Queens (American TV series)

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Queens
GenreMusical drama
Created byZahir McGhee
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producers
Production locations
CinematographySidney Sidell
Production companiesHow My Hair Look
Windpower Entertainment
ABC Signature
DistributorDisney Platform Distribution
Release
Original networkABC
Original releaseOctober 19, 2021 (2021-10-19) –
present (present)
External links
Website

Queens is an American musical drama television series that premiered on October 19, 2021, on ABC.[1][2] It stars Brandy, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez and Eve J. Cooper.

Plot[]

Brianna, Jill, Valeria and Naomi once appeared as the "Nasty Bitches" in the 1990s. Together, the four of them not only turned the world of hip-hop upside down but also achieved legendary status through their music. The four women are now in their forties, unworldly and largely estranged from one another. By reuniting the four, there is now a chance to return to old fame and prestige. But will the former megastars, also known as Professor Sex, Butter Pecan, Jill Da Thrill, and Xplicit Lyrics, manage to achieve this ambitious goal?

Cast and characters[]

Main[]

  • Brandy Norwood as Naomi "Xplicit Lyrics": The highly skilled musical engine of the Nasty Bitches. A true artist with boundless musical talent. Naomi was sure she'd go on to mainstream success after the group's demise. She hasn't, singing and playing her guitar in dive bars where all people want is her old persona. When the group gets back together, Naomi is reunited with the only man she ever loved, and the rival bandmate who stole that man from her. Naomi wants nothing more but to build a relationship with the daughter she was never really there for.[3]
  • Eve J. Cooper as Brianna "Professor Sex" Robinson: Brianna used to rap about money, sex and her all-around glamorous lifestyle. Today, Brianna is a proud wife and mother of five. Brianna loves her life. The Nasty Bitches are a distant, distant memory. When an opportunity arises for the group to reunite, Brianna will grapple with whether she still has the swagger and confidence that made her an icon decades ago.[4]
  • Naturi Naughton as Jill "Da Thrill": Jill is a founding member of the Nasty Bitches, the group she formed with her high school friends. Da Thrill lived fast, had rugged rhymes and a troubling drug habit. Today, Jill couldn't be more put together. She's a devout Catholic living a quiet life in Montana with her husband. But everything isn't as idyllic as it seems. Jill is haunted by past secrets.[5]
  • Nadine Velazquez as Valeria "Butter Pecan" Mendez: Valeria is a Puerto Rican rapper and also a member of the Nasty Bitches. She wasn't an original member. She was added by the groups’ manager, Eric Jones. Valeria quickly became the face of the group, ruffling the other members’ feathers along the way. Valeria is an ambitious and ruthless hustler with cunning charm born out of a difficult childhood. When we catch up with her twenty years later, she's the only member of the group still in the limelight. Valeria hosts The Shade — America's top-rated morning talk show. Valeria has no reason to reunite with the group when the opportunity arises. However, when her blind ambition trips her up, Valeria considers turning back to the only family she's ever had: the Nasty Bitches.[6]
  • Taylor Sele as Eric Jones: Manager of the group, Eric Jones, struck gold when the Nasty Bitches reached the pinnacle of hip-hop. A Queens hustler through and through, Eric is always looking for how to secure his next bag, and he's great at it. A handsome playboy with a magnetic smile, Eric's dalliances with women were partly to blame for the Nasty Bitches’ break up. Today, Eric remains one of the top music managers in the business, representing hip-hop's current “it girl,” Lil Muffin. But Eric is in the throes of midlife crisis as he takes stock of his life, past mistakes and the woman that got away. Driven by nostalgia, Eric sets the wheels in motion for the Nasty Bitches’ reunion.[7]
  • Pepi Sonuga as Lauren "Lil Muffin" Rice: A sweet young woman from Atlanta, she's better known as Lil Muffin, a brash, colorful emcee. Ever since her debut record Candy Cane dropped, she's been on a nonstop rocket ship to superstardom. She is hip-hop's it girl with legions of fans, piles of cash, wild style and access to everything under the sun. Lauren doesn't have control of her career and her image, which is being masterminded by a cadre of men who care more about keeping the gravy train rolling than her well-being. The pressure of fame is taking its toll. Lauren unexpectedly finds the support she needs and the sisterhood she craves when she links up with the Nasty Bitches.[8]

Recurring[]

  • Precious Way as Jojo: Naomi's 20-year-old daughter, who has been living with her grandmother while Naomi has been chasing her lost fame. JoJo has written Naomi off for good. But when Naomi invites her to attend her comeback at one of the award shows, a new perception of Naomi may spark their reconciliation.[9]
  • Cam'ron as Himself: A rapper who was featured on one of the group's hit records and also had a previous relationship with Naomi. He re-enters Naomi's life as the ladies attempt to take over the hip-hop world again.[10][11][12]
  • Felisha Terrell as Tina Dubois: Girlfriend of Jill.[13]
  • RonReaco Lee as Jeff Robinson: Brianna's husband and the father of their five children. He is a doting dad, but unfaithful, with his behavior pushing Brianna towards divorce until a medical emergency compels the couple to come together despite the issues that have strained their marriage.

