Essence Atkins Joins Season 2 Of BET+ Series ‘First Wives Club’

Actress Essence Atkins announced on her Instagram account that she has joined the cast of the BET+ series First Wives Club for its second season.

Developed by Girls Trip co-writer Tracy Oliver, the series stars Ryan Michelle Bathe, Jill Scott and Michelle Buteau.

The show, like the movie that starred Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn, is set in New York City. It follows Ari (Bathe), Bree (Buteau) and Hazel (Scott), who band together after their marriages fall apart and find strength in their sisterhood — and of course a little revenge. Playing the husbands are Mark Tallman, RonReaco Lee, and Malik Yoba.

After neglecting their friendship, best friends Ari (Ryan Michelle Bathe), Hazel (Jill Scott) and Bree (Michelle Buteau) reunite to help each other through rough patches in their lives. Together, they navigate music superstar Hazel’s tabloid-ridden divorce, campaign manager Ari’s unsatisfying marriage to her political candidate husband, and orthopedic surgeon Bree’s cheating husband. Tired of always being the ones to make sacrifices in their lives, Ari, Hazel and Bree vow to prioritize their friendship and have more fun. Along the way, the women learn that as long as they have each other, there’s nothing they can’t do.

Oliver writes the series and executive produces with Karen Rosenfelt, Scott Rudin, a producer on the First Wives Club movie. and Tony Hernandez of JAX Media. Paramount TV produces.

Atkins has been a TV vet for over 20 years with series such as The WB’s Smart Guy, UPN’s Half & Half, TBS’s Are We There Yet?, Netflix’s Marlon, and more recently, OWN’s Ambitions. Her film credits include Deliver Us From Eva, Dance Chick, Dysfunctional Friends, A Haunted House, Girlfriends' Getaway, Open and Same Difference. She recently made her directorial debut with the TV One holiday film, Christmas Dilemma.