black-ish: Season 3
Season 3 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of black-ish Season 2.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
VIP
Sep 21, 2016
Dre decides to take his family to Walt Disney World on the magical, first-class vacation experience he was never able to have as a kid. With the help of a VIP tour guide, Dre and t
God
Sep 28, 2016
When Dre discovers that Zoey is questioning her belief in God, he undergoes a crisis of faith and leans on family members and coworkers for their input. Meanwhile, Bow's brother Jo
40 Acres and a Vote
Oct 5, 2016
With Obama leaving office and the upcoming election, Dre finds a new candidate to believe in – Junior. Junior is running for class president and is overqualified for the job, but h
Who’s Afraid of the Big Black Man?
Oct 12, 2016
After a situation arises at work, Dre's views are confronted regarding how black people are perceived now versus when he grew up. He wants to be more open-minded about being a part
The Purge
Oct 26, 2016
After Junior embarrasses Dre during a basketball game, Dre decides to remind Junior of his master pranking skills so he'll never challenge him again. Meanwhile, the neighborhood pa
Jack of All Trades
Nov 9, 2016
When Jack and Diane bring home the results of their career tests, Dre and Bow must come to terms with the fact that Jack may have a blue-collar future. Meanwhile, Ruby is convinced
Auntsgiving
Nov 16, 2016
Pops' older sister Almaviligerais unexpectedly arrives for Thanksgiving, much to everyone's delight except Ruby, who can't stand her ex-sister-in-law. While Bow and Dre go on their
Being Bow-racial
Nov 30, 2016
Bow must address unresolved feelings about her own biracial identity when Junior brings home his first girlfriend, who happens to be white. Dre is handling a big project for a clie
Nothing but Nepotism
Dec 7, 2016
Bow urges Dre to use his connections and secure Zoey a fellowship, but he doesn't want his daughter relying on nepotism. When Bow finds Zoey a place at the hospital, Dre balks at t
Just Christmas, Baby
Dec 14, 2016
Zoey is college-bound, so Dre sets out to create the best family Christmas ever, even having Johan and his best friend, Gigi, over for the celebration. Meanwhile, Bow babysits Gigi
Their Eyes Were Watching Screens
Jan 4, 2017
When Diane stumbles onto some websites that give her more than she bargained for, Dre and Bow must take action. Concerned that the internet is corrupting their children, Dre and Bo
Lemons
Jan 11, 2017
The nation is still reeling after the outcome of the presidential election, and tensions are particularly high at Dre's work. Much to his frustration, they haven't been able to get
Good Dre Hunting
Jan 18, 2017
Bow convinces a begrudging Dre to try therapy, and he learns how to cope with his anger issues. Meanwhile, Johan becomes a life coach to the kids.
The Name Game
Feb 8, 2017
Dre and Bow have a gender reveal party, and Dre is thrilled because it's his turn to name the baby. He decides on a culturally significant name that Bow and Ruby aren't a fan of. M
I’m a Survivor
Feb 15, 2017
When Dre goes back to Compton for a funeral, he is reunited with his old crew and struggles with survivor's remorse for the friends he left behind. Meanwhile, Bow becomes self-cons
One Angry Man
Feb 22, 2017
Dre is forced to participate in jury duty after Junior responds to the summons that was thrown away. The case is supposed to be open and shut, but when Dre sees that the defendant
ToysRn’tUs
Mar 8, 2017
Janine gives Diane a white Girlstory doll for her birthday, and when Bow tries to return it for a black doll, she is shocked by the limited options offered. Dre blames the lack of
Manternity
Mar 15, 2017
Dre considers taking paternity leave after he realizes that Zoey is arguably the best child and their bond developed while he was unemployed when she was born. Meanwhile, Bow tries
Richard Youngsta
Mar 29, 2017
Dre is excited about doing a campaign with a popular rap star but becomes conflicted when Bow and Ruby provide feedback suggesting it plays on stereotypes. Meanwhile, Bow is determ
What Lies Beneath
Apr 5, 2017
Dre’s sister Rhonda is in town, and he feels a little jealous of her close relationship with Pops. Dre and Bow urge Zoey to take Junior to a high school party, and things get out o
Sister, Sister
Apr 26, 2017
Bow's sister comes to town after filming a stint on a reality show, and they couldn't have less in common. Meanwhile, Zoey suggests that Dre spend more time with Junior since she's
All Groan Up
Apr 26, 2017
When Zoey gets into several colleges around the country, Dre and Bow begin to feel worried and sentimental. They reflect back on memories they've had with the family and wonder wha
Liberal Arts
May 3, 2017
Dre tearfully drops Zoey off to college for her two-day orientation, and she hits it off with fellow incoming freshman Miriam after they ditch the campus tour. They are smitten upo
Sprinkles
May 10, 2017
Initially wary, Dre embraces throwing Bow's baby shower and wants it to be unforgettable. However, his plans are put on hold when Bow stops by the OB/GYN with a headache and discov