Last updated on: November 15, 2025
You ever see how there are certain actors that just have this sort of quiet magic around them? Like, whatever part they’re in, you just can’t look away from them. That’s Amandla Stenberg.
I recall first seeing them as Rue in The Hunger Games. That acting wasn’t acting—it was real. And ever since, Amandla has surprised us, not merely in films but also on TV.
Their television career is interesting because it’s like seeing an artist experiment with different canvases: comedy on one, sci-fi on another, drama on the other. Each time, they show us a new facet of themselves as a performer.
Therefore, if you want to know the shows that best portray Amandla’s talent, let’s take a little tour through their Top 5 TV Shows. I guarantee, by the end of this, you’ll be wanting to binge watch at least one of them tonight.
1. Drunk History
Picture this: history class combined with cocktails. That’s essentially Drunk History, a series where comedians are drunk and recite historical events, while actors such as Amandla lip-sync the crazy reenactments.
When I first saw Amandla’s debut, I couldn’t help but laugh. This was not the dramatic, serious Amandla I was used to from The Hunger Games. This was Amandla goofing off, embracing the ridiculous, and demonstrating they could do comedy as well as shatter your heart on screen.
What I like about this is how surprising it was. Sometimes we categorize actors into one thing—like, “oh, they’re really good in emotional dramas.” But then, boom, they’re in a silly comedy sketch and totally own it.
If you want to see them being goofy, this episode is the gem.
2. Sleepy Hollow
All right, let’s change gears. Sleepy Hollow is not light whatsoever—it’s spooky, suspenseful, and full of supernatural mayhem. The series takes Washington Irving’s classic story and twists it into a contemporary thriller, with Ichabod Crane awaking centuries later to fight apocalyptic forces.
Amandla acted the role of Macey Irving, daughter to Captain Frank Irving (Orlando Jones). Macey wasn’t the primary character, though. But here’s the catch: she counted. She added emotional depth to her dad’s plot, keeping the audience mindful of what was truly on the line.
Seeing Amandla here, I couldn’t help but think: “Wow, even as a supporting character, they steal scenes.” Macey had vulnerability, strength, and that glimmer of humanity that made the supernatural drama feel real.
Young Amandla in Sleepy Hollow was like a preview of the powerhouse they’d grow into later.
3. The Eddy
Now, imagine this: smoky jazz clubs, the resonance of trumpets ringing out across Parisian streets, and a young teenager seeking home in a world that is at once lovely and shattered. That’s The Eddy, a Netflix mini-series directed by Damien Chazelle, mastermind behind La La Land.
Amandla is Julie, the club owner’s daughter. Julie is messy, emotional, and at times difficult to love—but she’s authentic. And that’s precisely why she’s so compelling.
I was leaning forward throughout each of Amandla’s scenes when I watched The Eddy. Julie’s love for her father is complicated, but there is so much affection bubbling beneath the surface.
And here’s the kicker: Amandla doesn’t just play Julie—they become her.
If you’re into character-driven stories with depth, The Eddy is a must-watch.
4. The Acolyte
Speaking of Star Wars. Love it or loathe it, you can’t deny it’s one of the largest universes in pop culture. So when I heard Amandla was at the helm of a Star Wars show, I knew we were in for something special.
Acolyte takes place in the High Republic period—a time frame we hadn’t had much of in the movies. It’s dark, mysterious, and full of political conspiracies. But what really interested me is Amandla’s part: they don’t play one character—two.
Meet Osha and Mae, twin sisters on opposite sides of the battle between light and dark. Think about how tough that is for an actor. You’re essentially having conversations with yourself, switching personalities, and keeping both characters distinct. And Amandla nails it.
Yes, the show received mixed reviews (and let’s be real, Star Wars fans can be a hard crowd). But one thing everybody seems to agree on? Amandla’s performance is electric.
For me, Amandla’s greatest role so far. Ambitious, daring, and unforgettable.
5. Ziwe
And finally, let’s leave on a completely different note. Ziwe is not a scripted comedy or drama. It’s an unscripted talk show hosted by comedian Ziwe Fumudoh, with her satirical sense of humor and refreshingly raw interviews.
When Amandla appeared on Ziwe, they weren’t behind a persona. They were being themselves—funny, reflective, and willing to engage with tough, painful conversations with poise.
I loved seeing this side of them. It’s one thing to act in a role; it’s another to sit down and answer questions in a setting designed to challenge you.
If you’re a fan who wants to know more about Amandla beyond the screen, this appearance is gold.
Final Thoughts
So what’s the lesson here? Amandla Stenberg is not just an actor—they are a storyteller.
Whether in the form of:
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comedy on Drunk History
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supernatural suspense on Sleepy Hollow
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raw emotion on The Eddy
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epic combat on The Acolyte
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or unguarded discussions on Ziwe
…they bring something different every time.
Watching Amandla’s television career is like turning the pages of a book you can’t put down—each chapter revealing a new side of them.
So perhaps tonight, when you’re scrolling trying to figure out what to watch, choose one of these shows. Because Amandla Stenberg isn’t just acting on screen—they’re taking you into stories that linger long after the credits.
And really? That’s the kind of magic we could all use a little more of.
