Category: TV

ATLANTA — Production has officially wrapped on Netflix’s highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 1980s sitcom A Different World, with filming taking place in Atlanta.

The new series returns to the fictional historically Black college (HBCU) Hillman College, following the lives and adventures of a fresh generation of students navigating campus life in the 21st century.

Filming Ends for A Different World in Atlanta

Like the original show, it will explore themes of friendship, growth, and the unique experiences of college at an HBCU.

The story centers on Deborah, the rebellious daughter of original characters Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne.

She is portrayed by Hell’s Kitchen alum Maleah Joi Moon, while Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison reprise their iconic roles as her parents. The 10-episode comedy series follows Deborah and her friends as they face new challenges on a modern college campus.

Debbie Allen, who directed 83 episodes of the original series and served as its primary director from 1989 to 1993, returns as both a director and executive producer.

Filming signs for “Hillman College” appeared around Clark Atlanta University last July, sparking excitement on the real HBCU campus. Clark Atlanta University President George T. French Jr. shared his enthusiasm at the time, noting how meaningful it was to see the iconic signs on campus.

“I was ecstatic because I was raised during that period, getting ready to go to college,” French said. “To now be on the campus of Clark Atlanta University and to see these Hillman signs, it’s beautiful.”

The original A Different World, which aired from 1987 to 1993, is credited with helping boost HBCU enrollment by 26% during its run. French expressed hope that the new series will continue to inspire young people to consider HBCUs.

“We are growing, busting at the seams, and it really all goes back to intentional efforts like ‘A Different World,’” he said.

Local fans and alumni echoed the sentiment. One Clark Atlanta University graduate described the original show as groundbreaking for showing Black students pursuing careers in engineering, medicine, and the arts.

“It’s still relevant, and it’s going to be relevant forever,” she said.

Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment Director Cardellia Hunter also credited the series with influencing her own path: “I grew up on ‘A Different World,’ which prompted me to go to Grambling State University, a HBCU.”

Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the sequel series. Additional cast members, including Cliff “Method Man” Smith, have joined the project as production concluded.

This reboot arrives more than three decades after the original series ended, bringing nostalgia for longtime fans while introducing Hillman College to a new audience.

There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.

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Jasmine Jones of Duluth says her favorite TV show is Beauty in Black.

”It’s actually an elegant look at black power,” the Saginaw native says, “but it’s got some hood in it.”

That hood sensibility has taken the popular Atlanta-filmed series to #1.

Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black has emerged as one of the most dominant series on Netflix, frequently claiming the top spot on both U.S. and global charts across multiple release windows for its seasons and parts.

On social media, Perry shared a graphic that shows the show rankings across streaming platforms from March 20-26.

The drama, created, written, and directed by Perry, follows two women from vastly different worlds whose lives collide amid the glitz, scandals, and underbelly of Atlanta’s beauty industry and criminal elements.

Plot and Style

The story centers on Kimmie (Taylor Polidore Williams), a young woman forced into stripping and entangled with dangerous figures after her mother kicks her out, and Mallory (Crystle Stewart), who runs a successful cosmetics company while navigating a dysfunctional wealthy family, a loveless marriage, and darker secrets involving trafficking and betrayal.

Read: Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black will return for season 3.

The series blends high-stakes drama, soap-opera twists, murder, blackmail, kidnapping, and steamy elements into bingeable episodes that end on cliffhangers designed to keep viewers hitting “next episode.”

Perry described wanting to “have some fun” with the project, resulting in glossy production values, heightened emotions, and serialized storytelling that prioritizes entertainment over subtlety.

Massive Viewership Numbers

The numbers speak for themselves. Season 1 debuted strongly and quickly climbed Netflix’s TV charts. It started at No. 4 with 5.6 million views in its first few days but surged to No. 1 in its first full week with 8.7 million views—a 55% jump.

It spent weeks in the global Top 10 and hit No. 1 in dozens of countries.

