If you’ve been keeping up with the wild world of Tyler Perry’s Sistas, you know that the "Sistas Sundays" (or Wednesdays, depending on your DVR habits) are basically a religion at this point. But honestly, the latest buzz isn't just about who’s sleeping with whom or which character is having another seemingly three-year-long pregnancy.
It's about the faces we’re losing.
The cast of Sistas Tyler Perry just went through its biggest metamorphosis since the show premiered in 2019. If you tuned into the Season 10 premiere on January 7, 2026, you probably noticed the opening credits looked a little... lighter. We’re talking about a massive "changing of the guard" that has fans on X (formerly Twitter) absolutely spiraling.
The Departures Nobody Saw Coming
Let’s just rip the bandage off. Ebony Obsidian and Novi Brown are officially out as series regulars.
Yeah, you read that right. Karen Mott and Sabrina Hollins—two pillars of the original quartet—are no longer leading the pack. For years, Karen’s hair salon was the unofficial headquarters for venting, and Sabrina’s bank-teller-to-management journey was the "relatable" anchor of the group.
Why the exit? According to industry insiders and talent reps, Novi Brown’s departure was a clean break, while Ebony Obsidian’s status is a bit more "it's complicated." While she isn't a series regular in Season 10, there’s heavy chatter that she might pop up in a guest capacity just to wrap up that never-ending pregnancy storyline. Because let’s be real: we can’t just leave Karen in a state of perpetual gestation forever.
Who is Still Standing?
Despite the heartbreak of losing two OGs, the core of the show still revolves around some heavy hitters. KJ Smith remains the undisputed glue as Andi Barnes. Andi has spent nine seasons being the high-powered divorce lawyer who somehow can't manage her own love life, and Season 10 isn't cutting her any slack.
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Then there’s Mignon Von as Danni. Danni is still the "ride or die" friend who works at the airport and says the things we’re all thinking but are too polite to mention.
- KJ Smith (Andi): Still navigating the aftermath of Gary’s (Chido Nwokocha) manipulation.
- Mignon Von (Danni): Still the comedic relief with a heart of gold.
- Crystal Renee Hayslett (Fatima): The fan favorite who went from a background character to the show’s breakout star.
Fatima’s evolution is actually legendary in the Sistas lore. Crystal Renee Hayslett actually started as a stylist at Tyler Perry Studios before Tyler himself realized she had the "it" factor. Now, her relationship with Zac (Devale Ellis) is arguably the only reason half the audience still tunes in. "Zatima" is a whole brand at this point, even spawning its own spinoff.
Meet the New Blood: Season 10 Additions
You can’t lose two leads without filling the void. Tyler Perry didn't just hire random actors; he brought in names that already have established fanbases.
Jordan Coleman has joined the cast as Cheyenne Barnes. If that last name sounds familiar, it should. She’s playing Andi’s sister. Bringing in family is a classic Perry move to shake up the dynamic without needing to invent a brand-new social circle. Cheyenne is a hairstylist (filling the "salon" niche Karen left behind) but carries a much sharper edge and some deep-seated trauma that’s already clashing with Andi’s "perfect" persona.
Then there’s the move that caught everyone off guard: Tunde Oyeneyin.
If you’ve ever done a Peloton workout, you know Tunde. She’s the world-famous fitness instructor known for her "Speak" movement. She’s transitioned into acting as Madison Truitt, a high-octane entrepreneur. Madison represents a different kind of "Sista"—one who has the money and the career but is looking for a partner who isn't intimidated by her success.
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The Men of Sistas: Who’s Still Causing Trouble?
The "Mistas" are just as much a part of the draw as the ladies. Honestly, the show could be called "Toxic Relationships 101" and it would still fit.
Chido Nwokocha is back as Gary Marshall Borders. Is there a more polarizing character on TV? Probably not. Gary is the quintessential "villain you love to hate." He’s wealthy, handsome, and absolutely pathological.
Devale Ellis (Zac) continues his reign as the show’s leading man. Zac’s journey from a blue-collar guy struggling with his past to a successful businessman (thanks to some lucky stock moves and Fatima’s guidance) is the show’s most successful "glow-up" arc.
Other returning regulars include:
- Brian Jordan Jr. as Maurice: The bank-teller bestie who provides the sass and the emotional support Sabrina used to rely on.
- Chris Warren as Hayden: The guy everyone wants to see lose, yet he keeps hanging on.
- Angela Beyincé as Pam: Promoted to a series regular, which is a win for anyone who loves her chaotic energy at the salon.
Why This Shakeup Matters for the Show’s Future
Ten seasons is a long time for any cable drama. Most shows start to feel stale by Year 5. By swapping out Karen and Sabrina for Cheyenne and Madison, Perry is essentially "soft-rebooting" the series.
The search intent behind the cast of Sistas Tyler Perry usually boils down to one thing: Who is still on the show? As of 2026, the show is leaning away from the "four best friends in a salon" trope and moving toward a more sprawling ensemble drama. It’s riskier. Fans grow attached to specific faces. But as we saw with the transition of Fatima from a guest to a lead, the audience is willing to embrace new blood if the drama is spicy enough.
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The "Tyler Perry Studio" Effect
It’s important to remember how this show is made. Tyler Perry famously writes and often directs every single episode. He shoots at a breakneck pace at his 330-acre studio in Atlanta. This "factory" style of production means that cast members often have to commit to grueling shoot schedules, which sometimes leads to turnover as actors look for projects with a slower pace or different creative requirements.
While some critics argue the show moves too fast (and the timelines can get a bit wonky—seriously, how long was Karen pregnant?), the chemistry of the cast of Sistas Tyler Perry is what keeps it at the top of the BET ratings.
What to Watch For Next
If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve, keep your eyes on the "Zatima" dynamic. With Karen likely exiting the picture, the "who is the father" drama that plagued Zac and Fatima for seasons is finally reaching a resolution. This allows the show to move into new territory.
Actionable Steps for Sistas Fans:
- Check the Spinoffs: If you miss Zac and Fatima's heavy focus, make sure you're caught up on the Zatima series on BET+, which dives deeper into their specific household drama.
- Follow the Newbies: Follow Jordan Coleman and Tunde Oyeneyin on Instagram. They’ve been posting a lot of behind-the-scenes content from Tyler Perry Studios that gives a glimpse into the Season 10 vibes.
- Watch the Wednesday Re-runs: BET usually runs marathons before the new episodes air. It’s the best way to spot the subtle clues Perry leaves about character exits before they actually happen.
The 10th season is proving that no one is safe in the "Sistas-verse," but the addition of fresh talent like Tunde Oyeneyin might be exactly what the series needs to survive another ten years. Keep your eyes on Andi; her sister Cheyenne isn't just here for a visit—she’s here to take over.