'BAPS' Show Cancelled: Lifetime Ends Reality Series Before Season 1 Finishes
Lifetime has pulled the plug on its "BAPS" reality series after airing only four episodes on its network, Eurweb reports.
"BAPS" season was originally intended to run for six episodes. However, due to low ratings and social media backlash regarding the show, Lifetime decided to cancel "BAPS" ahead of its season finale. [Eurweb]
"BAPS," which premiered last month on Lifetime, delves into the lives of an elite African-American group from St. Louis that refer to themselves as princes and princesses.
Following the show's debut episode, social media users slammed the reality series for its portrayal of violence amongst African-American women.
STLtoday reports that one particular episode showcasing one cast member spitting on another cast member set the social media outrage at an all time high.
At the time of the social heat, BAPS cast member, Gina Cheatham came to the show's defense, explaining to MadameNoire, "With the show starting off in the midst of their controversy, I can see how people can be taken back," Cheatham said. "But believe me, there are a lot of positive messages and a lot of positive things that take place. If people continue to watch the show, they are going to laugh and smile right along with the rest of them. With every television show, you always have to have an antagonist."
Even "BAPS" creator Riccarda Lacey took to Facebook to justify the premise of the show, STLtoday reports.
"This series is not a part of some larger scheme concocted by Lifetime to continue to exploit African-Americans on reality television. But it is an entertaining dissection of African-American experiences and attitudes intended to encourage all Americans to consider how the constructs of race and class in this country shape how we view ourselves and one another," Lacey wrote.
Despite Cheatham and Lacey's attempts to promote the show, Lifetime's ultra low viewing number of 500,000-600,000 viewers caused the network to send out an email, informing "BAPS" cast members that the show was getting the boot. [Eurweb]
"I wanted to let you know that Lifetime informed us that they will not be airing the last two episodes of 'BAPS," the email read. "We're very sorry it panned out this way. It's very difficult to build an audience for an ensemble show like this one, but we're very proud of the show and happy to have had the experience working with you." [Eurweb]
What are your thoughts on the cancellation of "BAPS?" Share your comments below.
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