Life After on TV One
Omarosa and Al Reynolds Talk about the Show
Toni Judkins, Senior VP of Original Programming at TV One told Television Critics Association members that the network is “using the drama of the black experience to develop programming that is unapologetically, authentically black and reflects the drama of the black experience.”
She explained that their first series is called Life After. "Life After" is a new series that explores some of America's most intriguing personalities from the perspective of major turning points that have forever changed their lives. Be those public or private, tragic or triumphant, these are quite unique stories because they are told from the perspective of a celebrity, him or herself.”
Al Reynolds is a college and founded a nonprofit financial, education and literacy organization called Champion Advisors. He is famous for having been married to Star Jones. They had a very public courtship and lavish wedding.
Omarosa and Al Reynolds are showing the Public who they Really Are
Omarosa came to fame when she appeared on The Apprentice. She said that this show is the perfect format to let people see the real person, as she is. It “gives [viewers] information that's never been revealed, that gives [them] an opportunity to see me outside of the boardroom as a real person with emotions as opposed to the ice queen that you saw in the boardroom. And yes, I am an ice queen in the boardroom. But when I walk out of the boardroom, I'm an auntie. I'm a daughter.” She adds, “And I'm sassy. But it's important to have programming that actually shows me as I am. I did a True Hollywood Story. There was very little of it that was true. This piece [in Life After] is probably one of the most authentic pieces that have ever been done on me, and it's an opportunity for [the public] to see me as I truly am.”
And speaking of seeing these people as they really are, Al Reynolds said, “I think the biggest misconception about me is everything that's probably said about me to date. I've been called everything from gay to a freeloader to a kept man. I think all of those are misconceptions, and the best thing about doing this type of authentic programming or participating in something like Life After is I get to show [viewers] or share my voice without any filters, without anyone else defining me. I get to define myself. That's why I chose to do Life After.”
While he was married to Star Jones, the couple had offers to do reality TV but chose not to. Now Reynolds is anxious to show the viewers just who he really is.
“And [they] are going to be quite surprised. It's so interesting, when TV One first called me about this particular project I was [thinking] ‘I'm not sure.’ because, believe it or not, I'm a tad-bit shy.” He said the reason he decided to do the show was “to stop letting the media define me. And it is time for me to take the reins and jump on the bull, and take the horns and start defining myself. And this project is actually going to do that. You know what? It's time for my star to shine. And the best part is, I'm doing it with TV One, and I'm enjoying it.”
Reality Television Shows have Outlasted Skeptics
Omarosa is a reality show veteran. Not only did she do The Apprentice, but she has done over twenty reality shows, and she says she loves it.
“Clearly I'm good at it because I've been at the top of reality for the last six years,” she declares. “Six years ago they said that reality TV wouldn't be around, that it was just a fad. I think that you're going to see more reality. You are going to see it pushing the limits of what we think is decent and not, and whether somebody wants to get hooked up on TV, that's their business. I think that's interesting.”
Some viewers could argue that the limits have already been pushed. Reality shows are easy for networks to produce. They are cheaper and don’t require as much in the way of production. And they don’t have to hire big name stars to get viewers watching the shows.
“I think this generation is numb,” comments Omarosa. “I mean, they grew up with - what season is this? - The 18th season of The Real World. They've seen everything from hot tub fiascos to making out. They are numb.”
Al Reynolds added, “You know what I also find very interesting about the new generation, though, is that they are looking for alternative programming. And that's the one reason I have been very attracted to TV One because of their authentic programming.”
Life After is an eight-part series which premiers Sunday, September 13, 2009 on TV One.
TV One
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Film & TV
Latest Articles