Ex-Factor: Kendrick Cross Previews Tonight's Episode of 'Ambitions'

The next episode of Ambitions airs tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.

In "Giving Up," the Barnes have a big surprise for the Carlisles, forcing Stephanie and Evan to fight fire with fire. Meanwhile, Amara receives backlash at work for her prior indiscretions.

We Love Soaps recently spoke with Ambitions star Kendrick Cross about his role as good guy attorney Titus Hughes. We shared some laughs about our desire to see Titus take down Damian Collins (Alexander Mulzac) with a good right hook. Cross said he had moments of wanting the same thing.

"Let me hit him!" Cross once joked to Ambitions creator Jamey Giddens.

Could it happen tonight? We're not sure but Cross teased that it's a can't miss episode.

"It's a really big episode for Titus," he says. "You will see a turning point. Damian's tactics are working and we may see Titus get fed up with it."

Let's hope.

"You'll see Titus consider helping Rondell (Brely Evans)," he adds, "which will put him at odds with Stephanie (Robin Givens) again."

Exciting!

Check out a preview of tonight's episode of Ambitions below.

This Ain't No Tea Party: 'Ambitions' "Giving Up" Preview

The next episode of Ambitions airs tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.

In "Giving Up," Stephanie finds a way to put her enemies at bay, while the highly anticipated anniversary celebration at Thelma's Place ends sooner than expected.

In the sneak peek clip below, Stephanie (Robin Givens) presents Rondell (Brely Evans) and Senior (Tony Vaughn) with a new plan for Thelma's Place.

The Plot Thickens on 'Ambitions': "Backstabbers" Preview

Greg (Gino Anthony Pesi) and Stephanie (Robin Givens). Photo courtesy of OWN.

OWN's latest primetime soap opera, Ambitions, has become must-see TV with a unique combination of complicated relationships, sweet family moments and juicy sexcapades (even Senior is getting some action!). The next episode airs tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT and is aptly titled, "Backstabbers."

While Stephanie (Robin Givens) and her mother, Irene Carlisle (Donna Biscoe), conspire against Rondell (Brely Evans), Titus (Kendrick Cross) takes matters into his own hands. Meanwhile, Rondell makes personal and professional moves, and Greg's (Gino Anthony Pesi) family means business.

Former Days of our Lives actor Matt Cedeño guest stars as Ignacio De Santos.

Check out a "Backstabbers" sneak peek video below along with more photos from the episode.

Temptation Tuesday Means It's Time for a New 'Ambitions'

Which soap opera has the most riveting storylines this summer? It's Ambitions, airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.

On tonight's new episode, "What About Your Friends", Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) is a force to be reckoned with at a Women's Empowerment Summit, while Bella Tru (Erica Page) forges an alliance with Roderick (Karon Riley).

Check out a sneak peek below.

'David Makes Man' to Premiere August 14 on OWN

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today that its anticipated new drama series David Makes Man from Academy Award winner Tarell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight) and Warner Horizon Scripted Television will premiere on Wednesday, August 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT following the network's critically acclaimed drama Queen Sugar (Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT). The series premiere will be presented by Lexus with limited commercial interruption.

