In early November we told you here first that it was rumored that TV One had plans to cancel it’s hit series ‘R&B Divas: Atlanta’ due to casting and other issues. Meanwhile the LA based incarnation of the series has reportedly already started filming.
We posted that story HERE and within moments received confirmation from the show’s leading lady Syleena Johnson that not only was the rumor not true, but that the show was THE number one rated show on the network. Syleena’s reassurance was later followed up by her co-star Monifah who also alluded that the show was not on the chopping block.
Well weeks later it looks as though, the rumor has panned out to be true, and the cast reportedly just received word this week that the show will not be returning. The disheartening news was confirmed by one of the show’s executive producers, former cast mate Nicci Gilbert via her website:
“It is with a very heavy heart and mixed emotions that I share this information with you. Unfortunately because Think Factory Media has decided to exclude Faith and I from any involvement with the franchise we created, I get my information from the same online sources as you. For the last few years I had hoped for the opportunity to restore the franchise to the original vision, but unfortunately my partners at Think Factory refused to allow that to happen and the series took a turn for the worst during Season 2.
It took 10 years of hard work to build the show that was once the number one rated series at TVONE but unfortunately according to Always A List it looks like it’s Curtains for R&B Divas ATL . I created the series to give fans an inside look at the lives of their favorite singers and to give the cast members opportunities to create ancillary streams of revenue and touring opportunities. I wish all of the women associated with the franchise well and hope that this serves as a lesson that the real power & strength is in the sisterhood that created the original vision”
“TV One’s new President, Brad Siegel made his TV Press Tour debut at the Television Critics Association in Los Angeles as head of the network and did not present “R&B Divas Atlanta” as one of the returning series. On Tuesday afternoon, several members of the cast were notified that the show that once delivered record-breaking numbers for TV One was officially cancelled.
Reportedly there were a variety of issues that had the future of “R&B Divas Atlanta” in turmoil. From casting challenges to the network wanting the show to significantly lower its production budget, apparently TV One and the series’ executive producers could not come to terms.
There’s also litigation surrounding the “R&B Divas” franchise as well, as former executive producer Nicci Gilbert filed a lawsuit about the network spin-off “Hollywood Divas.” Supposedly, there could also be additional litigation from the existing executive producers, who were initially told that “Hollywood Divas” was not a spin-off of “R&B Divas,” but then the network released a press announcement calling it a spin-off.
According to ‘AAL’ The network would not confirm the cancellation.
“Both ‘R&B Divas’’ series are important to TV One and at this time, the network has made no definitive decision as to the future of ‘R&B Divas Atlanta,’” a rep said via email.
