Tyler Perry’s ‘For Better or Worse’ debuts Friday, Nov. 25 on TBS
Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith star in "Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse." CREDIT: TNT
Over the past five years, Tyler Perry’s TV output, with TBS’s “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne,” has been traditional three-camera sitcom slapstick with a laugh track, a set-up that goes back six decades to “I Love Lucy.”
With “House of Payne” nearing retirement, the Atlanta mogul is effectively replacing it with “For Better or Worse,” a relationships dramedy which uses one camera and nixes the laugh track. Topically and somewhat stylistically, it’s closer to shows such as “The Game” and “Let’s Stay Together” on BET than “House of Payne” or “Meet the Browns.”
But like his first two television shows, he mines characters made popular in his films. One of the three couples on “For Better or Worse” is from the “Why Did I Get Married?” movies: loud, opinionated Angela (Tasha Smith) and feisty but loving Michael (Michael Jai White). Angela is the owner of a successful beauty salon married to Michael, a former pro football player who has started a new sports program called “C-Sports Now” with Richard (Kent Faulcon) and Joseph (Jason Olive).
The twist: Joseph is dating Keisha, Michael’s ex-girlfriend and mother of his teen daughter (Kiki Haynes). Richard’s wife Leslie (Crystle Stewart) is Angela’s best friend. In the first episode debuting tonight, Angela and Keisha have it out, cat-fight style.
TBS has committed to ten episodes upfront. If it does well, the network will pick up another 90. That’s the Tyler Perry formula.
I talked briefly with Smith and White at a recent Q&A session at the Museum Bar in Atlanta:
White’s take of Atlanta: “It’s like a second home. I love the culture. Just a place I’m very proud of. I feel very comfortable here. I love the fact youngsters say, ‘Yes m’aam, No m’aam.’ People treat each other very brotherly. There are real neighborhoods here. In L.A., it’s hard-pressed to find a neighborhood.”
How Smith met Perry: “I met Tyler through Tyra Banks. She had basically suggested to him to hire me for ‘Daddy’s Little Girls.’ The rest is history.”
Smith and White have a past. “We used to date years ago,” Smith said, long before they were acting together in Perry films. It was a few months around 1996. White recalls Smith getting stronger in her religion at the time. “I can’t compete with Jesus,” White cracked. “Let you and Jesus have your love affair. Holla at me later!” More seriously, he said, “I commended her for that. She came out this person that she is now.” They’ve since stayed friends.
Perry had no idea about their romantic past when he paired them together in “Why Did I Get Married?” “He felt like he hit the jackpot,” Smith said. “Wow, I’m intuitive!”
Smith’s wailing “Marcus! Marcus!” remains on the TV show from the film. “I am sick of saying it,” Smith said. “Sometimes I say it in my sleep. My husband says, ‘You have to chill out with this!’ ”
As they await the fate of the show, Smith is busy with a fragrance line while White has done several films including “El Gringo,” “The Philly Kid” and “Freaky Deaky.”
RATINGS UPDATE: The show drew 3.4 million viewers, a very respectable opening on a Friday night.
Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith yuk it up in front of an invited crowd at the opening party for "For Better or Worse" at the Museum Bar in November, 2011. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com
White and Smith pose for pictures after the Q&A at the Museum Bar.
Actress Crystle Stewart was Miss USA 2008.
White (left) gets a birthday cake.
White, with co-star Kent Faulcon
On TV
“Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse,” TBS, Fridays, 10 p.m. starting Nov. 25
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
98 comments Add your comment
belinda
November 26th, 2011
2:08 pm
I love TP, but this is the worst work ever of his. It was like watching a low budget movie. Not gonna knock the man or the show to far, but please think this one over again!!
Tonya
November 26th, 2011
2:32 pm
What the lord gives, the world can’t take it away. Use the gift god gave you to uplift and glorify him only. Do what god says, not the popular vote or the world. Speak, holy spirit, speak to tyler perry. For better or worse premier was terrible.
Raul
November 26th, 2011
3:49 pm
WHO CARES!! TYLER PERRY SUCKS AND SO DO THESE BLACK ASS SHOWS. COME ON TBS, STOP AIRING THIS CRAP!!!!