Guest[]

  • Lucius Baston as DJ Kool Red: A DJ from the early 90's that introduces the young group for the first time.

Episodes[]

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [14]U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"1999"Tim StoryZahir McGheeOctober 19, 2021 (2021-10-19)1.75[15]
2"Heart Of Queens"Tim StoryZahir McGheeOctober 26, 2021 (2021-10-26)1.48[16]
3"Who You Calling a Bitch?"Shiri ApplebyZahir McGhee & Heather MitchellNovember 2, 2021 (2021-11-02)1.16[17]
4"Ain't No Sunshine"Crystle RobersonNjeri BrownNovember 9, 2021 (2021-11-09)1.34[18]
5"Do Anything for Clout"Benny BoomJordan Reddout & Gus HickeyNovember 16, 2021 (2021-11-16)1.23[19]
6"Behind the Throne"Daniel WillisTeleplay by : Zahir McGhee & Heather Mitchell
Story by : Stacy Traub		November 23, 2021 (2021-11-23)1.11[20]
7"Who Shot Ya"Crystle RobersonTess LeibowitzDecember 7, 2021 (2021-12-07)1.46[21]
8"God's Plan"Stacey MuhammadHeather MitchellDecember 14, 2021 (2021-12-14)1.14[22]
9"Bars"[23]Rachel RaimstMamoudou N'DiayeJanuary 4, 2022 (2022-01-04)TBD
10"Nasty Girl Records"[24]Sidney SiddellKyra JonesJanuary 11, 2022 (2022-01-11)TBD
11"I'm A Slave 4 U"[14]TBATBAJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)TBD

Production[]

Development[]

In January 2021, ABC ordered a pilot for a musical drama titled Queens from Scandal writer and executive producer, Zahir McGhee.[25] In March 2021, it was announced that Tim Story would direct the pilot episode.[26] On May 14, 2021, Queens was given a series order, with an official premiere date of October 19, 2021.[2]

Casting[]

In February 2021, Eve was cast to play the role of Brianna.[4] Later that month, Naturi Naughton landed the role of Jill.[5] In March, it was announced that Pepi Sonuga would portray Lauren Rice.[8] On March 8, 2021, Brandy was cast in the role as Naomi.[3] The following day, Nadine Velazquez was cast as Valeria, and the day after that, Taylor Sele was cast as Eric Jones.[6][7]

Music[]

On October 1, 2021, the first promo single from Queens (“Nasty Girl") was released featuring Norwood alongside the cast: Eve, Naughton and Velazquez.[27] A music video, directed by Tim Story, was released on the same day.[28] This was followed on October 18, 2021, by another rap song from the Queens soundtrack (“The Introduction”) which was co-written by Nas.[29] A solo song from the soundtrack (“Hear Me”), performed solely by Norwood, was also released worldwide on digital download and streaming sites on the same day.[30] The music producer for the series is Swizz Beatz.[31] To coincide with the second episode of the series, three new tracks were released to all digital download and streaming sites. These were “Belly of the Bitch”, “Heart of Queens” (featuring rapper Cam’ron) and a cover of Miley Cyrus' “Wrecking Ball” performed by Brandy.[32] “Girls Gonna Run That”, rapped by the four leads, was released on November 1, 2021.[33] Another Brandy solo was released on November 8, 2021, a cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain't No Sunshine”.[34] Brandy's "Until My Final Breath" was released on December 13, 2021.[35]

Release[]

In the United States, the series premiered on October 19, 2021, on ABC.[1][2]

International[]

In Canada, the series is set to air on CTV.[36] The series is also set to premiere on Disney+ via the streaming hub Star as an original series in selected countries.[37][38][39] In Latin America, the series will premiere as a Star+ original.[40] In India, Disney+ Hotstar will premiere the show exclusively. [41]

Reception[]

Critical response[]

