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When we think of reality television, certain names pop up, but few can rival the impact of Carlos King. As the driving force behind Kingdom Reign Entertainment, King has not only produced some of the most talked-about shows but also redefined the narrative landscape of unscripted television. His journey from a production assistant to a media mogul is a testament to his passion and commitment to storytelling that reflects the richness of diverse experiences.
The rise of a reality TV mogul
King’s career took off with his groundbreaking work on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, a show that has become a cultural phenomenon. “You know, a little show you may have heard about,” he chuckles, reminiscing about his humble beginnings as an associate producer in 2008. It was this very show that garnered him a place in reality TV history as the first Black man to executive produce a franchise from the series. He recalls, “I just kept falling in love with the ladies, the production, the audience.”
However, after achieving monumental success, King felt a compelling urge to carve out his path. He recognized a gap in the industry—an underrepresentation of Black-owned production companies in reality television. “I’m very ambitious, but I also believe in God’s timing,” he reflects. This realization led him to launch his own company, Kingdom Reign Entertainment, aiming to become a beacon of change.
Creating a platform for diverse stories
His first venture under the Kingdom Reign banner, Hollywood Divas, aired on TV One and provided a stage for Black actresses to share their journeys. Featuring talents like Golden Brooks and Countess Vaughn, the show ran for three successful seasons, solidifying King’s reputation as a key player in the industry.
But the crown jewel of his success has been the Love & Marriage franchise, particularly Love & Marriage: Huntsville, which debuted in 2019. King’s vision was clear: to enrich the reality TV landscape with stories that reflect the diversity of relationships. “I wanted to do a show where men have great perspectives too,” he states, emphasizing that men are not just passive observers in their relationships. He believes that the conversations couples have, especially during pillow talk, are just as important.
This innovative approach has made the show a ratings powerhouse for OWN, leading to multiple successful spinoffs. With nearly 70% of OWN’s programming hours under his wing, Carlos King’s influence is undeniable.
Beyond OWN: A vision for the future
King’s talents extend beyond his work with OWN. He has partnered with notable networks such as Netflix and Lifetime, crafting engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. His projects like Styling Hollywood and My Killer Body with K. Michelle highlight his commitment to telling authentic stories that often go untold.
What excites him most is creating opportunities for people of color both in front of and behind the camera. “I have a large, diverse group of producers who come from all walks of life,” he explains. This dedication to diversity is not just a business strategy for King; it’s a personal mission. He wants to ensure that everyone has a voice in the stories being told.
A new chapter: Stepping into the spotlight
In recent years, King has transitioned from behind-the-scenes to becoming a prominent figure in the industry through his podcast, Reality with the King. It all started when he was encouraged to host a reunion for Hollywood Divas, which put his face in front of the audience. “That put my face on the map,” he recalls. What began as a new venture has now blossomed into a successful platform where he connects with his audience twice a week.
His engagement with fans, affectionately known as the ‘Reigndrops,’ is something he genuinely cherishes. “Every Monday, I talk to my fans, and we get 50,000 to 70,000 views per episode weekly,” he shares, revealing the deep connection he maintains with his audience. Balancing his podcast with his production company and the demands of network meetings is no easy feat, but King insists that because he loves what he does, it never feels like work.
Overcoming challenges in the spotlight
Yet, being in the limelight comes with its own set of challenges. King acknowledges the unexpected scrutiny, admitting, “I wasn’t prepared for people just to make stuff up about me.” It’s a harsh reality of fame that many don’t see coming. However, his spirituality and faith serve as anchors, reminding him to stay focused amid the noise. “You know who you are…and you have to always stay focused,” he advises, reflecting on the importance of resilience.
As he navigates the complex world of reality TV, King remains committed to authenticity. Despite the pressures to conform to trends, he listens to his gut when deciding on guests for his podcast or new TV concepts. “I don’t want to cater to the younger audience by bringing on someone I don’t connect with,” he emphasizes. This approach has allowed him to maintain a genuine voice that resonates across different demographics.
Looking ahead: The future of reality TV
With the recent success of Love & Marriage: Detroit and a slew of new projects in development, Carlos King shows no signs of slowing down. “We were greenlit for another season of Belle Collective, so the Belles are back and they are ringing,” he hints, leaving fans eager for what’s next. His passion for storytelling and commitment to representation continues to push the boundaries of reality television.
In an industry often criticized for its lack of authenticity, Carlos King stands out as a beacon of change, proving that reality TV can be not just entertaining but also a powerful platform for diverse voices. As he continues to innovate and inspire, one can only wonder what this visionary will create next. After all, in the world of reality television, anything is possible.