11 good Netflix teen shows with Black leads: All American and more

Teen shows with Black leads: Tiny Pretty Things

Rating TV-MA

Based on the YA duology by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton, Tiny Pretty Things is a mystery drama set at the prestigious Archer School of Ballet in Chicago, Illinois.

When Neveah Stroyer (Kylie Jefferson) receives a full scholarship to ASB, she sees it as her opportunity to build on her ballet dreams. But her arrival not only puts her in direct competition with girls who would kill for the coveted position of prima ballerina but also in the middle of a criminal investigation.

The spot Neveah has taken among the ASB ranks belonged to Cassie Shore (Anna Maiche), the top dancer at the school who fell from the rooftop. Though “fell” is putting it generously. Her classmates suspect she was pushed and they have their suspicions of who it may have been along with Isabel Cruz (Jess Salguiero), a Chicago police officer who doesn’t buy the story that Cassie fell.

Determined to keep her mind focused on ballet, Neveah tries to find her place at ASB whilst making friends but it’s difficult being the new girl anywhere let alone the girl that seems to be catching the eye of dance instructors and male leads alike.

Tiny Pretty Things deals with issues of sexual exploration, drug and alcohol use, eating disorders, infidelity, homophobia, Islamophobia, teacher-student relationships, assault, neglect, PTSD, suicide, police brutality, parental death, and having a parent in jail.

Season 1 of Tiny Pretty Things is available to stream. The series has yet to be renewed for a second season.