Nielsen data later showed it dethroning hits like Wednesday, logging 1.35 billion minutes of viewing in a single week (Sept. 15-21, 2025), making it the most-streamed TV show across U.S. household televisions that period. It outperformed new releases and established competitors, with strong repeat viewership.

Season 2 followed a similar pattern, released in two parts (with Part 2 dropping in March 2026).

The latest batch propelled it back to No. 1 on Netflix’s U.S. charts, surpassing major titles and holding strong in the global Top 5 despite fresh competition. Audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes improved notably for Season 2, reflecting growing fan investment.

Why It Resonates So Strongly

Several factors explain why Beauty in Black consistently outperforms expectations and tops charts:

• Tyler Perry’s Proven Brand: Perry has built a massive, loyal audience through decades of films, plays, and TV shows (Sistas, The Oval, Madea franchise) that deliver emotionally direct, crowd-pleasing stories. His name acts as a powerful draw—fans know exactly what they’re getting and show up in force. Netflix’s partnership has expanded his reach to a broader, international audience.
• Binge-Friendly Soap Structure: In an era of prestige dramas, Beauty in Black leans into classic serialized soap elements: big betrayals, glamorous settings, rapid plot twists, family secrets, and romantic entanglements. Episodes are structured for maximum momentum, making it ideal for weekend binges or background viewing that quickly becomes appointment television. Viewers frequently cite the addictive cliffhangers and heightened emotional scenes as reasons they can’t stop watching.17
• Relatable Themes with Escapist Glamour: The show explores ambition, class divides, loyalty, power, greed, and survival in the beauty industry. These themes feel grounded enough to connect—especially for audiences familiar with Perry’s style—while the glossy Atlanta setting, fashion, and drama provide pure escapism. It mixes crime-thriller tension with personal stakes in a way that feels both aspirational and juicy.
• Diverse and Expanding Audience: Early viewership skewed heavily toward Black audiences (around 52% in some weeks), but it has grown significantly among Hispanic viewers and others. Its global performance, topping charts in countries across the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond, shows broad crossover appeal. Perry’s storytelling often fills a gap for underrepresented dramatic narratives that prioritize emotional payoff and entertainment.
• Word-of-Mouth and Cultural Momentum: Despite mixed or lukewarm critic scores (with some calling it “forgettable” or noting its reliance on tropes), audience engagement drives success. Social media buzz, fan discussions about twists, and Perry’s direct connection with viewers amplify visibility. The show’s unapologetic style—sometimes criticized for excess—delivers exactly what its core fans crave.
• Strategic Release and Accessibility: Splitting seasons into parts builds anticipation and sustains momentum. As a Netflix original, it benefits from the platform’s algorithm pushing proven performers and easy global availability.

A Streaming Phenomenon

Beauty in Black stands out because it proves that high-production, emotionally charged, twist-driven dramas still dominate streaming when executed with a clear vision and dedicated fanbase.

Tyler Perry has once again demonstrated his unmatched ability to understand what audiences want: stories that entertain, provoke conversation, and deliver satisfaction without pretense.

Whether it’s the scandalous beauty empire intrigue, the rags-to-riches (and back) arcs, or simply the sheer bingeability, the series has earned its place as a chart-topper time and again. In a crowded streaming landscape, Beauty in Black reminds us that compelling characters, relentless drama, and a creator who knows his audience can still reign supreme. If the current momentum holds, expect even more records—and likely more seasons—ahead.
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The long-running reality TV series Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta (LHHATL) appears to be facing the end of its run, with widespread rumors in March 2026 indicating cancellation after 13 seasons.

As of March 21, 2026, no official announcement from MTV (the current network airing the show) or parent company Paramount Global has confirmed the series is definitively canceled.

The End Of LHHATL: What’s Tea?

However, speculation has intensified across social media, entertainment blogs, and cast-adjacent commentary over the past week, pointing to low ratings, the broader decline of the Love & Hip Hop franchise, and behind-the-scenes whispers as key factors.