David Makes Man centers on a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty. He must choose between the streets that raised him or the higher education that may offer him a way out. Set in South Florida, the series is inspired by events in McCraney's own life and explores childhood trauma and the power of imagination to survive. The drama stars Akili McDowell (The Astronaut Wives Club) as David, a ferociously observant, instinct-driven, passionate teenager, who toggles between two distinct personas that reflect his surroundings and metabolizes his world like a chameleon, but not without exacting an emotional price; Alana Arenas (Hall of Passes) plays David's hard-working single mother Gloria, a former drug user with a smile that melts and while rarely home, she wants better for her kids than what they've got; Isaiah Johnson ("Hamilton") plays Sky, an enigmatic and wise dope dealer who is also David's close friend and occasional mentor in the projects; Travis Coles (Liza on Demand) portrays Mx. Elijah, gender queer and assigned male at birth and doesn't consider herself 'trans,' but always thought of herself as both, Mx. Elijah doesn't disclose pronouns as long as it's with respect - a long-time Homestead Village resident who knows a great deal, but discusses few; Phylicia Rashad (One Life to Live, The Cosby Show) plays Dr. Woods-Trap, the lithe, alive, quick-witted and intimidating teacher that is motherly yet firm toward David, seeing something very special in him and remains an advocate for him; Nathaniel Logan McIntyre (Celebrity Ghost Stories) plays Seren, David's incredibly vulnerable best friend at the magnet school for academically gifted kids who takes a risk by revealing a painful secret to David; Cayden K. Williams (Girls Trip) plays Jonathan "JG" Greg, David's rough-and-tumble younger brother, who acts tough in front of his peers but still needs his big brother and mom to be there for him; Ade Chike Torbert (East Los High) is Raynan, the local drug dealer running the movements in The Ville who talks a good game about taking care of the neighborhood and running things for Sky while also attempting to connect with David the way Sky did, except he seeks a disciple not a friend or brother; Jordan Bolger (Peaky Blinders) plays Shinobi, Raynan's second-in-command who nearly comes to blows with David, whom he resents.

The series also features Tony winner and Emmy/Golden Globe nominee Ruben Santiago-Hudson (The Quad, Another World), Elvis Nolasco (American Crime), Gillian Williams (The Girlfriend Experience), Juanita Jennings (Star), Liza Colón-Zayas (Proven Innocent), Lindsey Blackwell (Step Sisters), Lela Rochon (Training Day) and Nick Creegan, all with recurring roles.

Watch the trailer below.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Robin Givens Teases 'Ambitions' is Full of "Drama, Drama, Drama"

At long last, Jamey Giddens' highly anticipated primetime soap opera, Ambitions, premieres tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN, following a new episode of The Haves and the Have Nots. Ambitions explores the sexy, deceitful machinations of love, power and politics in America’s hottest urban mecca, Atlanta, Georgia. The series centers around the intense rivalry between formidable legal eagles Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) and Amara Hughes (Essence Atkins), former best friends from college who find themselves adversaries in both their personal and professional lives. Full descriptions of ensemble below:

Givens plays the sophisticated Stephanie, who hails from a long line of distinguished attorneys. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of her family's prestigious law firm and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

We Love Soaps caught up with Givens when we visited the Ambitions set in Atlanta. Check out what she had to say in our interview below.

WE LOVE SOAPS: What was your first reaction when you read the script for Ambitions? What stood out to you?
ROBIN GIVENS: It was sort of interesting because I was working on Riverdale and The Fix at the same time. With Riverdale, I worked with that character for some time so I understood her. The Fix was a pretty tough character (Julieanne Johnson) for me, and it was a lot of work. When my agent sent me the script for Ambitions, I was like, "No, I'm fine." I was already working on two shows but when I read it I was like, "Okay, no one can do this better than I can" [laughs]. So I borrowed a dress from The Fix, went in for the audition and did my thing.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Brely Evans Recommends You have a Glass of Wine and a Fan When Watching 'Ambitions'

We are only one day from the premiere the most anticipated new series of the summer, the Jamey Giddens-penned Ambitions. Brely Evans stars as Rondell Lancaster, the sister of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian J. White) and manager of the Thelma's Place restaurant. As the new face of an anti-gentrification campaign, she never thought would become a crusader for the people, but it's a badge she wears with pride – and nobody is removing it.

Check out what Evans had to say when We Love Soaps traveled to the set in Atlanta back in April.

WE LOVE SOAPS: What was your first reaction when you read the script for Ambitions?
BRELY EVANS: When I read the audition sides I thought to myself, “I know her,” because she’s me. She’s outspoken and not afraid to have an opinion. She really doesn’t give a f*** if someone has something opposing to say. She really stands for the people and I’m coming from the “greater good” so “I’m right.” I have that fire in me too when it comes to my love for people. I couldn’t believe how I related to her so quickly.

