Multiple black ensemble reality shows are seeing huge declines in ratings as fans call for cast shakeups.
The current seasons of “Married to Medicine” and “Real Housewives of Potomac” have been very controversial. When it comes to “Married to Medicine,” fans had strong reactions to Quad Webb being iced out of the group. As we reported, Toya Bush-Harris was hesitant to invite Quad to her trip to Napa Valley. She was still upset about Quad questioning if she and Dr. Eugene Harris had anything to do with Anila Sajja’s break-ins. In response, Toya and Eugene were very offended. Toya said Quad was playing a dangerous game with her and Eugene’s reputations. To move forward, Quad would have to take accountability. According to Dr. Jackie Walters, the trip was Quad’s last chance to admit her wrongs. If not, she would be asked to return to Atlanta because the group was moving on.
When the ladies confronted Quad about what happened with Toya and her absence when the cameras weren’t around, Quad was taken aback. She admitted she no longer felt a connection to the others. Quad also denied that she suspected Eugene and Toya had something to do with Anila’s house being broken into. This resulted in Dr. Heavenly Kimes calling Quad a user and Dr. Simone Whitmore telling Quad that she had to go back home by herself.
RHOP hits a series low.
Carlos King said he thinks “Real Housewives of Potomac” may be headed down the same road. He specifically believes Candiace Dillard-Bassett and Wendy Osefo are being iced out. This comes as Essence Magazine called out the show in a critical article about the season. The writer said the show suffers from “an undercurrent of colorism and blatant unfairness.”
Well, ratings for RHOP and Married 2 Med aren’t looking so good. In fact, “Real Housewives of Potomac” hit a series low. The latest episode brought in 642,000 viewers.
Readers probably are aware that the latest season of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” struggled as well. Things got so concerning that the network heads decided that the show needed a long hiatus to make tough casting decisions. It was rumored a major cast shakeup was coming and multiple people may get pink slips.
Kenya Moore made an appearance on V-103 via “The Big Tigger Morning Show.” She said a cast announcement would be happening soon. And she also confirmed that everyone from last season was not asked back.
The conundrum that some black ensemble shows are currently facing has made it clear that the right cast changes and the handling of production issues are imperative to survival. This is something Miss Kitty echoed days ago when she confirmed the “Black Ink Crew” franchise is likely dead.
