(This post was updated on June 12th with a newly released first-look video.) OWN has announced “Love & Marriage: Detroit,” the newest spinoff of the popular “Love & Marriage” franchise from Carlos King will premiere this June.
According to Deadline, the spinoff will introduce a new group of dynamic Black community members and leaders from the “Comeback City,” formerly known as the “Motor City.”
Carlos is excited to not only be expanding his reality TV empire with OWN, but the Detroit native is thrilled to showcase his hometown.
He took to Instagram writing:
I put on for my city WHAT UP DOE ✊🏽 ‘Love and Marriage: Detroit’ PREMIERES Saturday, June 24th at 9/8c BayBEE and it is FIRE 🔥#GodisGood 🙏🏽🙏🏽
See Carlos’ original post below.
The official longline for “Love & Marriage: Detroit” reads:
Detroit is on the rise and so are the people. It’s a city where Black culture is strong.
This reemerging city is all about family, friendship, business, excellence, and of course, love and marriage.
“Love & Marriage: Detroit” will center on a group of African American families with deep ties to Detroit who have decided to stay in the city and prove they can provide the best lives possible for their families in this community on a comeback.
“Love & Marriage: Detroit” is set to premiere on June 24, 2023, at 9/8c on OWN and will feature cast members Russell Harris and wife Kolby Harris, Brandon Smith and wife Kristina Bowman-Smith, and Anthony Thompson and wife Dr. LaToya Thompson.
‘Love & Marriage: Detroit’ Cast
Russell Harris & Kolby Shantel Harris
Russell and Kolby Harris are a young couple who have been married for three years and share a two-year-old daughter.
Because he considers himself head of household, Russell makes the decision to start attending divinity school before even consulting with his wife, and Kolby is feeling she should be included more in these important family decisions.
She is the daughter of a pastor and isn’t sure she wants to revisit that world for a second time as an adult.
Russell also runs a non-profit called Soar Detroit which focuses on literacy and sports.
Kolby is a rising social media influencer, which causes a rift with some of the more established influencers in the group.
Kristina Bowman-Smith and Kolby are like sisters and both are in the social media influencer space.
However, the friends become at odds when an opportunity for collaboration presents itself and Kristina is apprehensive about joining forces.
This leads the two to have a disagreement that affects their husbands who are also friends.
Brandon Smith & Kristina Bowman-Smith
Brandon and Kristina Bowman-Smith have been married for 11 years and have two young daughters.
The couple resides in a penthouse that overlooks Detroit.
Kristina is a well-known fashion designer, stylist, and influencer in Detroit, and Brandon is the owner of Star Factory, an artist development program, where he trains young people of Detroit with a dream to become singers and recording artists.
The couple is going through marital woes with Brandon’s desire to become the Barry Gordy of 2023 with his showcase highlighting Detroit’s musical talent.
But Kristina is strong in her faith and not always pleased when Brandon must go out to the clubs for his talent development business, which has been causing tension between them since they got married.
Brandon is also holding a secret he doesn’t share with his wife.
He’s working with a few new female artists in Detroit and when Kristina finds this out…all hell breaks loose.
Anthony Thompson & Dr. LaToya Thompson
Anthony and Dr. LaToya Thompson have been married for 14 years and share two sons and a daughter.
Currently, Anthony works for touring company Live Nation, and is the owner of a production studio.
In this household, LaToya is the breadwinner as a successful sports physical therapist and the owner of Opulence Wines, but you will never hear Anthony admit that.
In fact, when Anthony was offered a production gig in Atlanta, he accepted the job and temporarily moved to Atlanta against his wife’s wishes, eventually returning to Detroit once LaToya put her foot down.
Anthony also started a men’s organization where the goal is for men to have an outlet to discuss the root of the issue affecting men in relationships and life.
He even puts together a Man’s Movement March in the city of Detroit and invites “Love & Marriage: Huntsville” star (and Michigan native) Marsau Scott to be a guest speaker.
Meanwhile, LaToya is struggling as a Black wine owner in a predominantly white business and disagrees with her husband who intimates he helped build the company.
‘Love & Marriage: Detroit’ First Look
Will you be tuned in to the premiere of “Love & Marriage: Detroit” this June?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or join the convo on our socials. (Facebook, Instagram)
