You know that feeling when a finale leaves you staring at a black screen, wondering if you just witnessed the end of your favorite TV couple? That was exactly the vibe after the Season 3 cliffhanger. But let’s cut to the chase. Zatima Season 4 premiered on September 11, 2025. If you're looking for the "new" release date in 2026, you're actually looking for the second half of that massive production cycle. BET+ and Tyler Perry Studios have shifted how they drop these episodes. Instead of the old-school binge model, they’ve leaned heavily into a split-season format. It keeps the conversation going. It keeps the tension high. Honestly, it keeps us all paying for the subscription just a little bit longer.
When Can You Actually Watch Zatima Season 4?
The rollout for Season 4 has been specific. The first block—often referred to as Season 4A—started its run on Thursday, September 11, 2025. BET+ dropped the first two episodes at once, which is their signature move now.
From there, it was a steady climb:
- Two episodes every Thursday.
- The "mid-season" finale hit on October 9, 2025.
- This covered the first 10 episodes of the season.
Now, we are in the "waiting room" for the back half. Based on how Tyler Perry Studios handled the transition between Season 2 and Season 3, the remaining episodes of Season 4 are expected to land in the first half of 2026. If the pattern holds, we are looking at a late winter or early spring 2026 return for the rest of the season.
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The Drama Is Getting Messier (In a Good Way)
What most people get wrong about this show is thinking it's just another spinoff. It’s not. It has surpassed Sistas in terms of raw, focused character development. Season 4 picks up right in the wreckage of Zac’s war with his brother, Jeremiah.
Zac is trying to be a "family man." He’s trying to stay sane. But the logline for this season doesn't lie: someone from the past is coming back, and they are not happy. We aren't just talking about a casual "ex" showing up for coffee. We’re talking about threats that could actually dismantle the foundation Zac and Fatima have spent three seasons building.
Who is Back on the Call Sheet?
The chemistry between Devale Ellis (Zac) and Crystal Renee Hayslett (Fatima) is the only reason this show works. They are back, obviously. But the supporting cast is where the real friction is happening this year.
- Nzinga Imani as Angela (still dealing with her own "serial monogamist" hurdles).
- Remington Hoffman as Bryce.
- Cameron Fuller as Nathan.
- Jasmin Brown as Deja.
Interestingly, Jasmin Brown's character is getting a significantly larger arc this season. If you’ve been following her real-life news, you know she’s been busy, but her performance as Deja is reaching new levels of "love to hate her" energy.
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Why the Wait for Part 2?
Television production in 2026 isn't what it used to be. Tyler Perry’s studio in Atlanta is a machine, but the post-production for Zatima has become more complex. They are using more locations and more "action-heavy" sequences than the early seasons.
Courtney Glaude and Kvle Johnson are directing this season, and you can see the difference in the camera work. It’s less "soap opera" and more "prestige drama." That level of polish takes time. The 10-episode split allows the editors to fine-tune the back half while the first half is already trending on social media.
The "Sistas" Crossover Question
Fans keep asking if we’re going to see a full-blown crossover event. Since Zatima and Sistas exist in the same timeline, the logistics are a nightmare for the writers. However, Season 4 has already dropped subtle hints that the timelines are aligning.
Don't expect a 2-hour special where everyone from both shows sits down for dinner. Instead, look for the "ripple effect." What happens in Sistas is starting to bleed into the background of Zatima, especially regarding Zac's legal troubles and the various entanglements with his "past life" in the neighborhood.
What You Should Do Now
If you haven't finished the first ten episodes of Season 4, you're falling behind the discourse. Here is the move:
- Binge the First 10: They are all currently sitting on BET+. Watch the episode where Marcus arrives with that locket—it’s the key to the entire season.
- Check Your Subscription: BET+ is notorious for having "exclusive" windows. If you’re waiting for this to hit regular cable, stop. It’s likely not happening.
- Watch the Real-Life Interviews: Devale and Khadeen Ellis (his real-life wife) often drop nuggets of "relationship truth" on their podcast Ellis Ever After that actually inform how Devale plays Zac. It gives you a much deeper appreciation for the performance.
The back half of Season 4 is coming. The cliffhangers are only going to get more intense. Keep your notifications on for BET+ because when they announce that spring 2026 date, the trailer is going to break the internet again.