If you believe you can scroll down Twitter without coming across a Black reality star’s impact, I wish you, in the words of Tiffany “New York” Pollard, an ounce of luck. Yet when the MTV Movie Awards granted its 2022 Reality Royalty trophy, it went to Bethenny Frankel, not a Black starlet whose fingerprint had been stamped (and re-stamped) on culture.
Frankel’s true first television appearance was in 2005 on Martha Stewart’s season of The Apprentice in 2005. After being fired in the final round, she wound up on Bravo’s TheReal Housewives of New York three years later. Her priority was promoting all she knew about the world of food and drink, which culminated with the sale of her premixed drink, the problematic Skinnygirl margarita, for $100M in 2011. She used her screen time to build a brand, but what exactly constitutes reality royalty?
Meanwhile, Linnethia “NeNe” Leakes rose to prominence in 2008 on Bravo’s The RealHousewives of Atlanta. She has one of the show’s more blunt personalities and her biting banter is either why you love her or hate her. She’s appeared on a number of shows and films and even had a stint on Broadway and a clothing line with HSN, but according to Celebrity Net Worth, her net worth is over 5x less than Frankel’s. It seems Leakes has the world’s attention right now, so why doesn’t she, or another Black reality star, have a heavier purse and this most recent accolade?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 14: NeNe Leakes speaks onstage at the Atlanta Ultimate Women’s Expo at Cobb Galleria on November 14, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/WireImage)
It’s also not lost on me that Leakes is suing Bravo, Andy Cohen and The Real Housewives of Atlanta, accusing them of racism and a hostile work environment. So not only is it difficult for difficult for Black women to get the credit they deserve, they also allegedly have to endure discrimination while they influence the way we speak, think, and show up for ourselves.
Yes, Frankel is still on television. The first season of her show, The Big Shot with Bethenny (during which, through relentless verbal attacks, she tries to secure her Vice President of Operations for her Skinnygirl company), aired in 2021. It was blasted by critics for leaning into an outdated “girl boss” ethos. It is also unclear if the show will return for another season.
When I consider people who have changed the game, my mind goes to the Black women I see gifs of and references to almost daily.
A few weeks ago, Kandi Burruss’ “Legs, Hips, Body” was inescapable, Leakes is constantly jogging in heels up my timeline and Tiffany Pollard is the undisputed queen of one liners with replay value. The former two, who are currently still on television were not nominated in the MTV Movie Awards’ Best Reality Star category either. Furthermore, Tami Roman was the only Black woman included in the Best Reality Return category, though she’s a veteran of the show type with just under 30 years of television dominance.
In short, impact matters. But to whom?
Below, we rounded up a list of Black women reality stars who deserve more credit for all they’ve brought to culture. Keep scrolling to check it out.
01
Linnethia “NeNe” Leakes
NeNe Leakes has a long resume that includes shows like The Real Housewives of Atlanta, The Celebrity Apprentice 4, and Celebrity Show Off. She’s also starred in her own spin-off series, I Dream of Nene: The Wedding. She has had a number of memorable onscreen moments over the years, like the “I said what I said,” quote, as well as, “Bye wig!”
02
Tiffany Pollard
Tiffany “New York” Pollard first hit the small screen in 2006 as a participant on VH1’s Flavor of Love. She then returned for the show’s second season before earning her own spin-off, I Love New York, both in 2007. I Love New York had three seasons. Pollard has also starred on New York Goes to Hollywood,New York Goes to Work and Brunch with Tiffany, the last of which aired in 2020. She is one of the biggest reality stars of all time.
03
Joseline Hernandez
We first saw Joseline (and heard her lethal quips) on Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta. She was a musician determined to make it big and biting her tongue was just never her thing. In addition to being a longtime cast member on Love and Hip-Hop, she also had a starring role in Stevie J and Joseline Go Hollywood, Joseline’s Cabaret: Miami and Joseline’s Cabaret: Atlanta. In 2021, Hernandez had a viral single, “Live Your Best Life (Do It Like It’s Your BDay),” which was also the theme song for Joseline’s Cabaret.