As we get scripts for our scenes--one day I was standing up on my kitchen counter reading and my knees got weaker and weaker to where I found myself eye level with the counter going “oh my god!” That’s how exciting it is to find out what’s happening with Bella and Evan and my character and my suitors. Yeah, it’s so friggin' juicy! You should see our table reads.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Erica Page Expects 'Ambitions' to Grab Your Attention Right Away

Ambitions premieres on Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN. Erica Page stars as Bella (Tru) Trujillo, Atlanta's newest and trendiest fashion designer. She's the exclusive dress designer for First Lady Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) but has set her sights much higher.

We Love Soaps traveled to Atlanta in April to speak with the cast about the highly-anticipated new drama. Check out what Page had to say in our exclusive interview below.

WE LOVE SOAPS: What was your first reaction when you read the script for Ambitions? What stood out to you?
ERICA PAGE: I was really excited to play Bella. Brely [Evans, who plays Rondell Lancaster] and I actually worked on a show together right before this (Last Call). It was a fun and sassy role. Before that, I kept getting roles that were like the “frumpy nurse” or the “reporter.” It was the first role that I was sexy and fashionable. When I would watch my most recent roles, I would watch the scenes and think to myself “that doesn’t even look like me.” As I learned more about Bella, I relate to her in so many ways as far as her upbringing, not knowing her biological father--I didn’t in real life till I was older. So I connected with her in a lot ways.

WE LOVE SOAPS: Tell us about your character and what we can expect to see with your character as the series progresses.
ERICA PAGE: I talked to the writers so I knew Bella as a person, and then I know apart from what the writers tell us and the character choices we make as an actor. I already knew that Bella is a good person. Yes, she does some really stupid things and makes impulsive decisions that hurt people, but at the end of the day it all comes down to her baby and her company. She came from nothing and wants to make something of herself. She’s determined to make that happen and wants to be able to provide for her baby what she wasn’t able to have growing up. Bella is going to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Yes, she does hurt people along the way but especially as time goes you’re going to see that Bella does have remorse and feels bad. In the first few episodes, she seems like a savage. You’ll see that filters come off and she is a “good person” and has feelings. She’s not just doing this because she is a gold digger or all about herself. There’s meaning and depth underneath all of it for sure.

Kendrick Cross on Playing His 'Ambitions' Character: "Suddenly It Was Perfect"

Ambitions premieres Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN. Kendrick Cross stars as Titus Hughes, a passionate attorney and dedicated husband to Amara (Essence Atkins). Titus has accepted the challenge of being in-house counsel for a big pharma company run by Hunter Purifoy (Brian Bosworth) to fight a class action suit brought by the powerful Carlisle family.

Cross explained how he eased into the role when We Love Soaps visited the Ambitions set in April.

"Initially, when I first got the audition all they gave me was the scene," he said. "I didn’t know the backstory or anything else. I developed that character. When I got on set, I had eleven different people telling me 'no, he's this" or “no, he’s that.' I was a little confused for the first two episodes."

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Brian J. White Loves Shooting 'Ambitions' in Atlanta

We are only four days away from the premiere of the Jamey Giddens-penned and Will Packer-produced primetime soap opera Ambitions, which debuts on Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN. Ambitions is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city. Brian J. White stars as Evan Lancaster, the Mayor of Atlanta who is married to attorney Stephanie Carlisle (Robin Givens). Evan's dream is to be the first African-American governor of Georgia and there's no line he won't cross to get there.

The all-star cast also includes Essence Atkins as Amara Hughes, a lawyer in the U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross); Brely Evans as Rondell, Evan's sister, who runs a not-quite-profitable restaurant called Thelma's Place; and Erica Page as Bella, a fashion designer in Atlanta who designs all of Stephanie's dresses for her.