LisaLisa
November 26th, 2011
4:55 pm
I thought the introductory shows were good. Yes, it will take a little getting used to not having the laugh track, which in some cases I prefer. There was a message regarding baby momma drama – STOP THE DRAMA! I believe the show started off on a good mark and has potential for success! Thanks Tyler!
kingsoul
November 26th, 2011
5:03 pm
If there are five woman that wear high heels while working in a salon ali day, where are they. All black woman do not wear weaves, so why do we see it so much. he has woman sitting around the house all day with high heels. I think most people would like to see something thats more realistic to life as they live it no matter their economic status.
Unreal....
November 26th, 2011
5:19 pm
Well, sorry I missed the show, but you guys definitely brought me up to speed.
@Raul – there are so many crappy ass white sitcoms on television, don’t forget that.
Valerie
November 26th, 2011
5:40 pm
Loved the show! Another hit for Tyler! Continued success to you all !
Tulip
November 26th, 2011
5:48 pm
Mr. Perry, you should be ashamed. I used to be a fan, but what a disappointment. You have a platform that could be used for a positive influnce and this is what you show. It was HORRIBLE and I hope it does not get picked up. It wasn’t even entertaining. It was flat out embarassing. Please try something new. Recycling the same characters from your movies is not working. I stopped supporting your movies, because they are insulting. I guess all you care about now is the $$$$. You won’t get anymore of mine until you make better movies and stop promoting foolishness on TV.
"Vote for Obama cause he's black"
November 26th, 2011
6:32 pm
Ratings would be high for this show if you live in Lithonia,College Park,SW Atl,Clayton county,and other segregated areas of town.
The same areas that 99% of voters cast their ballot for Obama,John Lewis…etc.
garbage
November 26th, 2011
6:58 pm
Sorry TP! This show is dry dry dry. U need to get off the i got money,but im still ghetto kick. If you need some help writing for the show get @ me. Also change the lay out in the light skin cat crib Uugly…
garbage
November 26th, 2011
7:08 pm
Sorry TP, the show is dry dry dry. U need to stop the im a professional,but im still ghetto. Enough already we get it. Its time for some real professionalism.And the weaves com on man no natural sisters. The brothers suits are to tight and their acting is horrible. The fat girl trying to hard to be funny (relax)! As a matter of fact stop it you have enough shows TBS Not Funny!!
Name (required)
November 26th, 2011
7:32 pm
Oh Tyler…..you should stick to open mic night at Outwrite.
|ll|ill|lilli|||lil|
November 26th, 2011
7:32 pm
TBS……very crummy.
Tonya....don't hate.
November 26th, 2011
7:34 pm
Tonya….you make me sick. Just let Tyler live like he wants to. Quit with the hatespeech! You are part of the problem….try to be part of the solution!
joey
November 26th, 2011
8:49 pm
Tyler Perry is a joke. That is the only funny part about him and his “shows”. They are stale humor, reminds me of late 70’s humor, but some of that was funny, canned laughter and making racial comments all over the place. Why does TBS employ this guy, he clearly has a formula for his shows that goes stale quickly. His other shows are terrible, me and my family cannot sit though any more than five minutes of MTB or the other one.
carolyn mcdonald
November 26th, 2011
8:56 pm
Tyler Perry, you are a good writer, please continue with House of Payne-Meet the Browns. It is great to see a positive look at our black culture of women, but some ordinary people like to see ordinary characters, like Ella on the house of Payne, with a heart of gold, then there is Demetra Thomas role, who over came drugs and alcohol, and Maranda.
These three women all beautiful in their own way. They don’t dress half naked, which make it comfortable to watch with the whole family.
My family and I wll not enjoy For Better or Worst, too much sexism talking. Where are the ordinary women who are crying out.
Prima Donna
November 26th, 2011
9:24 pm
Just finished watching TP’s new show and I have to say, it was not good. I like TP, TSmith, & MJWhite but this work is not good. TP, please stick to your movies because you’re not good at sitcoms. They make African Americans look bad and I resent how you represent us in you sitcoms. One thing I learned about people a long time ago is, no matter where a person goes or what they do, they take their culture with them. Maybe what we’re seeing is the culture TP experienced. I’m not mad at the brother but, most black folk are not what you see represented in TP’s shows.
pw
November 26th, 2011
10:32 pm
The absence of a laugh track threw me at first but by the second episode I was okay with it. First episode was slow but it will grow on me just like the Payne’s did.
