[2] Each episode usually begins with an artist's upbringing and family, painting a picture of the issues driving them in their music career.

Themes of "escaping the hard life of the streets" and "experiencing physical abuse", as well as "signs of musical genius", can be found in many of the lives of Unsung's subjects.

Unsung has tailored this formula, depending on the show's subject, to portray artists whose "turning point" occurred for more business or personal reasons, and who may have recovered from it to continue a far less famous, but rewarding, career.

The show focuses on the lives and careers of R&B and soul musicians who have not received mainstream recognition for their contributions to the music industry.

Unsung Hollywood focuses on actors and comedians, as well as prominent films and TV shows influential in the African American community.

Fox, Richard Roundtree, Charlie Murphy, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Meagan Good, Cooley High, Hill Harper, Jasmine Guy, and many others.