The Rich and the Ruthless

The Rich and the Ruthless is a brilliant showcase of drama that melds together elements of comedy, suspense, and captivating storytelling. This exciting show, brought to life by the Urban Movie Channel in 2017, provides an inside look into the intricate workings of a fictional, yet relatable, African-American led soap opera production company. Created by and starring Victoria Rowell, best known for her long-standing role in The Young and The Restless, the show explores the cutthroat world of show business and captures how characters navigate through the turbulent waters of their professional and personal lives. Rowell's experience within the soap opera industry lends authenticity and credibility to the show, making it an even more enticing watch. At its core, The Rich and the Ruthless revolves around the Barringer family who have been the owners of the soap opera ‘The Rich and the Ruthless’ for decades. The drama unfolds as the family's patriarch faces the herculean task of keeping the show afloat despite challenging network demands, dwindling ratings, and increasing financial strains. The trials that this family faces generate a powerful narrative that extends far beyond the usual conventions of a traditional soap opera. The show brilliantly throws light on the multiple facets of life behind the camera, away from the glitzy façade of the media world. It scrutinizes the power dynamics within the industry with a sometimes light, yet impactful touch. Business troubles aside, the show takes viewers into more intimate aspects of the characters' lives, exploring themes such as love, friendships, betrayals, and ambitions. The relationships among the Barringer family and their staff extend beyond the professional sphere, adding much depth to the story. As an ensemble, the cast of The Rich and the Ruthless provide dynamic and engaging performances. The show captures the hilarious lengths these characters are willing to go to make the soap successful. The characters themselves are a colorful variety, ranging from the strong-willed matriarch and her ambitious husband, their favorable and not-so-favorable employees, love-struck starlets, and ruthless producers driven by a business-first ideology. A notable aspect of The Rich and the Ruthless is its awareness of racial dynamics within the soap opera industry. The narrative successfully incorporates elements of racial and cultural issues that are apparent in the industry today, weaving them seamlessly into the main story, thus striking a balance between entertainment and awareness. It gently critiques the lack of representation and diversification in these spaces. The show's powerful writing combines storytelling with instances of comic relief, bringing a unique rhythm that captivates viewers. The dialogue, both humorous and serious, adds layers to the characters and tunes audiences into their individual personalities and motivations. The script has moments that pack a punch, highlighting the realities of the television industry, life behind the scenes, power plays, and the struggle for diversity. Moreover, the cinematography and production design of The Rich and the Ruthless give it its desired soap opera feel. The sets are designed to reflect the glamour and extravagance that one can associate with this infamous world, further immersing viewers into the narrative. The arresting soundtrack perfectly complements the vivacious and intense storyline, heightening the emotional impact of each scene. The Rich and the Ruthless is a show that provides viewers with a balanced blend of laughter, drama, and revelations about the soap opera industry. Its willingness to confront the harsh realities behind the glossy curtain makes it extra special. It invites viewers into a world full of frenzied chaos, hard work, eccentricities, and dreams of making it big, while also bringing awareness to numerous societal issues. In summary, The Rich and the Ruthless is a noteworthy addition to the Urban Movie Channel's repertoire, offering a distinct and entertaining narrative. It maintains a perfect equilibrium of drama and comedy while raising important questions about the modern television industry. The show manages to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting to discover what lies behind the veil of an industry renowned for its formidable façade. The Rich and the Ruthless is a must-watch series that takes viewers on a wild ride full of passion, ambition, and the determination to fulfill one's dreams, no matter what the cost.

The Rich and the Ruthless is a series categorized as a . Spanning 4 seasons with a total of 23 episodes, the show debuted on 2017. The series has earned a moderate reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 5.5.