LL
November 26th, 2011
11:56 pm
I’m beginning to see a pattern based on some of the comments. Many of you thought it was EXCELLENT because well, maybe this IS your life and how YOU live. The rest of us don’t live the way TP is portraying these characters. I don’t live that way. Unfortunately, we’ve had to rely on TP to provide African-Americans with the only small screen experience because no one else has been able to do it in a long time. We are looking at his shows (and BET) to provide our only viewpoint into the African-American world. This is what’s sad. Not the content of his shows, but the fact that this is ALL we have. White America has SO many different shows that show SO many different sides of their lives that they can pick and choose what they watch and still find something they can relate to. Sadly, TP and BET are all we have so we are putting pressure on them to meet EVERY African-American’s taste buds in comedy/drama, etc.
Let’s face it…this show is for a certain kind of audience. There are those who obviously liked it and didn’t see a problem. I cringed while watching the first few minutes. I wanted it to get better, but after watching her STOMP LOUDLY UP THE STAIRS (which took forever), I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to watch the rest of it. I’m glad I didn’t see the ‘catfight’. *sigh*. So, this just means that someone else out there needs to develop shows for me and others like me…those of us who can appreciate Cosby. One person who commented said Cosby was ‘phony’. I feel bad for that person because it could mean that they never grew up around or knew anyone who lived in a two-parent household where both parents had professional degrees. Far from phony. Cosby showed problems and he showed some craziness as well. TP showed us who he was a long time ago. We need to stop being surprised at his product. The only thing I’m surprised about is the fact that others around him continue to let him write and produce these shows/movies.
As for the critique of the show itself, the basic problems centered around the timing, the content of the script and the acting. That pretty much sums it up. It was like watching a jr. high school play. And I don’t think the musical score fit the content of the show. Weird. Basically, I have no interest in watching it again and I don’t think I will miss anything if I don’t.
Rachel
November 27th, 2011
1:22 am
I must say that I was ready to support TP on this sitcom and probably will give it a chance to improve. I will record it so I won’t have to sit through the “baby momma drama” nonsense. I do have one question. Is it me or did anyone notice the grown man acting as a kid? TP needs to consider a recast for that character. Watching him kept throwimg me off. I think I remember seeing him as a child actor about 15 years ago.
GeorgeD
November 27th, 2011
2:45 am
@LL – This is a good summary of how I felt, but I will record it each week due to some of the associates I have who are not into the stuff I am into, so I always keep TP stuff around to be social. Like have wine, beer around the house for people you know that drink.
I personally think that once you get get casted in A TP show, your career becomes limited. I still respect the work he does for African Americans(blacks) – Everyone has a decision to make, competition brings quality, right now, there is no real competition. Oh wait, I do like “love that girl” AND I AM watching “reed between the lines”
I am recording all black shows (except the realty shows) for future viewing.
Mister.Earl
November 27th, 2011
9:44 am
Is Tyler Perry the only producer that TBS talks to?
Sheesh
p
November 27th, 2011
11:00 am
TBS- where crap is king.
blkmanhatesobama01
November 27th, 2011
12:17 pm
What’s the problem? Isn’t this the mindset of the black elite? Always competitive, always superficial, always corny, and never real? Yeah this show is as ignorant as his other shows are, but I forced myself to watch it with my wife, and through the whole show I could not help commenting, you gotta be kidding me! For real! WTF?
Tyler is a pawn, and he needs to get off of his back, close his legs and stop bowing to Esau.
Mark
November 27th, 2011
6:41 pm
It shouldve been “Why did i Get Married” the tv series with the same cast. The new theory of the show sucks!!!!!!
Crystal
November 27th, 2011
11:19 pm
Not too bad…It will have to grow on me. I think the laughing tracks are very much needed. It separates the “life messages” from the funny. The acting isn’t the best; it reminds me of when Single Ladies first aired, the acting was horrible but it grew on me and I wouldn’t miss it. Hopefully the same here. But PLEASE kill the baby momma drama, we get enough of that on Basketball Wifes
John
November 27th, 2011
11:44 pm
I think it should be given a chance. TP has a history of doing good work. He should be given the benefit of the doubt. I looked at the show for what it is supposed to be and that is entertaining. I think most of the bloggers need to lighten up. Mama used to say ” A hit dog will holla”, I think that the reason most of the comments are so negative is that it is striking a nerve with that person or group of persons… Let’s look at ourselves before we criticize.
Ms.Simon
November 28th, 2011
8:35 am
Two Thumbs WAAAAAAAY DOWN!!
