The Boondocks

“Jesus was black, Ronald Reagan was the devil and the government is lying about 9/11!” So began what may turn into one of the most important cartoons on television today. Aaron McGruder adapts his comic strip The Boondocks for the Cartoon Network, shaking up the already edgy and hugely popular programming block called Adult Swim. The show depicts Granddad raising his two grandchildren—Huey, an activist and conspiracy-theorist, and Riley, destined to become a Ruff Ryder—in a white suburb, with poignant and satirical results. In addition to the political hot topics, The Boondocks also takes aim at pop culture, like R. Kelly and his allegedly uncontrollable bladder. If the word “nigga” or any of those opening statements makes you uncomfortable, well, this show is henceforth required viewing.