Number One (AppleTV) Story :-
Number One on the Call Sheet offers an insightful look into the journeys of Black leading men and women in Hollywood. Through honest and compelling interviews with stars like Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Eddie Murphy, and Halle Berry, the documentary explores the hurdles they’ve faced, the milestones they’ve achieved, and how the portrayal and presence of Black talent in the film industry continue to evolve.
Number One (AppleTV) Release Date, Trailor, Songs, Cast :-
| Release Date | 4 April 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Episodes | 2 |
| Cast | Cynthia Erivo, Quentin Tarantino, Dwayne Johnson, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Angela Bassett, Morgan Freeman, Idris Elba, Meagan Good |
| Director | Reginald Hudlin, Shola Lynch |
| Writer | Datari Turner |
| Cinematography | Chavez, Imani Dennison, Mark Jeevaratnam, Kira Kelly, Jody Lee Lipes, Christine Ng, Bradford Young |
| Producer | Mala Chapple, Candice Wilson Cherry, Liz Garbus, Reginald Hudlin, Bryan Smiley, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Mishka Brown, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Mark Monroe, Nanette Nelms, Byron Phillips, Diana E. Williams |
| Production | Foxx Hole Productions, Story Syndicate, Whoop, Inc., Hartbeat Productions |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Number One (AppleTV) Review :-
Number One on the Call Sheet brings together some of Hollywood’s most influential Black voices for a powerful and deeply personal look at what it means to rise to the top in an industry long dominated by white narratives. Featuring candid interviews with icons like Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Daniel Kaluuya, Whoopi Goldberg, and Alfre Woodard, the documentary is divided into two feature-length episodes—one spotlighting Black male actors and the other, Black female actors. Together, they trace the journey from the bottom of the call sheet to the prestigious number one spot, typically reserved for the leading star and highest-paid talent on set.
The film captures the tenacity, courage, and transformative power of representation as it explores the barriers these actors broke through—and the ones that still remain. With moving reflections and behind-the-scenes stories, the documentary doesn’t just celebrate success; it highlights the grit required to achieve it. One especially memorable moment comes from Laurence Fishburne, who recalls filming Apocalypse Now at the tender age of 14 or 15. After struggling through 40 takes of a scene he couldn’t quite relate to, it was a quiet aside from Martin Sheen—“Did anyone tell you that you are a really good actor?”—that changed everything for him. That simple vote of confidence, he says, was his moment of becoming number one on the call sheet. Raw, inspiring, and overdue, Number One on the Call Sheet is both a tribute to trailblazers and a call to keep pushing for true equity in storytelling.
The documentary also pays heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Sidney Poitier, whose groundbreaking career opened doors for generations of Black actors. Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx speak with deep admiration about the path Poitier carved, not just through his roles but through the powerful choices he made. One particularly striking anecdote comes from Poitier himself, revealing that during In the Heat of the Night, he insisted on a contract clause: if his character was slapped, he would slap back—and that retaliation could never be edited out in any version of the film shown anywhere in the world. It was a quiet but resolute stand for dignity that resonated globally. Director Quentin Tarantino offers his own pointed reflection on systemic racism in Hollywood, citing the case of Cleavon Little. Despite his breakout success in Blazing Saddles, Little found himself without another leading role for four years—a stark example, Tarantino argues, of the industry’s deep-rooted racial bias.
The film also captures moments of inspiration and gratitude among today’s stars. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence both credit Eddie Murphy as their biggest influence, with Smith revealing that his rise to global fame was the result of a meticulous, step-by-step plan to dismantle the myth that Black-led films couldn’t succeed internationally. Alongside legends, the documentary features a dynamic blend of rising and established talent—Daniel Kaluuya, John Boyega, Idris Elba, and Michael B. Jordan—each adding their voice to this powerful narrative of perseverance and progress. But it’s the tribute to Chadwick Boseman that delivers the documentary’s most emotional punch—a moving homage to a star whose presence and impact continue to be felt deeply across Hollywood and beyond.
The second episode turns its lens toward Black women in Hollywood, showcasing a stellar roster that includes Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Tessa Thompson, and Alfre Woodard. Their candid reflections offer a searing, emotional look at the uphill battle for recognition, respect, and opportunity in an industry long reluctant to make space for them. Whoopi Goldberg recounts the relentless wave of rejections she faced early on—doors that only began to open after her one-woman Broadway show caught the attention of Steven Spielberg. Even after her breakthrough in The Color Purple, major roles remained elusive. Many of her opportunities came from projects white actresses had turned down. One such film was Ghost—a career-defining role she landed only because Patrick Swayze championed her for it.
Tessa Thompson speaks openly about the frustration of being pigeonholed into stereotypical “sassy girl” roles, often grouped with Hispanic actresses as though women of color were interchangeable. Halle Berry, meanwhile, reflects on her constant fight to be seen as more than a pretty face—repeatedly having to strip away assumptions and prove her depth and talent. Together, these stories form a powerful tapestry of perseverance, talent, and transformation. The episode doesn’t shy away from the pain or the resilience—it honors the fight of Black women who refused to be boxed in and paved the way for future generations to take their rightful place in the spotlight.
Number One (AppleTV) Trailor :-
Final Thought
The documentary also delves into pressing issues like pay inequality and the Academy’s persistent failure to fully recognize and uplift Black talent. Many of the featured artists speak candidly about the systemic barriers they’ve faced—and how they’ve begun to rewrite the rules by taking control of their own narratives. As producers, directors, and creatives behind the camera, they’re building the spaces that Hollywood long denied them. Number One on the Call Sheet stands as both a powerful exposé and an inspiring celebration. It drives home a crucial point: Black actors possess the same brilliance, depth, and star power as their white counterparts—often more. Yet the industry continues to filter their stories through a biased lens. That perspective is long overdue for change. This isn’t just a documentary—it’s a declaration. A salute to the tenacity, talent, and trailblazing spirit of Black performers who refuse to fade into the background. Poignant, necessary, and undeniably uplifting, it’s essential viewing.
