15 pm

Real Husbands of Hollywood: “A Blurred 47 1/2 Hours”

In this episode from Kevin Hart’s wicked parody of reality television, the comedian finds himself teamed up with George Lopez for a buddy cop movie, 47 ½ Hours, only to discover that director John Singleton wants to replace him with Hart’s arch rival, Mike Epps. (2014; 20 minutes) 

2:40 pm

Tiffany Haddish: She Ready - From the Hood to Hollywood! 

One of stand-up comedy’s hottest current stars, Tiffany Haddish takes to the stage at Los Angeles’ Nate Holden Performing Arts Center for this rollicking hour of no-holds-barred humor, touching on such topics as her foster care upbringing, schoolyard bullying, and how to deal with ex-boyfriends. (2017; 65 minutes)

Sunday, February 3 • FREE Admission

Spotlight on Drama

A celebration of five of television’s most acclaimed African-American writers, producers, and/or directors: Thomas Carter, Shonda Rhimes, Tyler Perry, Lee Daniels, and Paris Barclay. 

12:15 pm

Equal Justice: "In Confidence"

Ensemble courtroom drama cocreated and directed by Thomas Carter and starring Joe Morton. (1991; 49 minutes)

1:05 pm

Scandal: "Sweet Baby"

Kerry Washington is super-Type A political consultant Olivia Pope in the premiere episode of Shonda Rhimes’s iconic drama. (2012; 58 minutes) 

2:05 pm

If Loving You Is Wrong: "Look Closely"

Prime-time soap created and executive produced by Tyler Perry, loosely based on his 2014 film The Single Moms Club. (2014; 42 minutes)

2:50 pm

Empire: "Pilot"

Fox’s sizzling musical drama, cocreated by Lee Daniels and starring the larger-than-life duo of Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson. (2015; 47 minutes)

3:40 pm

The Haves and the Have Nots: "Number Nine"

(2013; 43 minutes)

4:25 pm

Pitch: "Pilot"

Director extraordinaire Paris Barclay was the EP and principal helmer on this series, which starred Kylie Bunbury as the first woman to play in Major League Baseball. (2016; 45 minutes)

Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10 • FREE Admission

TCB and Motown 25: Two Specials for the Ages

As part of our sixtieth anniversary salute to Motown—and screening during Grammy weekend—the Paley Center presents two landmark specials that demand to be seen on the large screen. 

Note: No Feb. 10 screening in NY

12:15 pm and 3:05 pm

Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was viewed by over forty-seven million people in 1983, according to NBC. This enduring program features the first moonwalk by Michael Jackson, as well as defining performances by such Motown legends as the Miracles, the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Ritchie, the Commodores, and the Four Tops. This special deservedly received the Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Program. (1983; 100 minutes)

2:00 pm [and 4:50 pm, NY only]

TCB was originally broadcast in 1968 to enthusiastic reviews. Produced by Motown Productions and George Schlatter, the special brings together Motown’s two top acts, the Supremes and the Temptations for a rousing and glamorous hour of their most popular songs. TCB has never been officially released on DVD, but remains a best-selling soundtrack. (1968; 60 minutes)

Saturday, February 16 • FREE Admission

A Salute to Soul Train

As BET explores the life of Don Cornelius in the new series American Soul, the Paley Center screens the acclaimed documentary Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America, along with two classic episodes of the trailblazing African-American series. 

12:15 pm and 3:30 pm

Soul Train: The Hippest Trip in America

Soul Train was one of the most influential and innovative music series of all time, providing a unique window into the latest trends in music, dance, and fashion. The charismatic host of the Soul Train party, Don Cornelius, became a television icon, bringing contemporary African-American culture into the national living room. This 2010 documentary for VH1 spotlights performances and great moments from the show, as well as memories from cast and crew. Among the musicians featured include Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Sly Stone, Snoop Dogg, David Bowie, and Chaka Khan, all with “a groove that will make you move real smooth.” (2010; 65 minutes)

1:30 pm [and 4:45 pm, NY only]

The Best of Soul Train

This Best of Soul Train compilation was broadcast in 1973 and spotlights many classic performers including James Brown, Chuck Berry, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, the Temptations, and the Four Tops. (1973; 55 minutes)

2:30 pm

Soul Train: Salute to Aretha

This 10th Anniversary Salute to Aretha Franklin from December 1979, features the Queen of Soul performing solo and with her great friend Smokey Robinson. (1979; 55 minutes)

Sunday, February 17 • FREE Admission

A Salute to Jackie Robinson and the Greatest African-American Athletes

Profiles and accomplishments of the greatest African-American athletes over 140 years, with a special tribute to Jackie Robinson on his centennial. 

