MCN Review: VH1's 'Daytime Divas'

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

VH1 shines a light on the often humorous, ugly and catty behind-the-scenes exploits of a daytime talk show in its new scripted series Daytime Divas.

Video: Watch the 'Daytime Divas' Trailer

Based on former The View cohost Star Jones’ novel Satan’s Sisters, Divas stars Vanessa Williams as Maxine Robinson, the leader of five on-air cohosts of fictional women’s talk show The Lunch Hour. The roster also includes comedian Mo (Tichina Arnold), outspoken conservative voice Heather (Fiona Gubelmann), former child star/recovering addict Kibby (Chloe Bridges) and journalist Nina (Camile Guaty).

RELATED: Tichina Arnold talks about her role in Daytime Divas as well as her successful television career [subscription required]

The soap opera-esque show focuses much of its attention on the off-screen drama between the backstabbing ladies, revealing several inappropriate relationships, backroom deals and dirty secrets that threaten to derail the popular series. When one of the hosts falls ill, the remaining, power-hungry ladies look to grab a greater share of the spotlight.

Fans of VH1’s drama-filled reality series should find Daytime Divas entertaining.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.