Queens
GenreMusical drama
Created byZahir McGhee
Starring
ComposerSwizz Beatz
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producers
Production locations
CinematographySidney Sidell
Production companiesHow My Hair Look
Windpower Entertainment
ABC Signature
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseOctober 19, 2021 (2021-10-19) –
February 15, 2022 (2022-02-15)

Queens was an American musical drama television series that premiered on October 19, 2021, on ABC.[1][2] It starred Eve, Naturi Naughton, Nadine Velazquez and Brandy Norwood. It received generally positive reviews from critics. In May 2022, the series was canceled after one season.[3]

Plot

Brianna, Naomi, Jill and Valeria once appeared as the "Nasty Bitches" in the 1990s. Together, the four of them not only turned the world of hip-hop upside down but also achieved legendary status through their music. The four women are now in their forties, unworldly and largely estranged from one another. By reuniting the four, there is now a chance to return to old fame and prestige. But will the former megastars, also known as Professor Sex, Butter Pecan, Jill Da Thrill, and Xplicit Lyrics, manage to achieve this ambitious goal?

Cast and characters

Main

Recurring

  • Precious Way as Jojo Harris, Naomi's 20-year-old daughter[10]
  • Cam'ron as a fictionalized version of himself, a rapper who was featured on one of the group's hit records and also had a previous relationship with Naomi. He re-enters Naomi's life as the ladies attempt to take over the hip-hop world again.[11][12][13]
  • Felisha Terrell as Tina Dubois, Jill's girlfriend[14]
  • RonReaco Lee as Jeff Robinson, Brianna's husband and the father of their five children. He is a doting dad, but unfaithful, with his behavior pushing Brianna towards divorce until a medical emergency compels the couple to come together despite the issues that have strained their marriage.
  • Emerson Brooks as Darren Filgo, Jill's ex-husband and a deacon in their church
  • Elaine del Valle as Valentina, a woman posing as Valeria's estranged mother
  • Remy Ma as Zadie "Lady Z", Naomi's formal rival who is newly signed by Nasty Girl Records
  • Fivio Foreign as himself, a rapper who has a one night stand with Brianna.

Guest

  • Lucius Baston as DJ Kool Red, a DJ from the early 90's that introduces the young group for the first time

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date [15]U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"1999"Tim StoryZahir McGheeOctober 19, 2021 (2021-10-19)1.75[16]
The four stars of a once popular girl group reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had in the '90s.
2"Heart Of Queens"Tim StoryZahir McGheeOctober 26, 2021 (2021-10-26)1.48[17]
Brianna deals with the shattering truths of her marriage; Jill decides it is time to stop living a lie and comes clean about who she really is; after a fateful meeting with Cam'ron, Naomi struggles with finally putting herself first.
3"Who You Calling a Bitch?"Shiri ApplebyZahir McGhee & Heather MitchellNovember 2, 2021 (2021-11-02)1.16[18]
After a bad review, the women come to terms with the fact that their old image and music no longer serve them; while Naomi struggles to maintain creative control, Brianna argues for a more collaborative group effort; Eric takes Valeria out to dinner.
4"Ain't No Sunshine"Crystle RobersonNjeri BrownNovember 9, 2021 (2021-11-09)1.34[19]
5"Do Anything for Clout"Benny BoomJordan Reddout & Gus HickeyNovember 16, 2021 (2021-11-16)1.23[20]
6"Behind the Throne"Daniel WillisTeleplay by : Zahir McGhee & Heather Mitchell
Story by : Stacy Traub		November 23, 2021 (2021-11-23)1.11[21]
7"Who Shot Ya"Crystle RobersonTess LeibowitzDecember 7, 2021 (2021-12-07)1.46[22]
8"God's Plan"Stacey MuhammadHeather MitchellDecember 14, 2021 (2021-12-14)1.14[23]
9"Bars"Rachel RaimstMamoudou N'DiayeJanuary 4, 2022 (2022-01-04)1.47[24]
10"Nasty Girl Records"Sidney SiddellKyra JonesJanuary 11, 2022 (2022-01-11)1.19[25]
11"I'm A Slave 4 U"Menhaj HudaValeska RodriguezJanuary 18, 2022 (2022-01-18)1.30[26]
12"Let the Past Be the Past"Ruba NaddaNjeri Brown & Jordan ReddoutFebruary 8, 2022 (2022-02-08)1.03[27]
13"2022"Crystle RobersonLee Johnson & Zahir McGheeFebruary 15, 2022 (2022-02-15)1.07[28]

