Are you ready to return to “Run the World” with Whitney, Sondi, Renee? (Sorry! no more Ella.) Well, you better be, because “Run the World” Season 2 is coming on May 26!

This hilarious and heartfelt show about four 30-something Black women navigating life, love, and careers in Harlem has been making waves since it premiered on Starz in 2021. And, after two long years of waiting, the ladies are finally back.

The comedy series follows three best friends, Whitney, Renee, and Sondi, navigating love and career challenges in Harlem. Amber Stevens West, Bresha Webb, and Corbin Reid are returning to their roles as the three best friends.

With some new cast members, a new showrunner, and some juicy cliffhangers from the season 1 finale, season 2 promises to be wild. But before we dive in, let’s take a look back at where we left off with our favorite characters and what we can expect from the upcoming season.

Season 1 Recap

If you need a refresher on what happened in season 1 of Run the World, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Our four leading ladies, Whitney, Ella, Sondi, and Renee, were all at very different points in their lives and careers, but they all had each other’s backs—no matter what.

Whitney, who was engaged to her longtime boyfriend Ola, found herself in hot water when she confessed to cheating on him. Ola needed time to think, leaving Whitney unsure whether her wedding would still happen.

Ella, a celebrity gossip website writer, reunited with her ex-boyfriend Anderson despite her friends’ disapproval. She also realized she wanted more out of her career and started working on a new book.

Renee, a marketing executive, quit her job after being passed over for a promotion that went to a white male colleague. She also divorced her husband, Jason, after realizing they were no longer in love.

Sondi, a grad student, had a secret relationship with her professor Matthew. When their romance was revealed to the university, Sondi had to deal with a colleague’s insinuation that Matthew had dated students before. She also struggled to adjust to living with Matthew and his young daughter while still managing her responsibilities.

Season 1 was praised for its authentic portrayal of Black female friendships and its exploration of important themes like career success, relationships, and the microaggressions Black women face. With so many unresolved issues and cliffhangers at the end of season 1, fans can’t wait to see what season 2 has in store for our favorite ladies.

Season 2 Predictions

With season 2 of Run the World set to premiere soon, fans are eager to find out what happens next with Whitney, Ella, Sondi, and Renee. Here are some predictions for what we might see in the upcoming season:

Whitney’s Relationship with Ola

Whitney’s relationship with Ola will continue to be a major storyline. With Ola needing time to think about their future, Whitney will likely struggle with uncertainty and doubt. Will they call off the wedding or work through their issues?

Ella’s New Book and Career Aspirations

Ella’s new book and career aspirations were likely to have taken center stage this season. However, due to issues with the actress in this role, it doesn’t appear that Ella we have a role in “Run the World” Season 2.

Renee’s Career at L’Oréal and Post-Divorce Life

Renee’s career at L’Oréal will be a major focus of the season as she tries to make a name for herself in a new position. She might also navigate the ups and downs of being newly divorced.

Sondi’s Evolving Relationships

Sondi’s relationship with Matthew and his daughter Amari will likely continue to evolve as she adjusts to living with them and taking on parenting responsibilities. She’ll hopefully confront Matthew about his lack of help around the house.

Season 2 of the series, with new recurring cast members Tika Sumpter, Comedian CP, and Isha Blaaker, promises to explore the power of Black sisterhood as the trio navigates the ups and downs of life. The ladies will be fortified by their impenetrable friendship and will likely get into even crazier situations this season.

Production and Filming

As fans eagerly anticipate the premiere of “Run the World” Season 2, here’s a look at some behind-the-scenes details about the show’s production and filming:

The series is still set and filmed in Harlem, New York City. The show’s creators and producers have emphasized the importance of showcasing the vibrant culture and community of the neighborhood.

The show’s costume design is a standout feature, with the wardrobe assembled by costume designer Tracy L. Cox and costume consultant Patricia Field. Both have previously worked on iconic shows like Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada. Expect to see even bolder and more stylish choices for the characters in season 2.

Rachelle Williams-BenAry, writer and producer for shows like Tuca & Bertie and Mixed-ish, joins the team as the new showrunner for season 2. Leigh Davenport and Yvette Lee Bowser will stay on as executive producers.

The cast for season 2 features returning stars Amber Stevens West, Bresha Webb, Corbin Reid, Stephen Bishop, and Tosin Morohunfola. New additions to the cast include Tika Sumpter, Comedian CP (a.k.a. Chris Powell), and A Madea Homecoming’s Isha Blaaker.

Reception and Reviews

The first season of “Run the World” was met with critical acclaim and positive reviews from audiences. The show has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Black female friendship and the struggles faced by successful Black women in their 30s. Their chemistry is particularly well-received, with viewers finding their banter and conversations relatable and engaging.

Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gives the first season a score of 100% based on eight reviews, with the critical consensus reading, “Smart, stylish, and packed with powerful performances, Run the World is a dazzling celebration of Black womanhood that’s sure to lift viewers up.”

Writing for The New York Times, Salamishah Tillet praised the show’s ability to capture the nuance and complexity of Black women’s lives, writing, “In the hands of creator Leigh Davenport and executive producer Yvette Lee Bowser, Run the World is poised to become a cultural touchstone for women of color who have longed for authentic, honest and multidimensional portrayals of their lives and loves.”

Similarly, TVLine’s Matt Webb Mitovich applauded the show’s strong writing and performances: “With sharp writing, fresh faces, and killer fashion sense, Run the World has the makings of a signature Starz series.”

As the show prepares to return for its second season, it will be thrilling to see where the story goes next and how the characters continue to evolve.

Who Runs the World?

Move over, Beyonce; it’s safe to say that with Season 2, “Run the World” will continue to run the world of TV comedies and leave viewers feeling like they, too, can conquer anything.

“Run the World” fans can mark their calendars as Starz has announced the premiere date for the show’s second season. The show will return on Friday, May 26, and will be available to stream on the STARZ app and on-demand platforms from midnight ET.

If you’re looking for more black-focused content to add to your watchlist, check out BCR (Black Content Review). With our reviews on TV shows, movies, and creators, you’ll be sure to find something new and exciting to watch that celebrates and showcases Black voices and experiences. Head over to BCR today and discover your next favorite show or movie.