Prior to taking on the role of Evan in Ambitions, White starred in numerous television series and films including Ray Donovan, Bronx SIU, Chicago Fire, Scandal, Hostages, Beauty and the Beast, Mistresses, Man of a Certain Age, and many more.

We Love Soaps caught up with White when we traveled to Atlanta in April to speak with the Ambitions cast. Check out what she had to say in our exclusive interview below.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Essence Atkins Thinks You'll Become Addicted to 'Ambitions'

Essence Atkins stars as Amara Hughes in Ambitions.

Anticipation is building for the premiere of the Jamey Giddens-penned and Will Packer-produced primetime soap opera Ambitions, which debuts on Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN. Ambitions is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city. Essence Atkins stars as Amara Hughes, a lawyer in the U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent investigator and prosecutor.

The all-star cast also includes Robin Givens as Stephanie Carlisle, the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian J. White), whose true loyalty is to her own family's prestigious law firm where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers; Brely Evans as Rondell, Evan's sister, who runs a not-quite-profitable restaurant called Thelma's Place; and Erica Page as Bella, a fashion designer in Atlanta who designs all of Stephanie's dresses for her.

Prior to taking on the role of Amara in Ambitions, Atkins starred in numerous television series and films including Half & Half, Smart Guy, Mr. Box Office, Marlon, Are We There Yet?, Girlfriends' Getaway, Deliver Us from Eva, A Haunted House, Dance Flick, and many more.

We Love Soaps caught up with Atkins when we traveled to Atlanta in April to speak with the Ambitions cast. Check out what she had to say in our exclusive interview below.

WE LOVE SOAPS: What was your first reaction when you read the script for Ambitions?
ESSENCE ATKINS: I loved the idea of telling the story, especially from Amara's point of view. I auditioned for Will, and originally auditioned for the role of Stephanie. They liked what I did but wanted to see me as Amara. When I read the pilot, Amara was the character that I immediately connected with because of her earnestness when it came to keeping her marriage together. I went through a divorce in 2016 so there is a lot of "would have, could have, should have" moments that I still wrestle with a few years later, and questions that I have. I put a lot of that into Amara's character.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jamey Giddens Hits the Big Time with 'Ambitions'

Ambitions star Robin Givens and creator/producer Jamey Giddens.

Writer and producer Jamey Giddens made a name for himself covering soap operas for Daytime Confidential for more than a decade. His hilarious and insightful podcast commentary, and fascinating interviews, set him apart in the crowded blogosphere, not to mention the fact that he broke more news than every other soap opera journalist combined. What really made it work was his genuine love for the soaps as a lifelong viewer, combined with a deep understanding of how to tell stories as a talented writer. It was no surprise when he was asked to co-write the first season of Victoria Rowell's comedy series The Rich and the Ruthless, and earned an Indie Series Award nomination for his work. It was only a matter time before an even bigger break came his way, and it happened last year when prolific hit-maker Will Packer took notice and made a deal with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network to pick up the Giddens-penned drama Ambitions.

Ambitions is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.

The all-star cast is led by Robin Givens, who plays Stephanie Carlisle, the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian J. White), whose true loyalty is to her own family's prestigious law firm where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of the Carlisle family law firm and quietly fumes about her father Stephen's condescending assertion that she's simply not ready yet. Essence Atkins stars as Amara, a lawyer in U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent prosecutor but disappoints her supervisor by turning down the offer to run point on a major local case. Brely Evans portrays Rondell, Evan's sister, who runs a not-quite-profitable restaurant called Thelma's Place. Erica Page plays Bella, a fashion designer in Atlanta who designs all of Stephanie's dresses for her.

Kevin Arkadie is executive producer/showrunner, with Giddens and Will Packer Media's Sheila Ducksworth also serving as executive producers.

