Plot Synopsis

RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL is a one-hour reality series that follows media mogul Rickey Smiley as he balances his job in Atlanta with his family life in Birmingham, Alabama, while trying to address the lack of romance in his life. In this series, viewers get a sneak peek at Smiley's most important role -- fatherhood -- as he keeps his head above water with an untraditional schedule and lifestyle. FOR REAL chronicles Smiley in both relatable and un-relatable situations -- cooking dinner, performing on stage, family outings, business meetings, raising his kids, celebrity dates and coaching co-workers -- as well as providing an insider's look at his professional life on the road, in-studio and backstage. RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL also introduces viewers to his four children -- sons Brandon and Malik and daughters D'Essence and Aaryn -- as well as his extended family of co-workers, colleagues and friends -- his nephew Craig, live-in assistant Miss Pat, personal assistant Angie, business consultant Bruce Demps, childhood friend and family lawyer Nakita Blocton, radio co-hosts Da Brat, Gary With Da Tea, HeadKrack, Rock T and Juicy, and radio show producers Beyonce and Hollywood. Season 2 of RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL premiered on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT on TV One. Throughout the second season, Smiley will also do his best to keep his kids on the right track. He is concerned with how his success may be affecting his family, particularly the boys. Brandon, Malik and Craig each challenge Smiley as they attempt to find themselves, landing in a variety of behavioral, disciplinary and legal issues. And as always, he keeps a close eye on daughters D'Essence and Aaryn as they face their own growing pains. "Season 2 is already showing signs of being even bigger and better than our stupendous season one," said Smiley. "I am hugely thankful to the viewers for their support and excited about TV One's dedication to bringing a quality second season to our viewers. Thank you all for allowing my family inside your homes every Tuesday night!" Smiley's radio family continues to play an integral role in his life, with everyone supporting each other in their attempts to reach personal and professional goals. When Gary isn't finding love in all the wrong places, he is focused on making his male underwear line the next big thing. In addition, Da Brat and Krack expand their music and acting careers, Juicy shores up her clothing label and Rock-T sets the example for them all with his self-proclaimed "near perfect" marriage and charitable work. On Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 8pm ET/PT, TV One premiered the third season of RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL. Aaryn, Smiley's youngest daughter, has moved to Bogota, Colombia because her mother received a promotion. The family travels to visit and secrets are revealed. Meanwhile, Da Brat, who is now an artist manager, tries to get her first act signed- a temperamental rapper named Cornbread. She meets with record labels, artists and her mentor Jermaine Dupri, and quickly learns that being an artist was a lot easier than managing one. Gary with da Tea is on a mission to host his own talk show. Focused on his goal, he meets with TV producers and tries to persuade them, as well as the morning show, to see his vision. When a co-host is recommended to complement his show persona, Gary auditions Porsha Williams, Tiny and Derek J among other personalities, in his quest to be the next big daytime talk show host. Finally, while Smiley begins to reconcile with his estranged nephew Craig, his relationship with his oldest son, Brandon, has become so strained that they haven't communicated with each other in months. Both men are being stubborn about the situation, and it will take a tremendous effort from his family, the morning show crew and the family therapist to try to get them back together. Season 4 of RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL premiered on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 8pm ET/PT on TV One. This season the show covers the changing dynamics as Rickey Smiley works to balance a family of growing, opinionated young adults while expanding his entertainment empire by directing a sitcom and creating/hosting a game show. Various relationships will be revealed and tested throughout the season. When Rickey learns that D'essence is working at a hookah club instead of attending college, he quickly intervenes and moves her from Miami to Atlanta. Under his watch and support, her new job will be to find employment and get back in school. However, Rickey is unaware that his decision will only move D'essence closer to her "situationship" with Cornbread, Da Brat's artist. Does this budding couple stand a chance or will father and manager put their unified foot down? Radio show producer Beyonce is pregnant and Gary has made it his mission to be her helpmate throughout the pregnancy. While his talk show is being shopped around, Gary volunteers to attend parenting classes and help plan a baby shower for the mom-to-be. However, all this baby talk is starting to impede on Gary's friendship with Juicy, and she is not happy about it. The family is growing up and beginning to go in different directions, so they dedicate time to put family first and make enjoyable moments together. Craig is quickly maturing. He has a new girlfriend, is preparing for prom and graduation, and lastly, heading to the Navy. Malik is busy at school and doesn't get much time to spend with his siblings, so the family makes time to have fun together. When Aaryn comes to visit from Columbia everyone is excited to see her, but it's the male companion that she wants to introduce to Rickey that catches everyone by surprise! Meanwhile, Brandon and Beonka will decide if they are going to take their relationship to the next level and get a place together. Is marriage next for them? This season Da Brat has made it her mission to give back to incarcerated women and document her prison experience. She finds joy in speaking with women behind bars to encourage them to make a life change for a better future. Meanwhile, Rickey is still looking for love. His good friend, Ed Lover, convinces Rickey to work with a professional matchmaker. Unfortunately, everyone wants to have a say in what type of woman will be best for the busy comedian. Season 5 of RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL premiered on Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT on TV One. This season the show captures Rickey Smiley navigating the ups and downs of his professional demands while adapting to new additions in his household, and juggling the growing pains of his young adult children. Various health topics and relationship matters are also revealed throughout the season. To kick things off, the promotions campaign celebrates Rickey's proud HBCU roots with a series of hilarious, high-energy spots. Featuring Rickey as an honorary 'drum major' for the Clark Atlanta University Marching Band, the rest of the cast, including Da Brat, Juicy, and Gary With da Tea, join in the fun.
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On Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 8pm ET/PT, TV One premiered teh Season 5 finale of RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL. In the season ender, "Hit the Road," Rickey gives Shyann and Samia a beautiful gift in Alabama, while Gary tries to make amends with Juicy after invading her privacy. D'essence tracks Brandon down for a heart to heart before Rickey reconciles with Brandon for a much needed conversation. Rickey hits the road for the Lit AF tour with Martin Lawrence and friends.