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 8/10, based on 13 critic reviews.[42] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 75 out of 100 based on 7 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[43]

Queens debuted on October 19, 2021, and reviews were largely positive; Caroline Framke for Variety praised the quartet’s musical offering, calling their raps “sharp and distinct […] making clear their talent as both individuals and a swaggering collective”.[44] Angie Han for The Hollywood Reporter called the show “Impressive […] lavish […] magic”.[45] Liz Shannon Miller for Collider enthused the show “may become addictive viewing for longtime fans of the stars, as well as newcomers to the scene.”[46] Joel Keller for Decider felt “There’s nothing revolutionary or daring about Queens, […] but, judging by the first episode, it’s well-executed froth that can go in any direction McGhee and his writers feel like going in.”[47]

Ratings[]

Viewership and ratings per episode of Queens
No. Title Air date Rating
(18–49)		 Viewers
(millions)		 DVR
(18–49)		 DVR viewers
(millions)		 Total
(18–49)		 Total viewers
(millions)
1 "1999" October 19, 2021 0.4 1.75[15] 0.2 1.76 0.5 2.51[48]
2 "Heart of Queens" October 26, 2021 0.3 1.48[16] TBD TBD TBD TBD
3 "Who You Calling a Bitch?" November 2, 2021 0.3 1.16[17] TBD TBD TBD TBD
4 "Ain't No Sunshine" November 9, 2021 0.3 1.34[18] TBD TBD TBD TBD
5 "They Do Anything for Clout" November 16, 2021 0.3 1.23[19] 0.2 0.54 0.5 1.77[49]
6 "Behind the Throne" November 23, 2021 0.3 1.11[20] 0.2 0.60 0.5 1.72[50]
7 "Who Shot Ya" December 7, 2021 0.3 1.46[21] 0.2 0.46 0.5 1.92[51]
8 "God's Plan" December 14, 2021 0.2 1.14[22] TBD TBD TBD TBD

References[]

  1. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (May 18, 2021). "ABC 2021-22 Schedule: 'Big Sky' On Thursday & Comedy Block In Fall, 'Black-Ish' Farewell In Midseason". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Pedersen, Erik (July 15, 2021). "ABC Fall Premiere Dates: New 'Wonder Years' & 'Queens' Join 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Good Doctor', 'Bachelorette', 'Goldbergs' & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  3. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (March 8, 2021). "Brandy To Star In ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot 'Queens'".
  4. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (February 19, 2021). "Eve To Star In ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot 'Queens' From Zahir McGhee".
  5. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (February 25, 2021). "Naturi Naughton To Star In ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot 'Queens'".
  6. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (March 9, 2021). "Nadine Velazquez To Star In ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot 'Queens'".
  7. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (March 10, 2021). "'Queens': Taylor Sele Joins ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot".
  8. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (March 3, 2021). "'Queens': Pepi Sonuga Joins ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot".
  9. ^ "'Queens': Precious Way Joins ABC's Musical Drama Series As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood. September 8, 2021.
  10. ^ "'Queens': ABC Show 'Queens' Recruits Major Rapper for Recurring Role". . September 18, 2021.
  11. ^ "Cam'ron joins the cast of 'Queens' starring Brandy, Naturi Naughton and Eve". . September 20, 2021.
  12. ^ "Cam'ron To Star In Upcoming ABC Series, 'Queens'". Vibe. September 21, 2021.
  13. ^ "'Queens': Felisha Terrell Joins ABC's 'Queens' & Starz's 'BMF' As Recurring". Deadline. September 28, 2021.
  14. ^ a b "Shows A-Z - queens on abc". The Futon Critic. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  15. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (October 20, 2021). "ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 10.19.2021 Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved October 20, 2021.
  16. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (October 27, 2021). "ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 10.26.2021 Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  17. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (November 3, 2021). "ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.2.2021 Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  18. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (November 10, 2021). "ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.9.2021 Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 10, 2021.
  19. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (November 17, 2021). "ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.16.2021 Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  20. ^ a b Metcalf, Mitch (November 24, 2021). "ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Tuesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 11.23.2021 Updated". Showbuzz Daily. Retrieved November 24, 2021.
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  30. ^ "Queens Cast Brandy Hear Me". Apple Music. October 18, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
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  33. ^ "Queens Cast Girls Gonna Run That". Apple Music. November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  34. ^ "Brandy Ain't No Sunshine". Apple Music. November 8, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  35. ^ "Brandy Takes Center Stage on 'Until My Final Breath'". Urban Bridgez. December 13, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
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External links[]

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