WE LOVE SOAPS: Situated in Atlanta, Giddens' award-winning writing staff includes Susan Dansby (As the World Turns, The Young and The Restless), Michele Val Jean (The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital), Trey Anthony (da Kink in my Hair, How Black Mothers Say I Love You) and Jazmen Darnell Brown (The Citizen, Saints & Sinners).

Ambitions premieres Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN, following a new episode of The Haves and the Have Nots.

We Love Soaps traveled to Atlanta in April to speak with Giddens and the cast about the much-anticipated series. Check out what Giddens had to say in our exclusive interview below.

You found success, and received an Indie Series Award nomination, for your work on The Rich and the Ruthless, but Ambitions has taken you to a whole other level. What has this journey been like for you these past few months?
JAMEY GIDDENS: I've been in the trenches with it for so long. The work has pretty much taken over my life. Moments like this... a few weeks ago we had the first photo shoot and when we released the trailer is when I was able to go, “Oh, this is really happening" and people are reacting and responding to this.

We're here fourteen hours a day just living and breathing the production aspect of it, and working in the writers' room. I've been told once we wrap I'll really start to see everything.

It definitely has been life-changing. I've never just had one job and now I'm able to fully support myself as a writer and producer, which is an amazing opportunity for any writer. It's been a rare experience having been able to do this from development, and then being a part of the entire process to the point where it was picked up.

'Ambitions': Meet Stephanie, Amara, Evan, Titus, Rondell & Bella

We are only 25 days away from the premiere of the much-anticipated drama series, Ambitions, which explores the sexy, deceitful machinations of love, power and politics in Atlanta. You can tune in Tuesday, June 18th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN to catch all the drama.

Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens (The Rich and the Ruthless) and produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Debmar-Mercury, Ambitions stars a dynamic ensemble cast including Robin Givens, Brian White, Kendrick Cross, Brely Evans, Erica Page and Essence Atkins.

The series centers around the intense rivalry between formidable legal eagles Stephanie Lancaster (Givens) and Amara Hughes (Atkins), former best friends from college who find themselves adversaries in both their personal and professional lives.

Find out more about the lead characters below.

'Ambitions' to Premiere June 18, New Trailer Released!

New steamy family saga Ambitions is set to premiere on Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN, following Tyler Perry's hit drama The Haves and Have Nots (9-10 p.m. ET/PT). The network also released a trailer for the series today.

Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens and produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Lionsgate-owned distributor Debmar-Mercury, Ambitions stars a dynamic ensemble cast including Robin Givens (Riverdale), Brian White (Scandal), Kendrick Cross (Acrimony), Brely Evans (Being Mary Jane), Erica Page (Ozark) and Essence Atkins (Marlon).

Ambitions explores the sexy, deceitful machinations of love, power and politics in America’s hottest urban mecca, Atlanta, Georgia. The series centers around the intense rivalry between formidable legal eagles Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) and Amara Hughes (Essence Atkins), former best friends from college who find themselves adversaries in both their personal and professional lives. Full descriptions of ensemble below:

* Robin Givens is the sophisticated ‘Stephanie Lancaster.’ Hailing from a long line of distinguished attorneys, Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of her family’s prestigious law firm and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

* Brian White is ‘Evan Lancaster,’ the Mayor of Atlanta, who is married to attorney Stephanie Carlisle. Evan’s dream is to be the first African-American governor of Georgia and there’s no line he won’t cross to get there.

* Kendrick Cross stars as ‘Titus Hughes,’ a passionate attorney and dedicated husband to Amara (Essence Atkins). Titus has accepted the challenge of being in-house counsel for a big pharma company run by Hunter Purifoy (Brian Bosworth) to fight a class action suit brought by the powerful Carlisle family.

* Brely Evans stars as ‘Rondell Lancaster,’ the sister of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster and manager of the Thelma’s Place restaurant. As the new face of an anti-gentrification campaign, she never thought she’d become a crusader for the people, but it’s a badge she wears with pride – and nobody is removing it.

