Let’s be real for a second. Remaking a classic is usually a recipe for disaster. When BET+ announced they were doing a First Wives Club TV series, plenty of people rolled their eyes. How do you even compete with the 1996 powerhouse trio of Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton? You don't. You pivot.
The show, spearheaded by Tracy Oliver—the genius who co-wrote Girls Trip—actually manages to capture that lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry without feeling like a dusty cover band. It’s set in modern-day New York City. It’s vibrant. It’s Black. It’s messy in the best way possible. Instead of just re-treading the plot of the Olivia Goldsmith novel or the movie, the series finds its own pulse by leaning into the specific pressures of professional Black women navigating betrayal in a world that already expects them to be "superwomen."
The Core Trio: More Than Just Archetypes
Honestly, the casting is what keeps this thing afloat. You have Jill Scott as Hazel, Ryan Michelle Bathe as Ari, and Michelle Buteau as Bree. If you’ve ever seen Michelle Buteau in anything, you know she’s a scene-stealer, and here she’s the glue. She plays a doctor who’s basically drowning in the "having it all" myth until she discovers her husband is cheating. It’s not just a "woman scorned" trope; it’s a nervous breakdown in slow motion that manages to be hilarious.
Then there’s Jill Scott. Her character, Hazel, is a superstar singer whose career has been managed (and stifled) by her husband, Derek. Watching her reclaim her voice is one of the most satisfying arcs in recent sitcom history. It’s not just about getting even. It’s about getting paid and getting back on stage.
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Ari, played by Bathe, is the high-powered attorney who’s sacrificed her own ambitions to support her husband’s political career. When she realizes he’s a narcissist who doesn't actually value her input, the shift in her personality is sharp. She doesn't just leave; she strategizes.
Why This Version Hits Differently
The First Wives Club TV series succeeds because it treats sisterhood as a survival tactic, not just a brunch hobby. In the original film, the revenge was cinematic and a bit over-the-top (think the "You Don't Own Me" musical number). In the show, the stakes feel grounded in the 2020s. We’re talking about social media scandals, career sabotage, and the complicated reality of co-parenting after a blowout.
The writing doesn't shy away from the fact that these women are deeply flawed. They make bad decisions. They drink too much wine and give each other terrible advice sometimes. That’s what makes it feel human.
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The Evolution Across Seasons
- Season One is all about the shock. The catalyst is the suicide of a friend, which mirrors the movie’s opening, but the fallout focuses on the three leads realizing their lives are built on sand.
- Season Two pivots toward reinvention. The women start their own venture, and the power dynamics shift. We see more of the "Club" aspect as they try to support other women in similar spots.
- Season Three (and beyond) dives into deeper waters—health scares, the reality of aging in industries that value youth, and the difficulty of finding new love when you’re already "set" in your ways.
Addressing the Critics and the "Comparison Trap"
Some critics argued the show was too soapy. Fair point. It does lean into the melodrama. But isn't that the point of a dramedy? If you wanted a gritty, hyper-realistic look at divorce, you’d watch a documentary or Marriage Story. People tune into the First Wives Club TV series for the fashion, the witty barbs, and the vicarious thrill of seeing a jerk get his comeuppance.
There’s also the question of pacing. Some episodes feel like they’re moving at 100 mph, while others linger on a single conversation in a kitchen. It’s uneven. But life is uneven. The show reflects that weird rhythm where everything goes wrong at once, followed by months of stagnant recovery.
Real-World Cultural Impact
The show has become a cornerstone for BET+. It proved that there is a massive, underserved audience for high-budget, stylish stories about Black women in their 40s. Most networks treat women over 35 as if they've suddenly become invisible or "moms" with no interior lives. Tracy Oliver rejects that. These characters are sexual, ambitious, and deeply competitive.
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Essential Takeaways for New Viewers
If you’re planning to binge this, keep a few things in mind. First, don’t expect a shot-for-shot remake. You’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for Bette Midler energy. This is a different beast. Second, pay attention to the soundtrack. It’s curated perfectly to reflect the emotional state of the characters, leaning heavily into R&B and soul that underscores the "grown woman" vibe of the series.
The First Wives Club TV series isn't just about men being trash. It’s really about the realization that the most stable relationship in your life might actually be with your best friends. That’s a cliché because it’s true.
What to Do Next
If you’re ready to dive into the world of Hazel, Ari, and Bree, here is how to maximize the experience:
- Watch the 1996 movie first. Seriously. It’s not required for the plot, but the Easter eggs and the way the show subverts the original tropes are much more fun if the movie is fresh in your mind.
- Stream on BET+ or Prime Video. Depending on your region, these are the primary hubs. Seasons are relatively short (around 10 episodes), making it an easy weekend binge.
- Follow the cast on social media. Jill Scott and Michelle Buteau often share behind-the-scenes insights that give more context to the chemistry you see on screen.
- Look for the fashion breakdowns. The costume design by Provi Fulp is incredible. Many of the pieces are from Black-owned brands, and searching for the designers adds a whole new layer of appreciation for the show's production value.
The series is a testament to the fact that some stories are timeless because the pain—and the healing—is universal. Whether it's 1996 or today, there’s nothing quite like a group of friends helping you burn the old version of your life down so you can build something better.
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