‘Rickey Smiley For Real’ Season 5 Premieres on TV One Tues. October 30

TV One announced today that production is currently underway on season five of hit franchise RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL, a one-hour docu-series featuring award-winning syndicated radio personality, host and stand-up comedian Rickey Smiley, as he tries to juggle his career and home life. This season premieres on Tuesday, October 30 at 8 p.m. ET/7C and captures Smiley as he continues to navigate the ups and downs of professional demands, single fatherhood and intimate relationships. Shooting in Atlanta, where he resides during the week, and in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama, where he raises his family, Smiley’s struggle to find work-life balance while trying to maintain a love life has become a central focus and source of laughter for fans of the show.

“I’m excited that TV One is bringing Rickey Smiley For Real back for a fifth season. It’s truly been an honor to share my family with the world. Through my partnership with production company Bobbcat Films, we aim to create television the whole family can watch together,” says Rickey Smiley.

Infusing his authentic brand of comedy into every situation, this season RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL will deliver more of the 3 F’s – Fun, Family and Frama. “Frama” is the family drama that only people in Rickey’s close-knit circle can bring. At home, Rickey is turning 50 and dealing with everyone trying to turn his special day into something they want. Meanwhile, Rickey’s college-aged daughter D’Essence Smiley gets arrested for two DUI’s, Aaryn’s mom gets remarried, and Rickey now has 4 new teens living in his house courtesy of his over-the-top cousin.

Over at the radio station, fresh off her performance in the stage play “Set It Off,” Da Brat has decided that she wants to be the next female entertainment mogul. Headkrak and Beyonce have started an event planning company, while Juicy wants to start a surprising new side hustle! Porsha Williams tries to play matchmaker for Rickey, and Gary has discovered that he has a life-threatening health issue that he refuses to let conquer him. While the situations are at times as serious as they come, Rickey’s unique humor and perspective on life adds just the special ingredient to make season 5 the most exciting, emotional and entertaining season ever!

RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL is produced by Bobbcat Films for TV One with Rickey Smiley and Roger M. Bobb as executive producers, and Angi Bones as co-executive producer. For TV One, Susan Henry and Gold Morgan are executives-in-charge of production; Donyell McCullough is Sr. Director of Talent & Casting; and Robyn Greene Arrington is Interim Head of Original Programming and Production.

For more information about TV One’s upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using #RICKEYSMILEYFORREAL and #REPRESENT.

ABOUT RICKEY SMILEY:

2017 Marconi Award for Syndicated Personality of the Year, Rickey Smiley is known for making millions laugh for over 25 years. As a much-loved comedian, television host of Dish Nation, and top rated nationally syndicated radio personality of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Smiley has earned a reputation for delivering for audiences on and off stage. With the distinct ability to take everyday observations and turn them into comedic gold, Smiley is a standout in the entertainment world. Smiley is one of the few “clean” comics amongst the upper echelon of contemporary great Comedians. In addition, his comedy shows often include a live band, which he accompanies playing several instruments and singing.

Coming from his humble roots of Birmingham Alabama, Smiley rose to superstardom after igniting his 25-year career serving as opening act for Industry titans such as Steve Harvey, George Wallace, and Carl Strong. Throughout his career trajectory, Smiley has been one of the industry’s most towering forces in building an impressive empire that has landed him preeminent roles on radio, television, film and on-stage performances. For more information on Smiley’s personal and professional background, please visit: http://therealrickeysmiley.com/, http://www.rickeysmiley360.com and http://rickeysmileymorningshow.com/.

ABOUT BOBBCAT FILMS:

BobbCat Films is an award winning full-service film, television and digital content production and development company owned and operated by Roger Bobb and Angi Bones. Based in Atlanta GA, BobbCat Films also has offices in Los Angeles as well as a 30,000 square foot soundstage in Atlanta. Prior to creating BobbCat, Roger was the Executive Vice President of Tyler Perry Studios where he and Angi produced over 11 theatrical films such as “For Colored Girls”, “Why Did I Get Married I & II” and “Madea’s Big Happy Family”. Their films have collectively grossed over half a billion dollars. In addition to their motion picture work, they have produced, developed and sold over 500 sitcom episodes such as House of Payne (TBS), Meet The Browns (TBS), The Rickey Smiley Show (TV One) and Mann & Wife (Bounce TV). They also created and produced the non-scripted shows “A Mann’s World” (BET), The Battle (ESPN) and Rickey Smiley For Real (TV One). BobbCat has produced numerous television movies for various networks such as “Raising Izzie” (UP), “Girlfriends Getaway I & II” (TV One) & Let The Church Say Amen (BET) with Roger often also functioning as a director. The dou has won 7 NAACP Image Awards for their work.

ABOUT TV ONE:

Launched in January 2004, TV One serves 59 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult black viewers. The network represents the best in black culture and entertainment with fan favorite shows Uncensored, Unsung, Rickey Smiley For Real, Fatal Attraction and The NAACP Image Awards. In addition, TV One is the cable home of blockbuster drama Empire, and NewsOne Now, the only live daily news program dedicated to black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV OneHigh Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is solely owned by Urban One, Inc., formerly known as Radio One, Inc. [NASDAQ: UONE and UONEK, www.urban1.com], the largest African-American owned multi-media company primarily targeting Black and urban audiences