* Erica Page plays the role of ‘Bella (Tru) Trujillo,’ Atlanta’s newest and trendiest fashion designer. She’s the exclusive dress designer for First Lady Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) but has set her sights much higher.

* Essence Atkins plays the role of ‘Amara Hughes,’ a lawyer in the U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent investigator and prosecutor.

In addition, Brian Bosworth (What Men Want), Matt Cedeño (Days of our Lives), Deena Dill (Conrad & Michelle), Gino Anthony Pesi (Shades of Blue) and Kayla Smith (Star) will appear in recurring roles.

Check out the newly released trailer below.

Sneak Peak of New Jamey Giddens Soap 'Ambitions'

"Lovers, competitors, enemies, friends, scandal, and that's just for starters," teases Robin Givens in a new first look video for Ambitions, the upcoming primetime soap opera created by Indie Series Award nominated writer Jamey Giddens. Givens stars as Stephanie Lancaster in the OWN series, which premieres in June. Check out the preview below.

Only a Queen Can Sit on the Throne: Check out Robin Givens as Stephanie in a New 'Ambitions' Teaser

We are only two months away from the premiere of Ambitions, the much-anticipated primetime soap opera created by Indie Series Award nominated writer Jamey Giddens (The Rich and the Ruthless). Ambitions is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.

Riverdale's Robin Givens leads the ensemble cast. She plays Stephanie Carlisle, the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian White), whose true loyalty is to her own family's prestigious law firm, where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of the Carlisle family law firm and quietly fumes about her father Stephen’s condescending assertion that she’s simply not ready yet.

Catch a sneak peek of Queen Stephanie in a new teaser video below.

'Ambitions' Production Underway with Stars Robin Givens, Essence Atkins, Brian White, Kendrick Cross, Brely Evans & Erica Page

Production is now underway in Atlanta on the much-anticipated drama Ambitions, created by Jamey Giddens and produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Lionsgate-owned distributor Debmar-Mercury. The multigenerational family saga features an all-star cast including Robin Givens (Riverdale, The Bold and the Beautiful), Essence Atkins (Marlon, Half and Half), Brian White (Ray Donovan, Scandal), Kendrick Cross (Acrimony, Tales from the Hood 2), Brely Evans (Turnt, Being Mary Jane) and Erica Page (Ozark, Bad Dad Rehab). Multiple award-winning writer/EP Kevin Arkadie (The Quad, New York Undercover) has joined as showrunner. Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens (The Rich and The Ruthless) from an original idea by Packer, Ambitions will debut on OWN in March 2019, with the pilot episode directed by Benny Boom (All Eyez on Me, Black Lightning).

Ambitions is centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.

Robin Givens stars as ‘Stephanie Carlisle,’ the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian White), whose true loyalty is to her own family's prestigious law firm, where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of the Carlisle family law firm and quietly fumes about her father Stephen's condescending assertion that she's simply not ready yet. Givens is represented by PANTHEON.

Essence Atkins plays the role of ‘Amara,’ a lawyer in U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent prosecutor but disappoints her supervisor by turning down the offer to run point on a major local case. Atkins is represented by Buchwald and Kathy McComb Management.

'Queen Sugar' Renewed for Fourth Season on OWN

OWN announced today it has renewed for a fourth season Ava DuVernay's critically acclaimed drama series Queen Sugar, ahead of the extended 90-minute season three finale airing Wednesday, August 22 (10-11:30 p.m. ET/PT).

In addition, Queen Sugar co-executive producer Anthony Sparks will take the reigns as showrunner/executive producer for season four, continuing DuVernay's intention of providing showrunner opportunities to those who have never before held the position.

"Under Ava's creative vision and leadership, Queen Sugar continues to earn a well-deserved reputation for depicting nuanced characters, rich storylines and establishing an inclusive team that inspires and ignites much needed conversations about our society today," said Erik Logan, president, OWN. "We are very proud of this show, the incredible cast, producers and crew, and can't wait for more of the Bordelon family in season four."