Production

Development

In January 2021, ABC ordered a pilot for a musical drama titled Queens from Scandal writer and executive producer, Zahir McGhee.[29] In March 2021, it was announced that Tim Story would direct the pilot episode.[30] On May 14, 2021, Queens was given a series order, with an official premiere date of October 19, 2021.[2] On May 6, 2022, ABC canceled the series after one season.[3]

Casting

In February 2021, Eve was cast to play the role of Brianna.[4] Later that month, Naturi Naughton landed the role of Jill.[6] In March, it was announced that Pepi Sonuga would portray Lauren Rice.[9] On March 8, 2021, Brandy was cast in the role as Naomi.[5] The following day, Nadine Velazquez was cast as Valeria, and the day after that, Taylor Sele was cast as Eric Jones.[7][8]

Music

On October 1, 2021, the first promo single from Queens (“Nasty Girl") was released featuring Norwood alongside the cast: Eve, Naughton and Velazquez.[31] A music video, directed by Tim Story, was released on the same day.[32] This was followed on October 18, 2021, by another rap song from the Queens soundtrack (“The Introduction”) which was co-written by Nas.[33] A solo song from the soundtrack (“Hear Me”), performed solely by Norwood, was also released worldwide on digital download and streaming sites on the same day.[34] The music producer for the series is Swizz Beatz.[35] To coincide with the second episode of the series, three new tracks were released to all digital download and streaming sites. These were “Belly of the Bitch”, “Heart of Queens” (featuring rapper Cam’ron) and a cover of Miley Cyrus' “Wrecking Ball” performed by Brandy.[36] “Girls Gonna Run That”, rapped by the four leads, was released on November 1, 2021.[37] A rap battle between Brandy and Eve was released on November 3, 2021.[38][39] Another Brandy solo was released on November 8, 2021, a cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain't No Sunshine”.[40] Brandy's "Until My Final Breath" was released on December 13, 2021.[41] On January 3, 2022, "Lady Z Strikes Back (Can't Stop You)" by Brandy and Remy Ma was released.[42]

Release

In the United States, the series premiered on October 19, 2021, on ABC.[1][2] In Canada, the series aired on CTV.[43] The series is also set to premiere on Disney+ via the streaming hub Star as an original series in selected countries.[44][45][46] In Latin America, the series will premiere as a Star+ original.[47] In India, Disney+ Hotstar will premiere the show exclusively.[48] Both seasons were removed from Disney+ in 2022 due to cost cutting measures.[49]

Reception

Critical response

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 8.00/10, based on 14 critic reviews.[50] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 75 out of 100 based on 7 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."[51]

Caroline Framke for Variety praised the quartet’s musical offering, calling their raps “sharp and distinct […] making clear their talent as both individuals and a swaggering collective”.[52] Liz Shannon Miller for Collider enthused the show “may become addictive viewing for longtime fans of the stars, as well as newcomers to the scene.”[35] Joel Keller for Decider felt “There’s nothing revolutionary or daring about Queens, […] but, judging by the first episode, it’s well-executed froth that can go in any direction McGhee and his writers feel like going in.”[53]

Ratings

Viewership and ratings per episode of Queens
No. Title Air dateRating
(18–49)		Viewers
(millions)		DVR
(18–49)		DVR viewers
(millions)		Total
(18–49)		Total viewers
(millions)
1 "1999" October 19, 20210.41.75[16]0.21.760.52.51[54]
2 "Heart of Queens" October 26, 20210.31.48[17]TBDTBDTBDTBD
3 "Who You Calling a Bitch?" November 2, 20210.31.16[18]TBDTBDTBDTBD
4 "Ain't No Sunshine" November 9, 20210.31.34[19]TBDTBDTBDTBD
5 "They Do Anything for Clout" November 16, 20210.31.23[20]0.20.540.51.77[55]
6 "Behind the Throne" November 23, 20210.31.11[21]0.20.600.51.72[56]
7 "Who Shot Ya" December 7, 20210.31.46[22]0.20.460.51.92[57]
8 "God's Plan" December 14, 20210.21.14[23]TBDTBDTBDTBD
9 "Bars" January 4, 20220.31.47[24]TBDTBDTBDTBD
10 "Nasty Girl Records" January 11, 20220.31.19[25]TBDTBDTBDTBD
11 "I'm A Slave 4 U" January 18, 20220.31.30[26]TBDTBDTBDTBD
12 "Let the Past Be the Past" February 8, 20220.21.03[27]TBDTBDTBDTBD
13 "2022" February 15, 20220.21.07[28]TBDTBDTBDTBD

