---
title: "Bessie"
year: 2015
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/bessie-2015"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 330544
imdb_id: "tt3704352"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 107
community_rating: 6.4
vote_count: 133
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Bessie (2015) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/bessie-2015

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Bessie is a 2015 HBO television film directed by Dee Rees. The movie is about the American blues singer Bessie Smith and focuses on her transformation from a struggling young singer into The Empress of the Blues. The production tells the story of the legendary blues performer, who rose to fame during the 1920s and thirties. The cast features Queen Latifah, Kamryn Johnson, Rikki McKinney, and Alan T. Coleman. Categorized under the drama and music genres, the television film has a runtime of one hour and forty-seven minutes and was released in the United States on May 16, 2015.

## The Hook & The Verdict

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | HBO Max Amazon Channel, Now TV Cinema, HBO Max | None | Amazon Video, YouTube |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Crave Amazon Channel | None | YouTube, Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | Foxtel Now, HBO Max, HBO Max Amazon Channel | None | Fetch TV, YouTube |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Dee Rees
- **Networks / Studios**: The Zanuck Company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, HBO Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Queen Latifah** as *Bessie Smith*
- **Mo'Nique** as *Ma Rainey*
- **Mike Epps** as *Richard*
- **Tika Sumpter** as *Lucille*
- **Michael Kenneth Williams** as *Jack Gee*
- **Charles S. Dutton** as *William 'Pa' Rainey*
- **Bryan Greenberg** as *John Hammond*
- **Oliver Platt** as *Carl Van Vechten*
- **Khandi Alexander** as *Viola*
- **Tory Kittles** as *Clarence*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch Bessie online?
Bessie is currently available to watch or stream on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store. Check our live regional availability tracker above for latest direct streaming, subscription, rent, or purchase options.

### Q: Is Bessie worth watching?
Bessie holds a community rating of 6.4/10 based on 133 verified viewer ratings. It offers engaging Drama, Music for fans of the genre.

### Q: How long is the movie Bessie and when was it released?
Bessie is a feature film with a runtime of 107 minutes. It was released in 2015. Release status: Released.

### Q: Who directed Bessie?
Bessie was directed by Dee Rees.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Bessie — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/330544)
- [Bessie (TV Movie 2015) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3704352/)
- [Bessie (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessie_(film))
- [Bessie (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessie_(film))
- [Bessie (TV Movie 2015) - IMDb](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt3704352/)
- [Bessie (2015) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/330544-bessie/cast)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*