Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan

A 2023 Netflix documentary about the great host & entertainer, Ed Sullivan. Tracing his roots from being a sports journalist to eventually hosting his own program which went off the air in 1973, the doc argues the case, w/talking head support from the likes of Harry Belafonte, some of the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson & Motown head Berry Gordy, that Sullivan was quite instrumental in getting talent of color on the air when other outlets wouldn't do so. Showcasing early footage from our beloved Balck performers in their heyday, we get a sense of the pressure Sullivan was under (one car manufacturer threatened to pull their support from his show if he didn't change course) but possibly knowing he was doing God's work, he pushed ahead & we're the richer for it. If the performance samplings doesn't put a spring in your step, you may have to get your pulse checked.

I'm too young to have experienced The Ed Sullivan Show when it aired, and like most people, when I think of Ed Sullivan, I picture the Beatles or Elvis Presley shaking up America's living rooms. But Sunday Best shines a light on another story-one I never knew about-his deliberate push to showcase Black artists at a time when TV was anything but inclusive. As someone who has worked in the entertainment industry for decades covering music and film, this was a genuine eye-opener. Through vivid interviews and archival gems, the film shows how Ed was ahead of his time-sometimes with his finger on the pulse, sometimes creating the very pulse that America would come to follow. And honestly? I didn't realize how cool Ed was. Turns out, he was OG cool.

I grew up watching Ed Sullivan and I knew I would see people who looked like me. I didn't think about it much, I just loved it. When I was older, I could appreciate his bravery in the face of blatant racism. After seeing this, I will always honor his memory. He was a great man who stood tall in his convictions. He deserves respect and glory.

Loved this!!! Beautiful , entertaining, interesting and rich with history and talent ! A must see especially for younger folks who might not know who Ed Sullivan was. Thank you to Netflix for offering a masterpiece that we can watch with our children. Kudos to the producer Margo Speciale for sharing this story with the world!

This documentary should definitely be a 10/10! It never ceases to amaze me to see how the power of GOOD music can bring people together...a nation together! Thanks to Mr. Sullivan, the nation experienced the power of music of various genres by Black Americans, loved by people of all races and backgrounds. Beautiful!