Executive producers Queen Latifah and Nicci Gilbert has joined forces in the reality show realm. Their new show, which airs on Centric TV, features five woman that are fighting to rebuild their lives after being publicly shammed. “From The Bottom Up” cast includes: Sara Stokes, the “Making the Band” singer who was arrested for domestic violence, Stacii Jae Johnson, a former Atlanta Mayor’s Office staffer who lost her job after a DUI, Kimberly Smedly, a backdoor surgeon who spent time in federal prison for administering butt injections, Christine Beatty, former Chief of Staff whose affair with former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick went public, and “Player’s Club” actress Chrystale Wilson, who nearly sabotaged her career after several incidents with the law. After finally catching episode one, “From The Bottom Up” seems to be a turmoil-to-triumph story for each of these women. What was particularly likable about the show is that the women are more apt to relate to the everyday woman, not the over-the-top reality show divas we are used to seeing. Although each of their stories are compelling and captures you enough to want more, will “From The Bottom Up” be able to stand a second season? That’s questionable at this point. However… If you are looking for something that is not as bright lights and red carpets as other reality shows featuring middle-age women, then “From The Bottom Up” will be a pleasure to watch. Kimberly’s story is one that will appeal to viewers as well as Christine’s. The strong personalities of Chrystale and Stacii Jae will clash and that will add an additional dimension to the story line. Sara Stokes ongoing family issues is almost embarrassing. We’ve seen her and her husband Tony showcase their dysfunction since “Making the Band.” Why are they still arguing? Overall, we give it a thumbs up so far. There’s only six episodes. So, if you have time to watch it, check it out. “From The Bottom Up” airs Saturdays at 10PM/9C!
