Are you ready for Run the World season 2 with Whitney, Ella, Sondi, and Renee? Well, you better be because it’s returning with an official release date of May 26, 2023!

This hilarious and heartfelt Black TV 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 nearly two years of waiting, the ladies are finally coming back this spring.

The comedy series now 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, some departed cast members, a new showrunner, and some juicy cliffhangers from the season 1 finale, Run the World 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.

Run the World 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 Run the World season 2 has in store for our favorite ladies.

Run the World Season 2 Predictions

With Run the World Season 2 set to premiere on May 26th, fans are eager to find out what happens next with Whitney, Sondi, and Renee–especially with Ella no longer in the mix (her character was removed, after the actress playing the role was fired/resigned from the show). 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?

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.

Production and Filming

As fans eagerly anticipate the return of Run the World, 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 Run the World 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.

Run the World 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‘ Kovie Biakolo praised the show’s ability to capture the nuance and complexity of Black women’s lives, writing, “Women deserve to tell their stories in their time, and this is this generation’s story.”

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 Run the World?

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

If you’re looking for more black-focused content to add to your TV-viewing list, watch BlackOakTV. There you can find Black TV shows and movies focused on stories that reflect the lives and experiences of Black people in the United States and across the world.