Did you all notice it’s kind of obvious that Tasha Smith has had some kinda of work done on her face? Her features look “softer”.
Hate this show.
anthony
November 28th, 2011
9:29 am
These type of dramas do play out in our lives. But the lifestyles, etc aren’t what plays out in everyday life for many black families. Tyler Perry could deliver a much better product here. seems the trash is what “sells.” I don’t need the Cosby’s, but I don’t need this type of impression of black family either. The writing is horrible, and it should be, with the focus being so negative anyway. Provide our actors with meaningful roles that make a difference please!
ThePearl404
November 28th, 2011
10:40 am
Sorry, but I HATE THIS SHOW with a vengeance! I watched it with my two sisters and each of us were sitting there in front of the TV with our mouths hanging open at the horrible way in which African American women (and men) were protrayed in this TV show. First off: these well-to-do women were actually physically FIGHTING??? Really? Who does that? I mean, how did they achieve their financial status if we are to believe they will fight at the drop of a hat? Not only unrealistic, but just ignorant and ghetto. Then the men: Breaking each and every “man code” by sitting there acting like petty little girls; snitching on each other and behaving like little b*tches. The men behaved as if they were all f&cking each other. Tyler Perry hates women! Especially African American women! To think this is what Tyler Perry thinks of AA women (and men) disgusts me!
D.M. Smith
November 28th, 2011
4:20 pm
It seems like Tasha has had some work done and she barely looks recognizable. She is a good actress though.
D.M. Smith
November 28th, 2011
4:25 pm
I don’t know why everyone seems to want to tear Tyler Perry for his work, but I admire him . He has made it. I guess he does keep the same actors and actresses in all his projects, but those are probably the most loyal , dependable people he has. He does not have to put up with all those divas out there. I think his formula has worked in the past, but who know ’s how long it will last ? I do believe Mr. Brown could tone it down a bit. He overacts in his roles, to the tune of being irritating.
Ms Q
November 29th, 2011
1:20 am
Enter your comments here
Ms Q
November 29th, 2011
2:00 am
I didnt see the show but two of my friends said that they thought it was ok and that they would give the show another shot. Its really a shame that even though we dont like something we have to bash the person who made it. For those of you that are comparing this to the cosby’s or saying that tyler should take notes from BIill Cosby are NUTS. Its 2011 and i still haven’t seen a doctor and a lawyer married in the same house raisin kids.., thats so unrealistc.. and I am an educated woman. But i havent forgotten where I come from.. when i do watch the show I dont know if i will like it.. but if i dont… i wont bash Tyler because he’s a talented..REALISTIC artist that appeal to the average black person that knows the STRUGGLES of what we go through in the HOOD and not those that has forgotten where they come from or are just too dam STUFFY and UPTIGHT. Tyler has a certain audience..if you like it then watch it,,, and if you dont,,, TURN it off. But BROTHERS AND SISTERS.. lets stop bashing our own because if we dont SUPPORT each other who in the hell will. THE Wh… E MAN…. PLEASE… DREAM ON
Sonya jones
November 29th, 2011
5:37 am
Tyler need to do a drama about real life two much happen all at once I suffered through the first episode could not make it through the next, noone can act at all are they acting to hard, the music everytime a joke got played was horrible and fight
Was just typical what they think black women
Do not all us fight are give baby mama drama, he need to Do documentary about the life that’s happening now, use that tv power to make people aware of what’s going on in world today , we need good times back black shows fail not because we do not watch them they fail because they are not worth watching!
Melonie
November 29th, 2011
11:43 am
Come on u guys you are not getting it!!! You people just expect too much, you said you were tired of the same story lines and same stuff from Tyler. So he brings you something new and you still complaining wow. It is so clear that the sitcom is not a all the way comedy its a DRAMA. You don’t need laugh tracks to tell you somethings funny now that’s fake! I enjoyed the show and all the characters. Its great to see new faces on screen. Tyler isn’t afraid to do what most directors are afraid of and that’s tell the truth and face the fact. I enjoyed the show and looking forward to seeing the others episodes. What ever it is you heart tells you to do Tyler you continue to do it. You just cant please everyone. If you don’t like the show I’m pretty sure you love the others. He has a little of something for us all weather its a sitcom, movie, or live play. Go Tyler! May God continue to bless you.
