This summer is indeed heating up with the season premiers of the Oprah Winfrey Networks hit shows The Have and the Have Nots and Love Thy Neighbor, written and produced by the super talented Tyler Perry.
Yesterday, I had the honor of attending a press luncheon with cast members of the shows and staff of the OWN Network as we got a sneak preview of the show’s new seasons at the beautiful Italian restaurant Magianno’s in Buckhead, GA. Trust me, I will be glued to my seat this entire season!
In the last season of the HAHN, we saw the Harrington house on fire, the Cryers preparing for their daughter’s funeral, and Benny on his way to defend the family honor. What’s going to happen next? Angela Robinson (AKA Veronica Harrington), told us to stay tuned because this season is going to get more and more exciting with each episode. Crystal Fox (AKA Hanna) and Gavin Houston (Jeffery) also reminded us that its important not to put each character in a box and recognize that yes Hanna is a God-fearing woman, but she has human moments as well. Gavin (Jeffery) said to remember that he is more than just a homosexual man, and you will see him starting to become more and more courageous this season.
And for the hilarious, yet heartwarming show “Love Thy Neighbor”, we last saw Linda getting ready for her wedding, but not quite yet ready to reveal the pregnancy to the outside world. This season, we’ll see how she handles her out of wedlock pregnancy, preparing for her wedding, and a surprise visit from old friends (hint: have you ever seen “Meet the Browns”?). Patrice Lovely (AKA Momma Hattie) told us, “Im just glad to get Linda out of my house!).
When asked are they comfortable watching themselves on television, most said jokingly no because they are so in the moment during taping. The beautiful Kendra C. Johnson (AKA Linda from Love Thy Neighbor) said “yes, I do”. However, the touching moment surprisingly came from the hilarious Palmer Williams, Jr (Love Thy Neighbor) said, “I used to be uncomfortable until I realized that , hey, this is how Im taking care of my family. I have been blessed with the opportunity to for my gifts and talents to grow, and so now, I love it!”). After that, we were all ready to go home and get our popcorn ready!
The season premier of Love thy Neighbor will kick off with a two episodes this Friday 26 June 2015 at 9:00 PM EST, the Have and the Have Nots will premier next Tuesday 30 June 2015 at 9:00 PM EST.
