All the Queen’s Men marks a surprising turn for Tyler Perry, who produces the BET show.

Tyler Perry’s latest hit, All the Queen’s Men, has checked every box on the list of Perry-isms. Dramatic, some would say nonsensical storylines? Check. A blended cast of iconic actors and fresh new talent? Check. A guaranteed audience? Check.

However, All the Queen’s Men has been celebrated for an entirely different reason too. The show has seen mass acclaim on social media for its ability to juggle multiple genres and breathe life into gritty and explicit crime dramas.

All the Queen’s Men Characters at a Glance

The series follows Marilyn “Madam” DeVille, portrayed by actress and Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Eva Marcille, a determined businesswoman that runs a nightclub staffed by male entertainers. Upon the show’s announcement, many took to social media to express their intrigue and doubts about the series, with some even suggesting that the film juggernaut’s latest offering was nothing more than a rushed imitation of the successful strip-club drama P-Valley.

The series, however, is based on the celebrated novel Ladies Night by Christian Keyes. In comparison to All the Queen’s Men, the novel focuses on Amp “Addiction” Anthony, an ex-con who embarks on a turbulent journey of self-exploration after becoming an exotic dancer.

Unlike Ladies’ Night, All The Queen’s Men focuses on DeVille, framing her as a domineering yet complex businesswoman, and chronicles her tumultuous ascension to the world of the wealthy, soon learning that money buys the best in life but can also bring the worst.

Despite mixed reception early on, All the Queen’s Men seems to have found its footing and has gone on to be one of the more cherished television programs in Tyler Perry’s cinematic collection. Through word of mouth on social media, the drama has been commended for its presentation of romance and sexuality, attracting viewers in the process.

Tyler Strikes Gold Again… What Makes This Different?

Despite Perry remaining a living legend, the iconic screenwriter, playwright, and actor has faced plenty of criticism. From his controversial announcement that he writes his films and shows alone to the dangerous tropes that can be found in many of his works, Tyler’s art has always been a source of contention for many.

Films such as Temptations and For Colored Girls and characters like Madea are celebrated for their captivating stories and the latter’s hilarious portrayal. Nonetheless, Perry’s decisions in crafting these characters and films have received accusations of misogynoir and making light of Black trauma. It’s not uncommon for Perry’s audience to consider Madea as a caricature of racist stereotypes. Additionally, past interviews highlight a worrisome reluctance to consider the criticism he has received. What sets All the Queen’s Men a apart re the different steps taken to address previous criticisms addressed across social media.

Helping Hands

In addition to Perry acting as the executive producer, All the Queen’s Men’s roster includes accomplished actress Kim Fields and veteran executive, Michelle Sneed. Christian Keyes himself is the creator and an actor in the series. Keyes has expressed gratitude towards Perry for allowing him to take in the reins when it came to shooting while the latter provided adjustments.

The transition from being the sole writer to accepting criticism, prioritizing collaboration, and continuing his successful mentoring relationship with this cast and crew have resulted in a new form of success for Tyler Perry. Inviting more collaborators has allowed intriguing storylines to flourish while retaining Perry’s trademark drama and suspense. All the Queen’s Men carries the essence of Perry’s riskiness but discovers new territory.

Whether it be Madam’s characterization or embracing male nudity, All the Queen’s Men has seen a fresh, prominent wave of adoration following its debut season. Going into the second season, the cast has expressed genuine enthusiasm, with Marcille eagerly pointing out significant parallels between her and Madam DeVille.

With many brilliant minds in the writing room, behind the cameras, and under the spotlight, All the Queen’s Men manages to become one of the more promising of Perry’s projects, serving as a foundation for his career in the 2020s.

All the Queen’s Men Season 2

With the second season hitting BET+ in the spring of 2022 (and with an expected release date for Fall 2023 on its cable equivalent), the program will undoubtedly reach further audiences. Nowadays, it’s impossible to scroll through apps like Twitter without finding avid fans and newcomers alike celebrating the show.

The spontaneity of social media means that all it takes is one viral screen cap, one contentious debate under the show’s hashtag, or one jaw-dropping scene to send the show into the stratosphere. With an alluring season three, anything from a larger fan base to greater acclaim is within the producers’ reach.

All the Queen’s Men proves that an open mind and a willingness to evolve can result in a career renaissance, one that garners a loyal viewership and produces a soon-to-be cult classic in the larger collection of Tyler Perry’s famed works. All the Queen’s Men shows that Perry’s creative spirit is not fading anytime soon, so long as he embraces collaboration.