Angie
November 30th, 2011
3:25 pm
I dont like the show it was not funny at all. I like meet the Browns and House of Pyne but this show have to go NOW. Me and my family look at the show together and we all said we was very disappointed with the show.
Jessica
December 1st, 2011
12:14 pm
After all the hype and excitement to see Marcus and Angela together in a sitcom; I was really disappointment. Like state in other comments timing was off, the woman in the salon definately over acted and the last thing i missed were the laugh tracks; they are needed as it would make the show a little bit brighter. Color scheme was off and it just appeared as a dull play. Tyler, you have done much better work in your sitcoms…this is really sloppy…clean it up!
Angel
December 2nd, 2011
8:36 pm
I am always pleased with Mr.Perry’s work because he gives us the big picture always-The stories he presents are real-I seen it and you have too.Maybe it not the fact that he is too real or not real enough maybe its you.The Fact is we try to tear down those who try to help by putting them on blast.Get out of his face and let him finish the story…..Cause it not complete!
Angel
December 2nd, 2011
8:47 pm
Terry Jones please… every production that Mr.Perry created has build up Women-HATER!!!!
Maurice
December 2nd, 2011
10:29 pm
I had high hopes for this show because Michael White and Tasha Smith have a very good chemistry, but this show is not funny at all. Several posters said maybe a laugh track would help.I think its the writers. The characters are dry and the jokes are not funny. I’m not sure if this will grow on me.
Deuces
December 3rd, 2011
10:29 am
Can Tyler Perry’s new show “For Better or Worse” get any WORSE ? Despite the fact that I’ve grown “extremely” tired of TP repetition of characters….BUT this show SUCKS !!!!!!
Once again loud mouth women and spineless-jelly fish men. Where’s Spike Lee? Damn it…. I watched 2 episode last night and I like Tasha and Micheal as actors but TP is destroying them. He has had 2 previous sitcoms to “get it right” and he just doesn’t get it… I never thought I’d say this to a man, but…”Put your dress back on and go back to the stage”….for real though !!!
blessed0229
December 3rd, 2011
11:41 am
The show is very weak if it doesn’t get any better I will stop watching just like I stopped watching House of Payne. I think Tyler’s movies are better than the sitcoms. It seems like he puts more thought into the movies. I am still a fan of Tyler Perry but I think he is doing to much.
david
December 3rd, 2011
3:53 pm
Love the new show!
Michelle Clark
December 4th, 2011
12:48 am
Thank you Tyler Perry, we finally have an adult show based on relationships. I keep hearing a lot of complaints regarding laugh tracks, do we really need to laugh at the majority of black relationships today? Heck no! We need to be taught how to talk to each other, how to trust each other, and how to set good examples for our children, who are watching and learning. I lvoe this show. I also enjoy the message in MEET THE PAYNES. Not only is this show entertaining it has a message that we need to hear clearly withouth the annoying laugh tracks. Its sad that most black people feel that we have to laugh at ourselves in order to learn. Marriage and relationships are not funny, but they can be fun when people learn how to be in healthy relationships. God bless you Tyler adn thank you.
Michelle Clark
December 4th, 2011
12:50 am
I meant to say HOUSE OF PAYNE, which is an awesome show. I love house of paynes, so much that my man has agreed to watch hit with me and he hates tv. He is also watching for better or worse. Each time I watch I have an ahhah moment.
LaDee
December 4th, 2011
8:12 pm
Seriously? I wasn’t impressed with the previews, but decided to give it a chance. The first episode that I watched opened with a grown man getting out of the bed with his father, Marcus, and Angela calling him her cute little MJ? Sorry, but it was totally unbelievable, disgusting, and just wrong. That actor looks and sounds like a grown man. Isn’t he the same actor that plays the role of a foster child on House of Payne? Seriously? There is a lot of young talent out there that could have been selected for those roles. Also, why is it that every character he plays has to be a flipped mouth, sarcastic jerk? This show will not last with him in that role. As for the constant war between Angela and Keisha – if it remains the focus of the show, it will get tired really fast.
Sophia Baker
December 4th, 2011
10:17 pm
Come on people dont be so quick to cast doom one episode not enough for the doom casting say you did not get what you had expected. So what if you had a mind set and it was not fulfilled in this one episode. Oh please be just. Its a comedy it provides laughter watch the story line first .They are good actors and I am looking forward to the coming episodes before I become judgemental. God bless Tyler