Accolades

The song "Nasty Girl" was nominated for Outstanding Original Song at the 2022 Black Reel Awards for Television.[58][59]

References

  1. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (May 18, 2021). "ABC 2021-22 Schedule: 'Big Sky' On Thursday & Comedy Block In Fall, 'Black-Ish' Farewell In Midseason". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 18, 2021. Retrieved July 12, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Pedersen, Erik (July 15, 2021). "ABC Fall Premiere Dates: New 'Wonder Years' & 'Queens' Join 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Good Doctor', 'Bachelorette', 'Goldbergs' & More". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  3. 1 2 Del Rosario, Alexandra (May 6, 2022). "'Queens' Canceled By ABC After One Season". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 7, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  4. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (February 19, 2021). "Eve To Star In ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot 'Queens' From Zahir McGhee". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  5. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (March 8, 2021). "Brandy To Star In ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot 'Queens'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  6. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (February 25, 2021). "Naturi Naughton To Star In ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot 'Queens'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  7. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (March 9, 2021). "Nadine Velazquez To Star In ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot 'Queens'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  8. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (March 10, 2021). "'Queens': Taylor Sele Joins ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  9. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (March 3, 2021). "'Queens': Pepi Sonuga Joins ABC's Hip-Hop Drama Pilot". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  10. ↑ "'Queens': Precious Way Joins ABC's Musical Drama Series As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood. September 8, 2021. Archived from the original on April 10, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  11. ↑ Bell, Breanna (September 18, 2021). "'Queens': ABC Show 'Queens' Recruits Major Rapper for Recurring Role". PopCulture.com. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  12. ↑ Lakes Media Music News (September 20, 2021). "Cam'ron joins the cast of 'Queens' starring Brandy, Naturi Naughton and Eve". LakesMediaNetwork.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  13. ↑ Inman, Demicia (September 21, 2021). "Cam'ron To Star In Upcoming ABC Series, 'Queens'". Vibe. Archived from the original on September 23, 2021. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  14. ↑ "'Queens': Felisha Terrell Joins ABC's 'Queens' & Starz's 'BMF' As Recurring". Deadline. September 28, 2021. Archived from the original on February 7, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Shows A-Z - queens on abc". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
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  31. ↑ "Nasty Girl (single)". Apple Music. October 1, 2021. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  32. ↑ Abraham, Mya (October 1, 2021). "Brandy, Eve, Naturi Naughton, And Nadine Velazquez Drop "Nasty Girl" Single, Ahead Of 'Queens' Premiere". Vibe. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  33. ↑ "Queens Cast The Introduction". Apple Music. October 18, 2021. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
  34. ↑ "Queens Cast Brandy Hear Me". Apple Music. October 18, 2021. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved October 18, 2021.
  35. 1 2 "'Queens' Review: ABC's Girl Group Drama Spits Fire, Thanks to Eve, Brandy, and Director Tim Story". Collider. October 12, 2021. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  36. ↑ "Brandy Wrecking Ball". October 25, 2021. Archived from the original on October 25, 2021. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  37. ↑ "Queens Cast Girls Gonna Run That". Apple Music. November 1, 2021. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  38. ↑ "Queens cast, Eve, Brandy - Rap Battle". YouTube. November 21, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  39. ↑ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (November 3, 2021). "Watch Brandy and Eve Go Bar-for-Bar in a Rap Battle Over Classic Black Rob and Mobb Deep Beats on 'Queens'". Complex. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
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  58. ↑ "6th Bolts TV Nominees". Black Reel Awards. Retrieved 2023-06-14.
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