Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Daytime Divas, which takes us behind the polished facade of daytime television to reveal the cutthroat world of talk show politics, where friendships are fragile and ambition knows no limits.
Daytime Divas premiered on June 5, 2017, on VH1 and delivered 10 episodes of approximately 42 minutes each. Created by Amy and Wendy Engelberg and based on Star Jones’ 2011 book “Satan’s Sisters,” this satirical comedy-drama series offers a fictionalized glimpse into the backstage chaos of a popular daytime talk show called “The Lunch Hour.” The series concluded with a dramatic two-hour finale on July 31, 2017, before being canceled after one season.
The series chronicles the daily fireworks that erupt between five female co-hosts of a daytime talk show, exploring how their on-screen camaraderie masks a backstage world filled with power struggles, personal demons, diva fits, love affairs, and cocktails. What makes Daytime Divas compelling is its unapologetic dive into the darker side of television fame, showing how the pursuit of ratings and relevance can corrupt even the closest relationships.
The Queens of Daytime Television
Daytime Divas centers around the five hosts of “The Lunch Hour,” each representing a different archetype of daytime television personality. Vanessa Williams leads the cast as Maxine, the show’s creator and controlling lead host who will do anything to maintain her position at the top. The supporting cast includes Mo, Heather, Kibby, and Nina, each bringing their own secrets, ambitions, and vulnerabilities to the toxic yet addictive environment of daytime TV. The show excels at revealing how these women’s public personas often directly contradict their private realities.
Maxine: The Machiavellian Queen Bee
Vanessa Williams delivers a powerhouse performance as Maxine, a character who embodies both the glamour and ruthlessness of television stardom. Throughout the series, we watch Maxine navigate increasingly dangerous territory as she tries to protect her empire from younger, hungrier competitors while dealing with personal scandals that threaten to destroy everything she’s built. Her character arc explores the price of power and the lengths someone will go to maintain control in an industry that’s always looking for the next big thing.
The Co-Hosts: Frenemies in the Spotlight
The dynamic between the five co-hosts forms the heart of Daytime Divas, with each woman bringing distinct motivations and backstories to their complicated relationships. Chloe Bridges shines as Kibby, a former child star struggling with addiction and trying to rebuild her career, while the other hosts each harbor their own secrets and ambitions. The series masterfully shows how professional jealousy and personal insecurities can turn colleagues into enemies, even when they’re forced to smile and play nice for the cameras.
When Murder Meets Daytime Drama
The series reaches its most shocking heights in the dramatic finale when Maxine finds herself arrested for her husband’s murder, though the truth reveals she’s covering for the real culprit. This explosive climax showcases Daytime Divas at its most audacious, blending soap opera melodrama with dark commentary on the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones and their careers. The murder storyline elevates the series beyond typical workplace drama into something genuinely unpredictable and thrilling.
Success on VH1
Daytime Divas found its audience among viewers who craved behind-the-scenes television drama with a satirical edge. The series’ 42-minute episodes perfectly captured the fast-paced, high-stakes world of daily television production, while Vanessa Williams’ commanding performance anchored the show’s blend of comedy and drama. Though canceled after one season, Daytime Divas left its mark as a bold exploration of ambition, betrayal, and the price of fame in the television industry.
Your Next Guilty Pleasure Drama
If you love backstage drama combined with sharp social commentary about television culture, Daytime Divas is the perfect series to binge on streaming platforms. The show offers a delicious mix of workplace politics, personal scandals, and television industry insights that will keep you hooked until the shocking finale.
Why This One-Season Wonder Deserves Recognition
Daytime Divas proves that sometimes the most entertaining stories happen behind the cameras rather than in front of them. This series offers a rare glimpse into the cutthroat world of daytime television, wrapped in stellar performances and writing that balances humor with genuine dramatic stakes.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 10 episodes (1 season, completed)
Platform: VH1 (available on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video)
Release/End Year: 2017
Current IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Satirical
Status: Canceled after one season
Protagonists: Vanessa Williams (Maxine), Chloe Bridges (Kibby), Camille Guaty (Nina), Fiona Gubelmann (Heather)
Antagonist: Industry pressures, personal ambitions, internal rivalries