Television often struggles to reflect the diversity of its audience, but Queen Latifah’s starring role in CBS’ The Equalizer is a powerful exception. The modern reimagining of the classic series features Latifah as Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who turns her lethal skillset into a force for good, helping those in need while raising her teenage daughter.

Beyond the show’s thrilling storylines and action sequences, The Equalizer serves as a groundbreaking moment for representation. TV has long underrepresented Black women as leads, especially in roles centered on action, agency, and leadership.

For decades, shows in this genre have featured predominantly white male protagonists, with women, especially women of color, relegated to supporting roles. Queen Latifah’s Robyn McCall challenges these norms. She is a force for justice, a character that defies stereotypes and sets new standards for what Black women can embody on-screen.

Latifah’s casting also disrupts traditional notions of what an action hero should look like. As a curvy, middle-aged woman, she breaks barriers not just for Black women but for anyone who’s ever felt excluded from Hollywood’s narrow definitions of strength and heroism.

What makes the character especially compelling is her depth. She is not just a vigilante righting wrongs, she is also a mother navigating the complexities of raising a teenage daughter. This duality, balancing life-or-death missions with the everyday realities of parenting, makes her relatable and human. Robyn’s character reflects the realities of many Black women who juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, often with limited recognition.

The Equalizer arrives at a time when audiences are demanding more diversity in storytelling. Shows like Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder paved the way for Black women leads in high-stakes dramas, but Queen Latifah’s role ventures into new territory.

The show also leverages its platform to address social justice issues. Robyn McCall’s missions often touch on themes of systemic injustice, giving voice to struggles that resonate with marginalized communities. By anchoring these narratives in the experience of a Black woman, the show amplifies perspectives that are too often overlooked.

Queen Latifah’s portrayal of Robyn McCall is more than just a role, it’s a statement. It tells viewers, especially young Black girls, that they can be strong, intelligent, and unapologetically themselves while breaking down barriers. It’s a reminder that heroism comes in many forms, and representation on-screen can inspire empowerment off-screen.

As The Equalizer continues to captivate audiences, it also serves as a challenge to the entertainment industry: to create more opportunities for Black women to lead, to tell diverse stories, and to redefine what it means to be a hero.

Currently in its fifth season, the show is taking a mid-season hiatus, with episodes returning next month on Sunday, February 15th at 10/9c on CBS.