By: Shannay Porter
Posted: 2 February 2025
The increasing popularity of reality TV has led to the production of more shows and more seasons for established franchises to satisfy the needs of consumers who crave the rawness and messiness they provide. The South, in particular, has produced a plethora of shows that portray the lives of people from various walks of life. Here are the current shows that everyone can’t stop watching.
Real Housewives of Atlanta - RHOA
The ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ has been a staple in the Bravo universe since its debut in October 2008. Starring accomplished women such as Nene Leakes, Kandi Burrus, Porsha Williams, and Cynthia Bailey, the franchise has developed a solid fanbase and helped catapult the Real Housewives brand to the status that it boasts today. As the franchise with the first all-black cast, the Atlanta Housewives has entertained us for 15 seasons and counting. If you love drama, and fashion and can handle all the shade then this show is perfect for you. The newest season debuts March 9 on Bravo.
Real Housewives of Miami - RHOM
The 'Real Housewives of Miami’ debuted in February 2011 and followed the lives of wealthy women like its sister franchise, ‘RHOA.’ After three seasons the franchise went on a hiatus until 2021 when it got rebooted with returning housewives such as Lisa Hochstein and Alexia Nepola, and it introduced new housewives such as Guerdy Abraira and Nicole Martin. The franchise is full of feathers, bling, and spice for viewers who love the Miami vibe.
Married to Medicine
‘Married to Medicine’ chronicles the lives of educated and established women who are connected to the world of medicine either personally or through their spouses. This series first debuted in March 2013 and has garnered a loyal fanbase who enjoy watching the drama-filled medical inner circle. If you like watching educated women who aren’t afraid to throw a little shade while living their best lives, this is the perfect show for you.
Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta
This franchise premiered in June 2012 and followed the lives of notable artists and figures in the music industry in Atlanta. Viewers enjoy watching the drama that unfolds between the cast members and following their journey in the music industry. Today ‘Love Hip Hop: Atlanta,’ is still running and stars notable artists such as Jamaican Dancehall queen, Spice, and reality TV veteran, Rasheeda Frost.
Love and Hip Hop: Miami
Like the Atlanta franchise, ‘Love and Hip Hop: Miami’ stars figures who have been in or are new to the music industry. The show has a strong Latinx presence which is representative of the Miami music scene. Since its premiere in January 2018, it has featured stars such as Amara La Negra, Joseline Hernandez, Trina, and Trick Daddy.
Selling Tampa
Following the popularity of the viral reality show, ‘Selling Sunset,’ ‘Selling Tampa’ was released. It featured an all-black female cast of real estate agents as they took over the real estate game in Florida. While many enjoyed seeing Black women in a different light in comparison to their presentations on previously mentioned shows, ‘Selling Tampa’ which starred agents such as Sharelle Rosado, Anne-Sophie Petit-Frere, and Colony Reeves was unfortunately canceled due to low viewership.
Belle Collective
The ‘Belle Collective’ portrays the lives of five Black female entrepreneurs in Jackson, Mississippi, and their relationships with each other as they work to rebuild their community. This show first premiered in January 2021 and stars entrepreneurs, Lateshia Pearson Sophia “Sogucci” Williams, and most recently Selena Johnson.
Toya & Reginae
This series follows the lives of mother-and-daughter duo, Toya Johnson-Rushing and Reginae Carter. The show debuted in August 2023 and watchers can enjoy seeing the women interact with their family, and their spouses while navigating life in the spotlight. The second season of 'Toya & Reginae' was recently released in January 2025 and features even more drama.
Impact: Atlanta
The ‘Impact: Atlanta’ debuted in October 2022 and gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look into some of Atlanta’s biggest influencers including Ari Fletcher and Jayda Cheaves. This show gives a glimpse into these social media influencers and shows another side of who they are apart from their public image. It has sparked a lot of public discourse about particular cast members who showed their vulnerable side while telling their stories.
Basketball Wives: Orlando
'Basketball Wives: Orlando' chronicles the lives of women who are the spouses of basketball athletes and follows their interactions with one another. The show is a spin-off of 'Basketball Wives: LA' and debuted in October 2023. Cast members include social media influencer, Nique Brown, Morgan Bledsoe, and Ashley Snell. It is filled with friendship break-ups and make-ups, blended families, and never-ending drama.
W.A.G.s to Riches
‘W.A.G.s to Riches’ is a newer twist on the canceled series ‘W.A.G.s.’ It follows the women who are attached to famous athletes and rappers. The show focuses on the women’s career ambitions, their experience as spouses and mothers as well as the drama that unfolds among them. Cast members include former ‘Selling Tampa’ star Sharelle Rosado, and former ‘W.A.G.s.’ star Ashley Wheeler among others. ‘W.A.G.s to Riches’ recently premiered its first season in January 2025 and the drama is already sparking discourse online.
While each of these shows has its uniqueness, there is one common theme in them all - drama - and that is what viewers enjoy. So if you are in the mood for entertainment, drama, and unending shade then you may find your new favorite show on this list.