Music Feed: 2012 A Look Back: Reality TV
Reality TV has proven to be quite the juggernaut over the years. In the beginning reality TV was dismissed as being a fade. Now reality TV accounts for a huge percentage of the programming on major networks and more importantly cable networks. VH1 is the current leader of original and reality TV programming with a whopping number of reality TV shows.
Other networks are taking heed as more and more reality TV shows have gone into production for the new year.
Okay! On with the show...
We have seen many of our beloved stars turn to reality TV to promote their perspective projects. It works wonders though. #1 albums. Endorsement deals. TV shows. It pays to be a reality star. Here are the reality TV shows that I and I'm sure a lot of you couldn't get enough of in 2012. Check it out!
R&B Divas
Network: TVOne
Airdate: August
R&B Divas was an immediate hit! It revolved around singers Faith Evans, Monifah, Nicci Gilbert(of Brownstone fame), KeKe Wyatt, and Syleena Johnson. We got an inside look at the happenings in the life of these vivacious ladies.
The show was followed by the release of the Faith Evans' album R&B Divas which featured music from Evans and the ladies affiliated with the show. Season two of the show is currently in the works.
There were rumors going around that Faith Evans and Nicci Gilbert wouldn't be returning to season two of R&B Divas. Right now it appears that both singers will reprise their involvement in the upcoming season.
Faith Evans caught some flack from fans when she received top billing for the R&B Divas album and the other ladies didn't. Many felt that Evans was simply trying to fulfill her contract with eOne Records by releasing the album as the top billing singer. I don't recall Faith having responded to any of the criticism and if she has then it went completely over my head.
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
Network: VH1
Airdate: June
This past Summer was definitely ablaze with the June premiere of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. The show provided a look into the lives of several women among Atlanta's socialite scene; Joseline, K. Michelle, Mimi, Erica, Rasheeda, and Karlie.
The show was an instant hit and immediately drew criticism for its depiction of black women! Co-creator Mona Scott Young was under fire and was dealt several blows by radio personalities and the like.
The show is currently filming its second season. The entire cast is rumored to be returning. Early drama centered around Stevie J's infidelity, Joseline's sexuality, and K. Michelle's abuse claims.
The Real Housewives Of Atlanta
Network: Bravo
Airdate: October 2011(Season four), November 2012(Season five)
The Real Housewives Of Atlanta continued to be one of the top rated reality TV shows in Black households. There was no shortage of drama as these ladies duked it out over designer duds, racism, and infidelity.
Season four and five both aired in 2012. Kandi(formerly of Xscape; the sole singer on the show) found love in the shows fifth season. The recurring rumor on the street is that she and her boyfriend Todd are engaged or already have gotten married.
Chrissy & Mr. Jones
Network: VH1
Airdate: September
Chrissy & Mr. Jones continued to give viewers a glimpse into the love affair between Jim Jones and his girl; Chrissy. The two previously starred together in Love & Hip Hop New York. By the end of the Love & Hip Hop New York season two; things had gotten nasty between Chrissy and Mona Scott Young. This led to Chrissy & Jim leaving Love & Hip Hop New York and appearing in their own show.
Marrying The Game
Network: VH1
Airdate: November
Marrying The Game revolved around Game and his longtime girlfriend Tiffany as they prepared for their wedding nuptials. The two couldn't seem to agree on anything when it came to their wedding nuptials. Tiffany soon found herself unhappy with Game and his Rapper lifestyle(which she had become accustomed to by the way). The show ended on a sour note when Tiffany walked away from her eight year courtship with Game.
Game was busy preparing for his new album Jesus Piece(in stores now) and touring which made time for Tiffany; an jarring effect on her.
During filming of the show Tiffany and Game split up and called off their wedding. At the time when it was reported there was no indication that a reality TV show was in the works. Apparently filming was already underway.
Basketball Wives: LA
Network: VH1
Airdate: September
The second season of Basketball Wives involved just as much drama as season one if not more with new additions swimsuit model Brooke and rap vixen Bambi; whom I've never heard of up until the show premiered.
Shortly before the end of season two it was announced that VH1 had fired several of the "Wives". During the shows reunion the "Wives" claimed the reports weren't true.
Keyshia & Daniel: Family First
Network: BET
Airdate: October
Keyshia Cole had a new album in the works so what better way to promote it than starring in yet another reality show for BET.
Keyshia Cole caught a lot of flack from viewers who suggested that her diva attitude(and antics) could ruin her marriage.
Mary Mary
Network: WE
Airdate: Unknown
The gospel singing duo got their own show which was the precursor to their album Go Get It.
Braxton Family Values
Network: WE
Airdate: May?
The famed Braxton family provided an equal dose of laughs, tears, and drama!
It was announced during the last season that sister Tamar Braxton would get her own spin off show.
Tamar & Vince
Network: WE
Airdate: August
Tamar Braxton; the breakout star from Braxton Family Values got her own spinoff with husband; Vince Herbert.
The show centered around Tamar as she prepared to launch a new album and find a surrogate mother for a child.
Nicki Minaj: My Truth
Network: E!
Airdate: November
Nicki Minaj: My Truth coincided with the re-release of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded: The Re-Up. The show centered around Nicki Minaj as she prepared for her American Idol judging stint, touring, and launching her fragrance.
Criticism followed the show as Nicki Minaj came off volatile and rude to assistants, staffing, and the like. Nicki came to her own defense and frowned upon the way she came off on the show.
Tiny Tonight!
Network: VH1
Airdate: December
Tiny(surname: Tameka Cottle of Xscape fame) landed her own show which also featured Claudia Jordan(of Celebrity Apprentice fame), Tamar Braxton, and Trina. The show; which was currently a test run featured the four ladies dishing it up on a variety of topics throughout 2012.