A Legacy of Drama Since 2012

Launched in June 2012 on VH1, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta quickly outshone the original New York edition to become the flagship title in the franchise.

Set in the heart of the Southern hip-hop scene, the show blended music industry storylines with personal relationships, family conflicts, business ventures, and—most memorably—explosive confrontations.

Iconic cast members like Joseline Hernandez, Stevie J, Mimi Faust, Scrappy, Erica Mena, Karlie Redd, Rasheeda, Kirk Frost, and Mama Dee delivered viral moments that dominated social media for years.

Storylines involving paternity tests, physical altercations, music collaborations gone wrong, and redemption arcs kept viewers hooked, helping cement Atlanta as a dominant force in unscripted television during the 2010s.

The series moved to MTV in later seasons (around the early 2020s), but maintained its signature chaotic energy.

Read more: LHHATL star Karlie Redd charged with burglary

Season 13 premiered in 2025–2026, with the first half airing previously and the second half kicking off in February 2026 with promos promising “new energy, emotional conversations, and truths coming to the surface.”

Episodes were still scheduled weekly on Tuesdays at 8/7c as recently as mid-February 2026.

Why Cancellation Rumors Are Swirling Now

Multiple sources in mid-to-late March 2026 reported that LHHATL would not return for a Season 14:

• Entertainment gossip pages and Instagram accounts described it as “#EndOfAnEra,” noting it would mark the last active city-based edition of the franchise to fall.
• AllHipHop.com published an article (updated March 18, 2026) stating that “rumors are swirling” and sources suggest the show is “quietly heading toward the exit” after 13 seasons of fights, reconciliations, and viral moments.
• Cast member Mama Dee (a longtime staple) reportedly indicated in interviews or social content that the show is “most likely cancelled,” with some fans interpreting her comments as near-confirmation.
• YouTube recaps and commentary videos discussed low ratings as a primary driver, especially after Love & Hip Hop: Miami wrapped its final season on BET, leaving Atlanta as the lone survivor.
• Social posts emphasized that—if true—this would be the first time in 15 years the Love & Hip Hop brand has no active series on air.

Counterpoints exist: some fan fact-check posts and group discussions insist there has been no official cancellation from the network, and Season 13 was still unfolding or recently airing its back half.

The absence of a formal statement from MTV leaves room for renewal, a retool, or a quiet move to another platform/streaming service.

The Bigger Picture: The Decline of the Franchise

The Love & Hip Hop empire has shrunk significantly over the past decade:

• Spinoffs in New York, Hollywood, Miami, and others have ended or concluded final seasons.
• Producer changes, network shifts (from VH1 to MTV/BET), audience fatigue with repetitive drama, and competition from newer reality formats have eroded viewership.
• By 2026, Atlanta remained the last major holdout, but declining ratings reportedly made continued investment difficult.

Fans are divided. Some celebrate the potential end, calling the show “long overdue” for retirement and criticizing recent seasons for lacking the spark of earlier years.

Others lament the loss of a cultural touchstone that spotlighted Atlanta’s music scene, gave platforms to women in hip-hop and entertainment, and created countless meme-worthy moments.

What Comes Next?

If the rumors solidify into an official cancellation, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta will close with 13 seasons—one of the longest runs in modern reality TV history.

Cast members may pivot to solo projects, podcasts, OnlyFans content, music releases, or other reality appearances.

The franchise could potentially be revived in a rebooted format years later, as many long-running shows have done.

For now, the status remains in rumor territory—but the conversation around its possible end reflects both nostalgia for its peak and acknowledgment that the era of sprawling, multi-city Love & Hip Hop drama may finally be drawing to a close after more than a decade of chaos, hits, and unforgettable Atlanta nights.

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Georgia’s film industry is at a crossroads, but the ights are back on, cameras are rolling, and the Peach State’s film and television sector is proving once again why it’s one of America’s premier production powerhouses.

As we head deeper into 2026, the Peach State is experiencing a clear rebound after a challenging post-strike slowdown, with 33 active productions currently filming across the state—the highest number in nearly two years.

