| Number One on the Call Sheet | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | |
| Produced by |
|
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | Apple TV+ |
Release date |
|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Number One on the Call Sheet is a 2025 American two-part documentary film directed by Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch. The film explores the experiences of leading Black actors in Hollywood, with part one centered on Black men and part two on Black women. It was released on March 28, 2025 on Apple TV+.
Synopsis
"Through candid interviews and exclusive access, the film explores the actors' breakthrough moments, strategies for success, and their perspectives on the future of Black talent in Hollywood."[1]
The title of the documentary refers to the top-billed star of a film, whose name is listed first on the production's call sheet.[2]
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Original release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.a | Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood | Reginald Hudlin | March 28, 2025 | Celebrities interviewed include Denzel Washington, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Idris Elba, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, Eddie Murphy, and Will Smith.[3] |
| 1.b | Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood | Shola Lynch | March 28, 2025 | Celebrities interviewed include Angela Bassett, Whoopi Goldberg, Gabrielle Union, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Alfre Woodard, and Nia Long.[3] |
Production
On April 21, 2021, it was announced that Apple acquired the films,[4] produced by Jamie Foxx for Foxx Hole Productions, Dan Cogan for Story Syndicate, and Datari Turner and Kevin Hart through Hartbeat.[1] Reginald Hudlin and Bryan Smiley are executive producers for both films.[4] Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg and Angela Bassett serve as executive producers and also provide commentary in Part Two.[1] Part Two is directed by Shola Lynch.[5]
Release
A trailer was released February 27, 2025.[6] Number One on the Call Sheet premiered on March 28, 2025 on Apple TV+.[1][5]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 11 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.4/10. The website's consensus reads: "Brimming with memorable anecdotes and keen insights into the breaking of glass ceilings, Number One of the Call Sheet (sic) is an entertaining victory lap that still recognizes how much road ahead is left."[7]
References
- Woods, Kathia (March 7, 2025). "'Number One on the Call Sheet' highlights Black achievements in Hollywood". The Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- Davies, Hannah J. (March 31, 2025). "Number One on the Call Sheet review – a spectacular tribute to black excellence in Hollywood". The Guardian. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
- Penrice, Ronda Racha (March 31, 2025). "'Number One on the Call Sheet' celebrates Hollywood's Black A-listers". NBC News. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
- Vlessing, Etan (April 21, 2021). "Apple Acquires 'Number One on the Call Sheet' Docs About Pioneering Black Actors". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- Herring, Davonta (November 11, 2024). "A Movie Of Winners: AppleTV+ Honors Two-Part Documentary Film Event 'Number One On The Call Sheet' At New York Premiere With Kevin Hart, Alfre Woodard & More In Attendance". Global Grind. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- Inman, DeMicia (February 27, 2025). "'Number One On The Call Sheet' Explores Brilliance Of Black Hollywood In Official Trailer". Vibe. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- "Season 1 – Number One on the Call Sheet". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 15, 2026.