Other shows:
The Voice!
American Idol
T.I. & Tiny: A Family Hustle
America's Got Talent
There you have it; the reality TV shows of 2012.
Other networks are taking heed as more and more reality TV shows have gone into production for the new year.
Okay! On with the show...
We have seen many of our beloved stars turn to reality TV to promote their perspective projects. It works wonders though. #1 albums. Endorsement deals. TV shows. It pays to be a reality star. Here are the reality TV shows that I and I'm sure a lot of you couldn't get enough of in 2012. Check it out!
R&B Divas
Network: TVOne
Airdate: August
R&B Divas was an immediate hit! It revolved around singers Faith Evans, Monifah, Nicci Gilbert(of Brownstone fame), KeKe Wyatt, and Syleena Johnson. We got an inside look at the happenings in the life of these vivacious ladies.
The show was followed by the release of the Faith Evans' album R&B Divas which featured music from Evans and the ladies affiliated with the show. Season two of the show is currently in the works.
There were rumors going around that Faith Evans and Nicci Gilbert wouldn't be returning to season two of R&B Divas. Right now it appears that both singers will reprise their involvement in the upcoming season.
Faith Evans caught some flack from fans when she received top billing for the R&B Divas album and the other ladies didn't. Many felt that Evans was simply trying to fulfill her contract with eOne Records by releasing the album as the top billing singer. I don't recall Faith having responded to any of the criticism and if she has then it went completely over my head.
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta
Network: VH1
Airdate: June
This past Summer was definitely ablaze with the June premiere of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. The show provided a look into the lives of several women among Atlanta's socialite scene; Joseline, K. Michelle, Mimi, Erica, Rasheeda, and Karlie.
The show was an instant hit and immediately drew criticism for its depiction of black women! Co-creator Mona Scott Young was under fire and was dealt several blows by radio personalities and the like.
The show is currently filming its second season. The entire cast is rumored to be returning. Early drama centered around Stevie J's infidelity, Joseline's sexuality, and K. Michelle's abuse claims.
The Real Housewives Of Atlanta
Network: Bravo
Airdate: October 2011(Season four), November 2012(Season five)
The Real Housewives Of Atlanta continued to be one of the top rated reality TV shows in Black households. There was no shortage of drama as these ladies duked it out over designer duds, racism, and infidelity.
Season four and five both aired in 2012. Kandi(formerly of Xscape; the sole singer on the show) found love in the shows fifth season. The recurring rumor on the street is that she and her boyfriend Todd are engaged or already have gotten married.
Chrissy & Mr. Jones
Network: VH1
Airdate: September
Chrissy & Mr. Jones continued to give viewers a glimpse into the love affair between Jim Jones and his girl; Chrissy. The two previously starred together in Love & Hip Hop New York. By the end of the Love & Hip Hop New York season two; things had gotten nasty between Chrissy and Mona Scott Young. This led to Chrissy & Jim leaving Love & Hip Hop New York and appearing in their own show.
Marrying The Game
Network: VH1
Airdate: November
Marrying The Game revolved around Game and his longtime girlfriend Tiffany as they prepared for their wedding nuptials. The two couldn't seem to agree on anything when it came to their wedding nuptials. Tiffany soon found herself unhappy with Game and his Rapper lifestyle(which she had become accustomed to by the way). The show ended on a sour note when Tiffany walked away from her eight year courtship with Game.
Game was busy preparing for his new album Jesus Piece(in stores now) and touring which made time for Tiffany; an jarring effect on her.
During filming of the show Tiffany and Game split up and called off their wedding. At the time when it was reported there was no indication that a reality TV show was in the works. Apparently filming was already underway.
Basketball Wives: LA
Network: VH1
Airdate: September
The second season of Basketball Wives involved just as much drama as season one if not more with new additions swimsuit model Brooke and rap vixen Bambi; whom I've never heard of up until the show premiered.
Shortly before the end of season two it was announced that VH1 had fired several of the "Wives". During the shows reunion the "Wives" claimed the reports weren't true.
Keyshia & Daniel: Family First
Network: BET
Airdate: October
Keyshia Cole had a new album in the works so what better way to promote it than starring in yet another reality show for BET.
Keyshia Cole caught a lot of flack from viewers who suggested that her diva attitude(and antics) could ruin her marriage.
Mary Mary
Network: WE
Airdate: Unknown
The gospel singing duo got their own show which was the precursor to their album Go Get It.
Braxton Family Values
Network: WE
Airdate: May?
The famed Braxton family provided an equal dose of laughs, tears, and drama!
It was announced during the last season that sister Tamar Braxton would get her own spin off show.
Tamar & Vince
Network: WE
Airdate: August
Tamar Braxton; the breakout star from Braxton Family Values got her own spinoff with husband; Vince Herbert.
The show centered around Tamar as she prepared to launch a new album and find a surrogate mother for a child.
Nicki Minaj: My Truth
Network: E!
Airdate: November
Nicki Minaj: My Truth coincided with the re-release of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded: The Re-Up. The show centered around Nicki Minaj as she prepared for her American Idol judging stint, touring, and launching her fragrance.
Criticism followed the show as Nicki Minaj came off volatile and rude to assistants, staffing, and the like. Nicki came to her own defense and frowned upon the way she came off on the show.
Tiny Tonight!
Network: VH1
Airdate: December
Tiny(surname: Tameka Cottle of Xscape fame) landed her own show which also featured Claudia Jordan(of Celebrity Apprentice fame), Tamar Braxton, and Trina. The show; which was currently a test run featured the four ladies dishing it up on a variety of topics throughout 2012.
Other shows:
The Voice!
American Idol
T.I. & Tiny: A Family Hustle
America's Got Talent
There you have it; the reality TV shows of 2012.
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