Series synopsis
Dreaming Whilst Black is a British comedy drama television series that premiered on BBC Three on July 24, 2023. It was created by Max Evans, Adjani Salmon, Natasha Jatania, Laura Seixas. It stars Adjani Salmon, Dani Moseley, Rachel Adedeji and Babirye Bukilwa.
Kwabena is an aspiring filmmaker trapped in his recruitment job. When he is given the opportunity he's always dreamed of, is he brave enough to chase it?
Premise
Kwabena is an aspiring filmmaker trapped in his recruitment job. When he is given the opportunity he's always dreamed of, is he brave enough to chase it?
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Adjani Salmon as Kwabena
- Dani Moseley as Amy
- Rachel Adedeji as Funmi
- Babirye Bukilwa as Vanessa
- Demmy Ladipo as Maurice
Guest cast
- Isy Suttie as Helen
- Tom Stourton as Jamie
- Will Hislop as Lewis
- Alexander Owen as Adam
- Meghan Treadway as Vicky
- Toby Williams as Tom
- Tom Byrne as Nathan
- Choy-Ling Man as Judge
- Molly Jackson-Shaw as Assistant
- Ali Hughes as Barman
- Stephanie Fayerman as Old Dear
- Jo Martin as Grace
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 12 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | July 24, 2023 | August 7, 2023 |
| Season 2 | 6 | October 9, 2025 | October 16, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Dream Kwabena is an aspiring film-maker working a dead-end job in recruitment. When he bumps into Amy, an old friend from film school who has just returned from three years in Nigeria, she offers to pass his script, Jamaica Road, to the development team at the production company where she works. But life isn't as simple as all that, and Kwabena may have to make some sacrifices in order to pursue his dream. |
July 24, 2023 |
| 2 |
The Reality In a bid to raise funds for his film, Jamaica Road, Kwabena struggles to balance moonlighting as a food delivery driver. His romance with Vanessa continues to grow stronger, despite their differing film tastes, but Kwabena can’t help but feel a little inadequate in comparison to his new girl. |
July 24, 2023 |
| 3 |
The Friends At a diversity mixer, Kwabena and Amy meet Timothy Eastly, a prominent (and very white) industry exec, famed for producing successful films and TV shows...with black talent. Kwabena lays on the charm - enough to get Timothy to read his script and to consider him for a writing gig. |
July 31, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Black Sheep Kwabena searches for his first directing job but only finds projects steeped in Black stereotypes. With time running out, will he take any offer or hold out for integrity? |
October 9, 2025 |
| 2 |
Blackwash Kwabena and producers champion colour-blind casting for Sin and Subterfuge, but tensions rise as he faces what it means to cast Black actors in a Regency-era of slavery and empire. |
October 9, 2025 |
| 3 |
Blackguard On his first day on set, Kwabena works with his hero, legendary actor Rudolph Williams, but his resolve to support him is tested by the mounting demands of the production. |
October 9, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC Three |
|---|---|
| First aired | July 24, 2023 |
| Last aired | October 16, 2025 |
| Status | continue |