In the series' season three finale, Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) receives some unexpected news, the fate of the correctional facility is revealed, and Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) makes a proposal on behalf of the farmers. Plus, Violet (Tina Lifford) and Hollywood (Omar J. Dorsey) celebrate their love. The series also stars Nicholas Ashe, Dondré T. Whitfield, Bianca Lawson and Henry G. Sanders. Timon Kyle Durrett guest stars.

Check out a sneak peek below.

OWN Renews 'Love Is ___' For Second Season

OWN announced today it has renewed for a second season its hit romantic drama series Love Is___ from award-winning producers Mara Brock Akil (Being Mary Jane, The Game) and Salim Akil (Black Lightning). The Akils created and executive produced the series through their company Akil Productions, in association with Warner Horizon Scripted Television. Brock Akil serves as the series' showrunner, as well as director for the pilot and upcoming season finale episode (Tuesday, August 21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT).

Love Is___ (Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT) premiered June 19 with 1.2 million viewers and a 1.2 W25-54 rating (L+3) and was the night's #2 telecast on all of television among African American women. The July 17 telecast achieved a series high across all key demos and total viewers with 1.4 million viewers and a 1.51 W25-54 rating. On average over its series run, Love Is___ ranks as the #1 show on cable in its time period with W25-54.

"Mara and Salim have brought their heart and soul to this passion project working with our friends at Warner Horizon Scripted Television and we couldn't be more thrilled to renew the show for a second season," said Erik Logan, president, OWN. "This series is an important part of OWN's scripted programming lineup and to see the ratings grow as the Akils' love story unfolds each week is truly exciting."

Set primarily in 1990's Los Angeles against the backdrop of Black Hollywood, Love Is___ follows Nuri (Michele Weaver) and Yasir (Will Catlett), a couple from seemingly opposite worlds, as they chase their dreams and learn to follow their hearts. Told from the perspective of the couple's present-day selves, the romantic drama also revisits the social issues and vibrant black culture of that time reflecting on how it all aligned to shape the couple they have become nearly 20 years later -- a power couple navigating a complex set of social codes while also balancing successful careers and a beautiful family. Drawing inspiration from creators Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil's own relationship journey, the series explores the highs, the lows, and the magic of falling (and staying) in love.

'Greenleaf' Season 3 Premieres August 28 on OWN

Season 3 of OWN's hit megachurch drama Greenleaf will premiere on Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29 at 10 p.m. each night.

The drama-filled season will feature guest stars including multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Grammy Award-winning actor Beau Bridges (Homeland), who plays Bob Whitmore, the folksy and charming founder of Harmony of Hope Ministries - a massive denomination with churches all over the world - who will use any unsavory tool at his disposal to win. Iyanla Vanzant, six-time New York Times' best-selling author, acclaimed spiritual life coach and star of OWN's popular Iyanla: Fix My Life, portrays herself helping Charity (Deborah Joy Winans) finally find her place in the Greenleaf family. Multiple Grammy Award-winning recording artist, actress, and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle ("American Horror Story," "Daytime Divas") guest stars in the recurring role of Maxine Patterson - a famous Christian motivational speaker and the CEO of a global Christian self-help empire; an old friend of Lady Mae's (Lynn Whitfield) from college days, Maxine will be Lady Mae's sounding board and greatest ally as Lady Mae attempts to consolidate her power at Calvary.

In season three of Greenleaf, all the turbulent forces that Grace's (Merle Dandridge) return to Memphis unleashed threaten to destroy not just the church her family built, but the family itself. Fallout from last season's shocking revelation of Bishop's (Keith David) infidelities with Lady Mae's (Lynn Whitfield) sister Mavis (Oprah Winfrey), as well as reverberations from his current dalliance with that insidious Jezebel, Rochelle Cross (LeToya Luckett) lead to all-out war in the Greenleaf home, setting the Bishop and Lady Mae on a collision course that, unless God or Grace intervenes, can only end one way: divorce.