Georgia’s Film Industry Rebounds Strong in 2026

According to the Georgia Film Office, direct production spending hit a record $4.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 with 412 projects on the books. But the industry faced a sharp reset in the years that followed.

How big is Georgia’s film industry?

Spending dropped to $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, with productions falling to 245, as Hollywood grappled with the lingering effects of the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, studio cost-cutting, and a broader shift in the streaming landscape.

A big part of that dip? Some major players headed overseas.

Marvel Studios wrapped its final Georgia shoot with 2025’s Thunderbolts and relocated big-budget superhero productions to the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, where labor and overall costs run significantly lower.

Other streamers followed suit for select projects, chasing cheaper international incentives and production savings amid a leaner content slate. Industry insiders noted the move was less about Georgia’s shortcomings and more about global economics—studios simply hunting for the best deal in a tighter market.

Yet even with those high-profile departures, Georgia isn’t just holding its ground—it’s gaining momentum.

Georgia Film Office Director Lee Thomas put it plainly this week: “We are busier now than we have been in some time. 2026 is much better than 2025 was.”

Thomas and other leaders recently briefed state lawmakers on the upswing, highlighting how Georgia’s combination of competitive tax incentives (up to 30% transferable credits with no cap), world-class crews, diverse filming locations, and massive studio infrastructure continues to make the state an “easy button” for producers.

“Georgia’s the easy button,” echoed Rep. Kasey Carpenter. “You pick up the phone, somebody is on the other line. We’re willing to roll up our sleeves and get you to production.”

That attitude is paying off. Recent and upcoming shoots include Tulsa King (filmed recently in Savannah), Judd Apatow and Glen Powell’s Comeback King (set for Savannah this spring), and a steady stream of episodic TV like Sistas, Love is Blind, and Family Feud. Tyler Perry Studios, Trilith, Assembly Atlanta, and new facilities keep expanding, while Savannah’s local rebates add extra appeal for coastal and historic shoots.

Nationally, Georgia remains a top-tier U.S. production hub.

Is Georgia Still #1 in the Film Industry?

While some 2026 rankings place California and New York at the very top thanks to their own beefed-up incentives, Georgia consistently ranks among the elite for overall output, stage space (second-largest in the nation), and long-term stability.

Business Facilities Magazine has called it No. 1 for film production in recent reports, and local leaders point out that the state’s experienced workforce and business-friendly environment give it an edge few others can match.“

Georgia remains one of the most competitive places in the world for film and television production,” Thomas emphasized.

The state’s appeal stretches far beyond Atlanta—crews are lighting up everything from Atlanta’s urban backdrops and rural farmlands to Savannah’s historic streets and coastal vistas.

What’s Ahead for Georgia’s Film Industry

Looking ahead, optimism is high.

Several Georgia-filmed projects are slated for 2026 releases, including Netflix originals and theatrical features, and industry veterans say the pipeline of episodic and mid-budget work provides more consistent jobs than the boom-and-bust of tentpole blockbusters ever did.

Yes, Georgia lost some flashy productions to Europe’s cost advantages. But the numbers, the crews, and the infrastructure tell a different story: The Peach State isn’t fading—it’s evolving into an even stronger, more resilient force in American filmmaking.

The cameras keep rolling in Georgia. And from Atlanta to Savannah and beyond, the industry that helped put our state on the global entertainment map is writing its next act—stronger, smarter, and still very much center stage.

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Atlanta, GA – February 19, 2026 – Local filmmaking powerhouse Tyler Perry is keeping fans on the edge of their seats with the upcoming release of Beauty in Black Season 2, Part 2.

When Is Beauty in Black Part 2 Being Released?

The highly anticipated continuation of the hit Netflix drama series premieres March 19, 2026, with all eight episodes dropping at once exclusively on the streaming platform.

Created, written, and directed by Perry through his Tyler Perry Studios, Beauty in Black has quickly become a fan favorite since its debut, blending intense family drama, corporate intrigue, and dark secrets within the world of a glamorous cosmetics empire and an underground trafficking ring.

