TV One Sets Rickey Smiley Reality Series

TV One will develop a new reality series featuring comedian Rickey Smiley to debut in November, said network officials.

The series, Rickey Smiley For Real, stars Smiley as he tries to juggle his career and home life, said network officials. Smiley starred for two seasons in TV One’s scripted comedy series The Rickey Smiley Show.

The new series will feature Smiley and his four children as well as his extended family of co-workers, colleagues and friends, according to TV One.

“So often reality series focus on extreme personalities in the Black community, reflecting a one-dimensional point-of-view,” remarked D’Angela Proctor, TV One’s head of original programming and production in a statement. “Rickey Smiley For Real seeks to offer an alternative slice of the reality pie in showcasing a successful Black man navigating life and career, but filled with just as much humor, drama, and relatable situations we know viewers and fans of Rickey Smiley will enjoy.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.