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.

The Year of Brely Evans: Our Exclusive Interview with the Rising Star of 'Ambitions'

You may have watched actress, singer and entertainer Brely Evans in films like Sparkle, Just Wright or The Man in 3B. You might have enjoyed her work on TV shows like Last Call, Family Business or Being Mary Jane. Perhaps you her loved her music with R&B trio Emage. Or all of the above. But no matter where you might have seen her before, chances are she made a huge impression. Brely Evans is a star. And she's currently starring in Ambitions on OWN as the scene-stealing Rondell Lancaster, the sister of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster and manager of the Thelma’s Place restaurant. She is fighting to keep her neighborhood from being taken over by corporate developers and discovering new strengths along the way.

We Love Soaps recently spoke with the talented multihyphenate about her career ambitions and her work on Ambitions. Check out our exclusive interview with Brely Evans below.

We Love Soaps: I'm calling 2019 "The Year of Brely Evans" because you're everywhere.
Brely Evans: Oh my God. I love that.

We Love Soaps: Can you give our readers a quick summary of your journey from the "pookie-pie" Twix commercial to starring this year in three primetime shows at the same time?
Brely Evans: Wow, you have done your homework. So that's where I started. I didn't know that I was an actor. I came to LA because music is my life, I love to sing. I was like, "Beyoncé who? It's all about Breloncé, okay?" So a friend of the neighbor said, "Oh, my God, I thought you were an actor. I would tell people that I live next door to this famous actress." And I said, "Well, you lied to a lot of people, because, no, I've never acted in my life." And he said, "Hey, I'm on my way to my agent's office, why don't you ride with me?"

And it was a commercial agent, and she signed me on the spot saying, "You should be on television," after one conversation. In that conversation she would say, "Hey, by the way, count the no's. That's a little game we play in the office, see how many no's you get before you get a yes." Oh, okay. So I went on, 10 auditions, no training, no head shot, no nothing, just walking in these doors. On my 10th audition I got my first yes. That was the Twix commercial. "Pookie-pie, do I look fat in these?" [laughs]

We Love Soaps: I think that pays a lot, so that's a good yes.
Brely Evans: It was an amazing moment for me. And when I got my first check for one 12-hour day of work I said, "Oh my God. I'm an actor. Where do I sign up for classes?" So that's when I began ...

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.

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: 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.

Robin Givens to Guest Star on 'The Bold and the Beautiful'

Actress Robin Givens has booking a guest-starring run on CBS soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful, according to EW.com.

She will appear in a three-episode arc as Dr. Phillips, Steffy Forrester Spencer's (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) obstetrician.

Givens currently plays Mayor Sierra McCoy in The CW's primetime serial Riverdale. She previously played Cheryl Harwood in 90210.

The actress is scheduled to make her first B&B appearance on February 15.