04
Kenya Moore
Kenya Moore has a background that includes pageants (in 1993, she was the second Black woman to be crowned Miss USA) and roles in movies and on television, but one of her most famous runs has come from spending a decade on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She’s “Gone with the Wind fabulous” and a shady queen whose razor sharp comebacks have left many speechless.
05
Tami Roman
Tami Roman’s reality television legacy can never be touched. She first appeared on the second season of The Real World in 1993, which was a template for shows like Big Brother and The Circle. Roman was also a main character on Basketball Wives, Celebrity Wife Swap, Marriage Boot Camp, and more. Her Instagram series Bonnet Chronicles was picked up by Tidal for 11 episodes in 2018. The Instagram account for the videos has over 2 million followers.
06
Kandi Burruss
Xscape member Kandi Burruss was the co-writer behind hits like TLC’s “No Scrubs” and Destiny’s Child’s “Bills, Bills, Bills” and people adore her work and her life. From a clip of her saying “The lies! The lies!” to her saucy sip and side-eye, she’s always on our timelines. Burruss has serious longevity too—she’s the longest-serving cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, having appeared on the show from 2009 until now. She’s also been on The Kandi Factory, Kandi’s Wedding, Kandi’s Ski Trip, Celebrity Big Brother, Xscape: Still Kicking It, The Masked Singer and Kandi & The Gang. Talk about an empire!
Star Gazing: NBA All-Star Weekend, SNL50, Pharrell Williams, Simone Biles And More
From award ceremonies to sporting events, this week brought Black celebrities from all over to the forefront.
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: (L-R) Oprah Winfrey and Colman Domingo pose with the Montecito Award during the 40th Santa Barbara International Film Festival at The Arlington Theatre on February 14, 2025 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for Santa Barbara International Film Festival)
The cameras were rolling, as this past week was filled with unforgettable star-studded moments. At Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary celebration, Black Hollywood showed up in style to honor the legendary sketch comedy series. Held at the iconic 30 Rockefeller Center, the night brought out an elite mix of talent, including Keke Palmer, Quinta Brunson, Eddie Murphy, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Whoopi Goldberg, Ziwe, and Ayo Edibiri. Meanwhile, NBA All-Star Weekend took over San Francisco, drawing athletes, musicians, and entertainers to some of the most exclusive events. Country star Mickey Guyton and rising artist Shaboozey made their presence known, while rapper 2 Chainz delivered a high-energy performance at the Google Pixel House.
Across the pond, London played host to the 2025 BAFTA Awards, where Black talent made waves at the ceremony and afterparties, with appearances from actors like Zoe Saldana and Jharrel Jerome. Back in New York, TIME honored changemakers at its Impact Dinner: The Closers at Second, where the guest list featured Niecy Nash, Elaine Welteroth, and Colman Domingo, among others. From milestone celebrations to glamorous award shows, this week’s best Black celebrity moments prove that excellence is always on display.
Take a look at all the stars spotted around the world below.
