Belle Collective Season 2 - Here's What We Can Tell Fans So Far
Since launching OWN, Oprah Winfrey has seen her eponymous network have major growth, producing scripted and non-scripted series for viewers of different demographics and tastes. From shows like "Oprah's Master Class" to "Black Love" to "Ready to Love," and more, it's clear that Oprah has a clear vision for producing shows that inspire audiences. "Belle Collective" is another show that puts Black women at the forefront.
Joining the OWN lineup in January 2021, the show follows a group of Black female professionals in Jackson, Mississippi, as they look to rebuild a district formerly known as a hub for Black-owned businesses. "These dynamic women represent Mississippi's finest Black female entrepreneurs, determined to break ceilings — glass and otherwise — while shredding long-held stereotypes of the South. They must set aside their differences to redevelop a struggling mid-twentieth century historic district that was once known as the hub for Black-owned businesses," a press described the first season (via The Futon Critic).
With a unique concept, it is no wonder that fans are curious about a second season. Here's everything we know about Season 2 of the "Belle Collective."
When will Belle Collective Season 2 be released?
Fans will have to wait a while longer to see what the Belles have been up to on the show because OWN has not yet announced a renewal for "Belle Collective." Next Season TV reports that they are waiting for an official word of renewal or cancellation, meaning anything can happen with the show.
OWN's lack of response about the show's future could have a lot to do with the lackluster ratings and reviews. According to Show Buzz Daily, the show ranked in the mid 100s for cable television ratings throughout its first season. Additionally, critics and viewers did not have nice things to say about the show. 107.3 Kiss FM Texas called "Belle Collective" a "hot mess," while user reviews on IMDb rated the show as barely passable. Some users complained that the show was too scripted and didn't reflect working Black women from Jackson, Mississippi.
While the show was a miss with critics and viewers, there's always a chance that OWN could address the criticisms head-on with a new and improved Season 2, so viewers will have to keep an eye out for a renewal announcement in the upcoming months.
Who is in the cast of Belle Collective Season 2?
When and if "Belle Collective" returns for a Season 2, chances are the quintet will be back on the show as well. The first season featured Dr. Antoinette Liles, one of the very few Black dentists in Jackson, Mississippi; Lateshia Pearson, the CEO of the National Women's Brunch Organization; Latrice Rogers, entrepreneur behind Goddess Lengths, the most successful haircare emporium in the region; Marie Hamilton-Abston, a self-made millionaire and CEO of Hamilton Davis Mental Health; and Tambra Cherie, a well-known radio show host (via OWN's website).
Throughout the first season, the ladies on the show clashed with each other on how to bring more business to the district while dealing with personal struggles like marital problems, infertility, and catfights. The second season, if renewed, will continue with the storylines from last season.
Producers might also choose to highlight the COVID-19 pandemic and how the Belles' businesses were impacted by it.
Belle Collective is set in Jackson for a reason
Unlike other reality TV shows where different locations are featured every season, it was important to producers that "Belle Collective" took place in Jackson, Mississippi. "Jackson is live, thriving," producer Carlos King said in an interview with OWN (via Clarion Ledger). "So, I'm happy to be able to redefine these stereotypes that people think Jackson, Mississippi, is. I think these women represent the new South."
For King, the Black Lives Matter movement had a big impact on the show. "As the owner of a Black production company, it's my responsibility to shed light on these social issues that are facing our community," he added. "We talk about the Confederate flag being lowered and put down and having a new flag and even white fragility. We're going deep on this show."
If "Belle Collective" comes back for a second season, we're sure that social issues would continue to be a focus for the Belles, especially in light of the pandemic where unequal access to services and health care has been a major topic of concern across the country (via Forbes).