How Courtney Glaude and Armani Ortiz Are Refreshing Season 10 of ‘Sistas’
BET’s "Sistas" Season 10 Welcomes New Faces and Fresh Stories
The popular BET series "Sistas," created by Tyler Perry, has entered its tenth season, marking a significant shift in the show’s direction under the guidance of new writer and producer Courtney Glaude. Alongside director Armani Ortiz, Glaude aims to rejuvenate the narrative with a fresh approach.
In this latest season, the show bids farewell to cast members Ebony Obsidian and Novi Brown, who portrayed Karen Mott and Sabrina Hollins, respectively. The premiere episode explained their departures, revealing that Karen has relocated to Seattle, while Sabrina is currently in a coma due to an accident.
Joining the existing cast are Tunde Oyeneyin, a fitness influencer renowned for her work with Peloton, and actor Jordan Coleman. Coleman portrays Cheyenne Barnes, the chaotic sister of Andi, who is quickly introduced in the premiere when she finds herself needing to be bailed out of jail. Initial reactions to her character have been mixed, but some fans believe her messiness adds to her charm.
Madison Truitt, played by Oyeneyin, made her debut last week as a business owner with aspirations of collaborating with local entrepreneurs. She first approaches Rich, the owner of Fuel Rich Juice Bar, proposing a potential partnership. Madison is described as charismatic and driven, catching Rich’s attention.
In a recent interview, Glaude and Ortiz addressed fan concerns regarding the casting changes. Glaude clarified that the departures were not a result of dismissals but a natural evolution of the storyline. "The show is ‘Sistas,’ right? I don’t think anything is dying; it’s that the branches of the show are growing," he said.
As for Sabrina’s character, Glaude declined to disclose details about her fate, while Ortiz expressed a desire to bring back original cast members if the opportunity arises, highlighting the impact they had on the franchise.
The changes have stirred various reactions from the fanbase, with some expressing displeasure regarding the exits of beloved characters. Glaude welcomed the discourse, noting that it demonstrates the audience’s emotional investment in the series. "There’s all of the negative feedback, when y’all ain’t even seen it yet," he remarked, suggesting that fans should embrace the new direction.
Ortiz emphasized the importance of change in storytelling, stating, "As things progress… things have to change in order for the story to continue." He described the viewership engagement as vital to the show’s success, noting that the season premiered with over a million views, indicating a robust public interest.
The chemistry among the new cast members, particularly between Cheyenne and Andi, is poised to introduce intriguing storylines, as Cheyenne has insights into Andi’s past. Glaude highlighted their complicated dynamic, underscoring the different experiences they had growing up in the same household.
Regarding Tyler Perry’s involvement, Glaude confirmed that the creator remains engaged with the series, speaking with him regularly. "He is a creator who continues to create," Glaude said. Although Perry gives them creative freedom, he also ensures that the foundation he established remains intact.
As the season progresses, Glaude and Ortiz hinted at upcoming plot twists involving original cast members, promising surprises for longtime fans. New episodes of "Sistas" air Wednesday nights on BET.