Quinta Brunson attends SNL50.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Quinta Brunson attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Eddie Murphy in NYC.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Eddie Murphy attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Tracy Morgan suited up.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Tracy Morgan attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Keke Palmer at the 50th Anniversary celebration on “Saturday Night Live.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Keke Palmer attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Ego Nwodim attends SNL50.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Ego Nwodim attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Zahra Rock and SNL Alumni husband Chris on the red carpet.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Zahra Rock (L) and Chris Rock attend the SNL50: The Anniversary Special at 30 Rockefeller Center on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/WireImage)
Leslie Jones beaming with joy.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Leslie Jones attends the SNL50: The Anniversary Special at 30 Rockefeller Center on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/WireImage)
Questlove on the carpet.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Questlove attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Whoopi Goldberg shows love to “Saturday Night Live.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 16: Whoopi Goldberg attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
Toya Johnson attends The Black Excellence Brunch.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 16: TV personality Toya Johnson attends The Black Excellence Brunch and “Beyond The Gates” screening and talk back at 42West on February 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Tamara Tunie in ATL.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 16: Actress Tamara Tunie attends The Black Excellence Brunch and “Beyond The Gates” screening and talk back at 42West on February 16, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
2Chainz performs at Google Pixel House.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: 2Chainz performs at Google Pixel House celebrating NBA All-Star Weekend on February 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Dana Jacobs/Getty Images)
Jadakiss in San Francisco.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: Jadakiss attends the Jaguar Type 00 at SEI LESS / LO KEE / SB Nation All-Star Weekend Afterparty at 715 Harrison Parking Lot on February 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Jaguar)
Fabolous at All-Star Weekend.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: Fabolous attends the Jaguar Type 00 at SEI LESS / LO KEE / SB Nation All-Star Weekend Afterparty at 715 Harrison Parking Lot on February 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Jaguar)
Rickea Jackson arrives at 2025 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Rickea Jackson arrives at 2025 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Oakland Arena on February 14, 2025 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images)
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Mickey Guyton at All-Star Weekend.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Mickey Guyton arrives at 2025 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Oakland Arena on February 14, 2025 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images)
Shaboozey styles on the red carpet.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Shaboozey arrives at 2025 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Oakland Arena on February 14, 2025 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images)
Aria Hughes, Pharrell Williams, and James Whitner at the “All Day I Dream About Sport” premiere.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 15: Aria Hughes,Editor-In-Chief, Complex, Pharrell Williams and James Whitner speak onstage during the “All Day I Dream About Sport” Q&A at Hill Auditorium at the High Museum of Art on February 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Sam Jay attends the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 14: Sam Jay attends the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/WireImage)
Gayle King in red.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 14: Gayle King attends the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by TheStewartofNY/WireImage)
Tiffany Haddish poses for the camera.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 14: Tiffany Haddish attends SNL50: The Homecoming Concert At Radio City Music Hall Red Carpet Arrivals at Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Ayo Edebiri attends SNL50: The Homecoming Concert At Radio City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 14: Ayo Edebiri attends SNL50: The Homecoming Concert At Radio City Music Hall Red Carpet Arrivals at Radio City Music Hall on February 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Teyana Taylor is ready to play.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 13: Teyana Taylor attends the 2025 Cactus Jack Foundation HBCU Celebrity Softball Classic at Daikin Park on February 13, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)
Colman Domingo and Elaine Welteroth attend the TIME Impact Dinner.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Colman Domingo and Elaine Welteroth attend the TIME Impact Dinner: The Closers, at Second on February 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for TIME)
Zoe Saldana attends the Netflix BAFTA After Party.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Zoe Saldana attends the Netflix BAFTA After Party at The Twenty Two on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kai Sundifu/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Netflix)
Wunmi Mosaku and Jharrel Jerome.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Wunmi Mosaku and Jharrel Jerome attend the Netflix BAFTA After Party at The Twenty Two on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Netflix)
Captain America in full effect.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 13: Anthony Mackie attends “Captain America: Brave New World” New York Screening on February 13, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
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Marsai Martin at the HBCU Celebrity Softball Classic.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 13: Marsai Martin attends the 2025 Cactus Jack Foundation HBCU Celebrity Softball Classic at Daikin Park on February 13, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)
Ice Spice and Druski attend the Premiere Watch Party For “Coulda Been Love” Series.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 12: (L-R) Ice Spice and Druski attend the Premiere Watch Party For “Coulda Been Love” Series Presented By DON JULIO Tequila & Monster Energy at iPic Theater on February 12, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Druski)
Hazel Renee, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry attend a Toast to Milestones Afterparty.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 16: (L-R) Hazel Renee, Draymond Green, Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry attend a Toast to Milestones Afterparty Hosted by Stephen Curry’s Gentleman’s Cut at the Club Thirty takeover of Splash at Thrive City on February 16, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Gentleman’s Cut)