Miami Monkey

Miami Monkey is an engaging and glamorous reality television series aired by VH1 in 2013, featuring the vivacious Angela "Big Ang" Raiola as one of the predominant personalities. The show, which is a spin-off of VH1's Mob Wives series, mainly circles around the life of Big Ang and her adventures as she steps out to expand her Staten Island bar business to the sun-soaked party city of Miami.

Throughout the series, Angela Raiola, also known as Big Ang, extends her Staten Island-based Drunken Monkey bar franchise to Miami. As expected, this decision brings with it an array of unexpected circumstances and challenges. With her larger-than-life personality, Big Ang navigates the trials of running a business in an unfamiliar city while managing an entirely new staff.

Big Ang's staff, or the 'Monkeys' as she likes to call them, is not just regular bartenders and wait staff. They are an eclectic mix of charismatic, vibrant, and attractive women and men hailing from various backgrounds. Some of them are born and bred in Miami, and others are from Staten Island and other locations. The show depicts Big Ang attempting to mediate and manage the typical regional tensions that may arise in such a fusion of personalities, creating a captivating dynamic for viewers.

On Miami Monkey, viewers encounter a gamut of captivating personalities. Amongst them, Roxanne and Ryan, Raiola's daughter and son, are also featured prominently on the show and add another layer to the drama. Other personnel include Marissa (Raiola’s niece), Big Ang's best friend Linda (a.k.a. "Biggie"), bartender Raquel, and Morgan, a former model and hostess. Alongside these Staten Islanders are the Miami natives - bartender Nate, club promoter Cristina, and the always-conflicting servers, Gabby and Demise. We observe the way these individuals interact, collide, or collaborate inside the sunny, beachside bar, and outside of it too.

The day-to-day running of the Miami Monkey Bar provides the backdrop for the show, but the heart of the series lies in the relationships and tensions that develop between the staff members. The narrative dives deeper into the clashing personalities, cultural differences, party lifestyles, and romantic entanglements. All these elements are presented in an entertaining manner that suits both the Miami festive scene and the dramatic interactions between the characters.

Miami Monkey successfully blends cultural escapades and emotional drama in the guise of consultations, restaurant service, late-night parties, and the occasional customer chaos. Its unique blend of business and pleasure in an exotic setting creates an engaging narrative. The natural beauty of Miami, its vibrant nightlife, and luxurious beach lifestyle also form a vital part of the show's appeal that adds an extra bit of color and energy to every episode.

Big Ang, with her distinctive voice and magnanimous personality, makes for an endearing yet formidable heroine at the heart of the series. She injects a level of wisdom, authority, and humor into the show, providing a strong anchor around which all other storylines revolve. While the supporting cast with their sharp personalities, varying loyalties, and unique life perspectives add depth to the series, it's the drama, friendships, feuds, and the resulting tension that truly drive the show.

Miami Monkey creates a world full of distinct individuals, tequila-soaked parties, beachside adventures, and a lot of drama within the plush party city of Miami. From handling the logistical challenges of running a bar to the interpersonal dynamics of a culturally diverse staff, the show spotlights life in the bustling tourism and hospitality industry in one of America's most famous party cities.

As the series unfolds across its season, viewers get an inside look at what happens behind the scenes in the bar business. Miami Monkey offers a fascinating look into the world of hospitality, the pressure of managing a diverse staff, and the challenges of navigating unfamiliar business territory, all while striving to make a success of the business venture.

Whether you're a fan of Big Ang from her stint on Mob Wives, a lover of reality television drama, or just someone interested in taking a peek into the lively bar scene of Miami, Miami Monkey offers an entertaining viewing experience. This show is an intriguing blend of business, pleasure and interpersonal dynamics, set against the backdrop of Miami's vivid and bustling lifestyle.