The series follows exotic dancer Kimmie (played by Taylor Polidore Williams) as her life intertwines with the ruthless, backstabbing Bellarie family behind the beauty brand.

Season 2, Part 1 left viewers reeling from shocking twists, including power shifts within the Bellarie dynasty and escalating threats.

Now, the official trailer teases an explosive showdown between Kimmie and Mallory (Crystle Stewart), with the logline promising: “The ruthless, backstabbing family behind a beauty brand — and an underground trafficking ring — will face a reckoning.”

New boss. New rules. Trust no one.

The Bellarie family matriarch settles into her role as chief operating officer, while characters like Jules (Charles Malik Whitfield) desperately search for answers about his son’s coma, and Olivia (Debbi Morgan) confronts a dangerous new enemy. The stakes are higher than ever as betrayals, unlikely alliances, and intense confrontations unfold.

Netflix recently confirmed that Beauty in Black will conclude with Season 3, making this second half of Season 2 a pivotal chapter in the story’s arc.

Atlanta audiences have long embraced Perry’s storytelling, from his blockbuster films to series like Sistas and The Oval, many of which film right here in the city at his massive Tyler Perry Studios. Beauty in Black continues that tradition of bold, unapologetic drama that resonates with viewers across the country.

Mark your calendars: Stream Beauty in Black Season 2, Part 2 starting March 19 — only on Netflix. Part 1 is currently available for those needing a refresher before the big return.

What are you most excited to see in the new episodes? Sound off in the comments below!

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A high-profile attempt to blend sports, culture, and nostalgia on BET+ has come to an end. The streaming service has canceled 106 & Sports, the sports-focused spinoff of the iconic 106 & Park, after just one eight-episode season.

The show, filmed right here in Atlanta at Tyler Perry Studios, starred former NFL MVP Cam Newton alongside sports analyst Ashley Nicole Moss.

BET+ Cancels Sports Show Hosted by Cam Newton After 1 Season

Premiering on October 15, 2025, 106 & Sports aimed to capture the energy of the original 106 & Park—a staple of early 2000s BET programming—while shifting the focus to athletics.

Each episode featured a countdown of the week’s top-10 sports highlights, in-depth athlete interviews, lively cultural debates, and a live studio audience vibe.

Produced in partnership with LeBron James’ SpringHill company, the series hoped to attract both sports fans and viewers drawn to its Atlanta roots and celebrity hosting duo.

Despite the star power and local production boost, BET+ confirmed it will not move forward with additional seasons

In a statement shared with outlets including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the network noted that “we will not produce additional seasons of ‘106 & Sports.’ The previous season will continue to live across BET platforms.” All eight episodes remain available for streaming on BET+.

Local fans and industry observers point to several factors behind the short run. The show’s Wednesday 10 p.m. time slot on a platform primarily known for music, drama, and Black entertainment may have limited its reach.

Questions also arose about fitting a dedicated sports program into BET’s broader lineup, especially as streaming competition in sports content intensifies.

Adding to the conversation, some online discussions linked the cancellation to Newton’s recent comments on his Funky Friday podcast. In a widely circulated clip from early February 2026, Newton discussed personal boundaries in friendships with women, stating he avoids platonic relationships with attractive women due to potential complications.

Co-host Moss responded lightheartedly online with “Wellllll damn… this is awkward lol,” sparking memes and debates—but no direct evidence ties these remarks to BET+’s decision.

For Atlanta’s entertainment and sports community, the cancellation is a reminder of the challenges in reviving beloved formats in a crowded media landscape. 106 & Sports brought production jobs and spotlight to Tyler Perry Studios, and its episodes continue to showcase local talent and perspectives.

As streaming services evolve, Atlanta remains a hub for bold content creation. Whether this marks the end of sports programming experiments on BET+ or a pause for rethinking remains to be seen.

What did you think of 106 & Sports? Did you catch any episodes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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