TV series
An African American washerwoman rises from poverty to build a beauty empire and become the first female self-made millionaire.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker is available to stream on Netflix in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
An African American washerwoman rises from poverty to build a beauty empire and become the first female self-made millionaire.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Aspiring to be more than a washerwoman, Sarah grows determined to sell Addie's hair product. But when she's cruelly rebuffed, the gloves come off.
Directed by Kasi LemmonsWritten by Nicole Jefferson AsherGuest stars Rothaford Gray, Karen Glave, Sophia Deerr, Tymika Tafari, Gina James, Joel Rinzler, Edwige Jean-Pierre, Robert Ifedi
Episode 2
Sarah's dream of opening a factory hinges on securing the support of local Black businessmen — and an endorsement from the famous Booker T. Washington.
Directed by Kasi LemmonsWritten by Janine Sherman BarroisGuest stars Roger Guenveur Smith, Rothaford Gray, Karen Glave, Sophia Deerr, Mouna Traoré, Chris Tarpos, Bill Bellamy, Martin Roach
Episode 3
Sarah's ambitious plans for expanding her empire take her to New York — and lead to betrayals personal and professional that threaten all she's built.
Directed by DeMane DavisWritten by Elle JohnsonGuest stars Michael Brown, Cornelius Smith, Jr., Mouna Traoré, Bill Bellamy, Sydney Morton, Zahra Bentham, Remi Adéyinka, Vanessa Mitchell
Episode 4
The combined blows of a health scare, worker issues and a tragedy that hits close to home push Sarah to take decisive action about her life and legacy.
Directed by DeMane DavisWritten by Nicole Jefferson AsherGuest stars Cornelius Smith, Jr., Karen Glave, Sheila Isaro, Chris Tarpos, Sydney Morton, Destiny Rettinger, Kiki Hammill, Keeya King
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Octavia SpencerMadam C. J. Walker
Tiffany HaddishLelia
Carmen EjogoAddie
Garrett MorrisCleophus Walker
Kevin CarrollRansom
J. Alphonse NicholsonJohn Robinson
Blair UnderwoodCharles James Walker
Michael BrownWinston Moreland
Netflix
Zero Gravity ManagementUnited States
SpringHill EntertainmentUnited States
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