OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada) announced today the Canadian launch of The Haves and the Have Nots, from prolific writer, director, producer Tyler Perry. The series follows the complicated dynamic between the rich and powerful Cryer family and the hired help who work in their opulent mansion set in Savannah, Georgia. The Haves and the Have Nots premieres with back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, April 8 at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
From the outside, the Cryers are the enviable face of success and wealth, but behind the veil, the family’s dysfunction threatens to destroy their world of privilege. Cryer family patriarch Jim Cryer (John Schneider, Dukes of Hazzard) is a powerful judge whose double-life, including tawdry affairs with high-priced escorts, puts his family and political ambitions at risk. His wife, Katheryn Cryer (Renée Lawless, Wicked), is the ultimate matriarch portraying a loving and dutiful wife, but she is willing to do anything to protect her family’s status. Their son Wyatt (Aaron O’Connell) is a troubled angry jock who cares little for his own image and finds himself in and out of rehab. His sister Amanda (Jacyln Betham), a struggling law student, tries harder to live up to her parents’ expectations, but unknowingly has befriended a scurrilous young woman, Candace Young (Tika Sumpter, Gossip Girl), with the power to ruin the entire family.
Hanna Young (Crystal Fox) is the Cryer’s maid and the matriarch of her family. Despite having no money, she has found other types of wealth through religion and virtue. She prides herself on her dutiful son Benny (Tyler Lepley), the glue who helps keep the family together. Hanna does have one dark secret, however, her estranged daughter Candace – a manipulative opportunist who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. In a bizarre coincidence, Candace is shocked to find out that her newfound friend Amanda’s father is Jim Cryer, the very man who has been paying her for sex and who also employs Candace’s mother as his family’s maid. Armed with this knowledge, the dramatic stage is set for what will be, in Candace’s eyes, the opportunity of a lifetime.
Other characters in the series include the Cryer’s housekeeper Celine (Eva Tamargo, Passions), their wealthy friends Veronica (Angela Robinson) and David Harrington (Peter Parros) and son Wyatt’s rehabilitation counselor, Jeffery Harrington (Gavin Houston).
The following episodes will premiere on Tuesday, April 8 (beginning at 9 p.m. ET):
Episode 1: The Big Surprise premieres Tuesday, April 8 at 9 p.m. ET
As wealthy family patriarch Jim Cryer (John Schneider) comes home early to attend his surprise 50th birthday party, he is shocked to discover that his mistress Candace has befriended his daughter Amanda (Jaclyn Betham) and is attending his family dinner. Meanwhile, the entire Cryer family is disappointed when eldest son Wyatt (Aaron O’Connell) shows up from his stint in rehab, angry and disruptive.
Episode 2: Playing In The Deep End premieres Tuesday, April 8 at 10 p.m. ET
Despite Jim Cryer’s (John Schneider) demands for her to leave, a defiant Candace (Tika Sumpter) continues to stay the weekend at the Cryer mansion with Amanda (Jaclyn Betham). Later, the Cryer’s housekeeper Hanna (Crystal Fox) discovers Candace snooping around Katheryn’s (Renee Lawless) bedroom. Meanwhile, Jim tells his close friend and confidant David (Peter Parros) that his escort Candace is blackmailing him.
The Haves and the Have Nots is created, written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry. The series is produced by Tyler Perry Studios.
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