CNN’s “United Shades of America” Returns to Explore Inequities Plaguing American Communities

“United Shades of America with W. Kamau Bell” has always been a space for difficult conversations, and this season it’s more important than ever. The Emmy Award-winning CNN Original Series returns for its fifth season Sunday, July 19th at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

The beloved series follows sociopolitical comedian Bell as he explores communities across the country to understand the unique challenges they face. In the season five premiere, W. Kamau Bell heads to Pittsburgh to take a deeper look into the damaging systemic applications of white supremacy in the United States. In subsequent episodes, he will explore the inequities in America’s public school systems and the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles, the experiences of Iranian immigrants in New York City, Venezuelans in Florida, and much more.

“Everywhere I go – airports, coffee shops, the park with my kids — people tell me how much ‘United Shades of America’ means to them,” said Bell. “They say it’s the first time they’ve seen their community portrayed authentically on TV. And I also get feedback on what could be done differently. All those conversations informed this season and you will immediately know that from the first notes of our new theme song, ‘Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing’.”

You can learn more about the CNN Original Series and watch previous episodes here.