Disney has announced that the Onyx Collective’s critically acclaimed docu-series “The 1619 Project,” an expansion of The 1619 Project initiative, created by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and The New York Times Magazine, will make its broadcast debut on Wednesday 31st May 2023 8:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC. The one-night-only event will feature special airings of both the premiere episode, “Democracy,” and the finale episode, “Justice.”   All episodes are now streaming on Hulu.

The series seeks to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very centre of our national narrative. The episodes — “Democracy,” “Race,” “Music,” “Capitalism,” “Fear” and “Justice” — are adapted from essays from The New York Times No. 1 bestselling “The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story” and examine how the legacy of slavery shapes different aspects of contemporary American life.

Here are the details on the two episodes which will be broadcast:

Episode 101 – “Democracy”
Told through Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nikole Hannah-Jones’ personal story, historical events and the modern fights for voting rights, “Democracy” explores Black America’s centuries-long fight to democratize America and hold it to its founding ideals.

Episode 106 – “Justice”
Through Nikole Hannah-Jones’ family story and one Georgia community fighting for restitution, “Justice” examines the historical events that denied Black Americans the opportunity to build generational wealth and what is owed to descendants of slavery.

The series, hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, is a Lionsgate Production in association with One Story Up Productions, Harpo Films and The New York Times. It was executive produced by Nikole Hannah-Jones; Academy Award®-winning director Roger Ross Williams; Caitlin Roper, an editor of The 1619 Project and The New York Times’ executive producer for film and television; Kathleen Lingo, The New York Times’ editorial director for film and television; and Oprah Winfrey. Peabody Award-winning executive producer Shoshana Guy served as the showrunner.

Disney has been broadcasting more of its streaming shows and films on linear networks this year to help reduce costs and increase viewership.  It is odd, however, how this broadcast will include only the first and last episodes of the show, rather than airing the entire series.  But Disney is hoping that ABC viewers might be hooked on these episodes and subscribe to Hulu.  Internationally, “The 1619 Project,” is available to watch on Disney+.

Will you be checking out “The 1619 Project” on ABC?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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