Tyler perry’s the haves and the have nots

Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots: A Groundbreaking Primetime Drama

Premiering in 2013 on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network, The Haves and the Have Nots marked Tyler Perry’s first foray into serialized television drama—and became one of the most successful shows in the network’s history. Blending soap opera melodrama with suspenseful storytelling, the show ran for eight seasons and nearly 200 episodes before concluding in 2021. Its gripping plotlines, dramatic twists, and diverse cast helped redefine what Black-led drama could look like on cable television.

Set in Savannah, Georgia, the series explores the entangled lives of three families: the wealthy and powerful Cryer and Harrington families (the “Haves”), and the working-class Young family (the “Have Nots”). The show opens with Hanna Young, a deeply religious single mother who begins working as a maid for the Cryers. Her son, Benny, is ambitious and loyal, while her daughter Candace is cunning, manipulative, and driven by a desire to escape poverty—no matter the cost.

The Cryers—led by patriarch Jim Cryer, a corrupt judge with political aspirations, and his emotionally unstable wife Katheryn—harbor secrets and scandals beneath their façade of privilege. The Harringtons, a wealthy and ruthless family headed by the calculating Veronica Harrington and her closeted gay son Jeffrey, add further layers of complexity to the show’s intricate web of power dynamics, betrayal, and revenge.

One of the show’s greatest strengths is its commitment to exploring social and economic inequality. Through the contrast between the opulent lifestyles of the elite and the hardships faced by working-class characters, the series reflects real-world issues such as systemic injustice, racial prejudice, addiction, and abuse of power. Despite its often sensationalized storytelling, the emotional core of the show remains grounded in its characters’ personal struggles.

Tyler Perry, who created, wrote, and directed every episode, infused the show with his signature blend of faith, family conflict, and moral dilemma. While critics were often divided over the show’s pacing and dialogue, it developed a loyal fan base, especially among African American audiences. Viewers were drawn in by the shocking cliffhangers, long-running feuds, and unpredictable character arcs.

The performances, particularly from Tika Sumpter (Candace), Angela Robinson (Veronica), and Crystal Fox (Hanna), were consistently praised. Sumpter’s portrayal of Candace Young, a character both ruthless and vulnerable, became a fan favorite and one of the defining roles of her career. Angela Robinson’s Veronica Harrington stood out as a groundbreaking TV villain—elegant, cold-blooded, and endlessly compelling.

Over the years, The Haves and the Have Nots broke ratings records for OWN, becoming its highest-rated show and one of the most-watched scripted cable dramas in the U.S. It helped pave the way for more Black-led programming and demonstrated the commercial viability of serialized dramas with diverse casts.

In 2025, a reunion special and a surprise Netflix revival season brought the series back into the spotlight, giving fans closure while celebrating the legacy of the characters they followed for nearly a decade.