*Carlos King has long been considered one of the driving forces in reality television, but what he’s doing with his “Love & Marriage” franchise is groundbreaking.
Producing 69% of OWN’s original programming hours, including four out of the network’s top six highest-rated shows, King’s influence on the landscape of unscripted television is undeniable. From his early days watching “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in Detroit to becoming a media mogul supplying content to Oprah’s OWN network, the journey has been both humbling and divinely guided, as King shared in an exclusive interview with EUR.
The Love & Marriage franchise has expanded into multiple cities, including the most recent addition, “Love & Marriage: Detroit.” King attributes the success of the series to the authenticity and equality of the couples featured.
“The husband is not behind the woman, and the woman is not behind the man. They’re equal in this sense, and they’re both co-stars of this show,” he explained.
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This dynamic is a major shift from the typical ensemble reality TV format that primarily focuses on women. King’s instinct to capture real, unfiltered relationships has made the series a must-watch for both everybody.
As the former Executive Producer of The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s highest-rated season, King’s knack for identifying talent is well-documented. When asked what he looks for in casting, he broke it down simply: honesty, relatability, and vulnerability.
“I know a star when I see one. I do have this gift where I know instantly when I see a star.” According to King, the secret lies in finding people who are comfortable enough to reveal their true selves, even when it’s messy. “It’s hard to be talked about on social media when you’re just being yourself, but if you can stand in it, it means you’re strong,” King noted.
Reality TV is evolving, and King believes that the shift is towards showcasing more real people in real places, not just the glamour of L.A., New York, and Atlanta. His series have tapped into areas like Huntsville, Alabama, and Jackson, Mississippi, bringing a spotlight to communities often overlooked.
“People want to see themselves represented on television, and not just in major cities,” he said.
Huntsville, for example, was recently named the number one destination to visit and live—something King proudly takes partial credit for.
As a creative, King also wants to expand representation for Black queer couples in reality television. His Netflix series “Styling Hollywood,” which featured Jason Bolden and Adair Curtis, was just the beginning.
“I want to do it again,” he said, expressing his desire to showcase more queer Black love stories on screen. In a genre that often sidelines LGBTQ+ relationships, King’s vision could be a catalyst for deeper, more authentic storytelling.
King’s knack for drawing out secrets extends to his podcast, where he’s able to get reality stars to share their rawest moments. His approach? No judgment. “I come in with great intentions in terms of extracting the truth,” King shared, adding that he’s proud of creating a safe space for guests to be vulnerable.
From his Detroit roots to leading 69% of OWN’s programming, Carlos King is building a Black-owned media empire rooted in authenticity and powerful storytelling. And he’s just getting started.
Jill Munroe is a Los Angeles-bred entertainment journalist, producer, and host. Follow her socials @StilettoJill or visit JillMunroe.com. Catch her live M-F on KBLA Talk 1580 from 6PM to 7PM.
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