12:15 pm and 4:25 pm

SportsCentury: Jackie Robinson

Selected as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th Century, Jackie Robinson is profiled by the award-winning ESPN series. (1999; 25 minutes)

12:45 pm [and 5:00 pm NY only]

The Journey of the African-American Athlete: The Courage To Try: 1875-1950

Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, this HBO documentary reviews the contributions of African-American athletes over seventy-five years, including portraits of Paul Robeson, Fritz Pollard, Wilma Rudolph, Satchel Paige, and Jesse Owens. (1996; 60 minutes)

1:50 pm

The Journey of the African-American Athlete: The Spirit To Succeed: 1950-Present

Written by William Rhoden, this HBO documentary looks at the achievements of African-American athletes in the second half of the twentieth century, featuring profiles of Althea Gibson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Cheryl Miller, Arthur Ashe, and many others. (1996; 65 minutes)

3:00 pm

Stealing Home: A Jackie Robinson Celebration

This WNBC special celebrates the life of Jackie Robinson on the 50th anniversary of his first MLB game, featuring interviews with Rachel Robinson, Monte Irvin, and Larry Doby. (1997; 28 minutes)

3:30 pm

SportsCenter Special: African-American Trailblazers, Past, Present & Future

In this special ESPN program hosted by the late John Saunders, current African-American stars converse with legends, featuring Mo’ne David with Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Doug Williams with Ohio State standout Cardale Jones. (2015; 50 minutes)

Saturday and Sunday, February 23 and 24 • FREE Admission

Queen Sugar Marathon 

Queen Sugar chronicles the lives and loves of the estranged Bordelon siblings in Saint Josephine, Louisiana: Nova (Rutina Wesley, True Blood), a world-wise journalist and activist; Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Unforgettable), the first black female sugar mill owner; and Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe, Awkward), a formerly incarcerated young father in search of redemption. After a family tragedy, the Bordelons must navigate the triumphs and struggles of their complicated lives in the New South. The series was created by Ava DuVernay, coproduced for OWN by Warner Horizon.  

Also, Queen Sugar tote bags and Season One DVDs will be given out to fans at the screenings, first-come, first-served, while supplies last. 

12:15 pm 

“First Things First”

In the series premiere, directed by award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay (Selma), Charley, a savvy wife and manager of a professional basketball star living an upscale Los Angeles lifestyle, returns to her family home—an 800-acre sugarcane farm in the heart of Louisiana—after her father suffers a stroke and she receives alarming news about her husband. There, she reunites with her estranged siblings Nova and Ralph Angel. Together, they must navigate the triumphs and struggles of their complicated lives in order to run an ailing farm in the New South. (2016; 44 minutes)

“Give Us This Day”

Charley continues to make calculated choices regarding Davis's (Timon Kyle Durrett) basketball career and her desire to secure an investor. Nova and lover Calvin (Greg Vaughan) finally reunite, but their union causes controversy in the community. Davis attempts to repair his relationship with son Micah (Nicholas L. Ashe), but he faces resistance. Aunt Violet (Tina Lifford) learns of Hollywood's (Omar J. Dorsey) departure and tries to make amends, and Ralph Angel makes a shocking discovery that changes everything. (2016; 43 minutes)

“After the Winter”

Charley and Davis remain entangled, Ralph Angel tries to find his footing on the family farm, and Aunt Violet confronts her feelings for Hollywood. Plus, Micah has a dangerous encounter with a police officer. (2017; 43 minutes)

“Dream Variations”

Charley’s shocking plan to save her business puts her relationship with Remy in jeopardy. Hollywood proposes to Violet, and Nova and Remy share an unexpected moment. Finally, Ralph Angel decides if he can forgive Darla. (2017; 65 minutes)

“From on the Pulse of Morning”

Ralph Angel receives some unexpected news, the fate of the correctional facility is revealed, and Charley makes a proposal on behalf of the farmers. Plus, Violet and Hollywood celebrate their love. (2018; 60 minutes)