OWN's 'Sweet Life: Los Angeles' Returns: Air Dates and Insights

The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) is set to re-air the critically acclaimed reality series "Sweet Life: Los Angeles," which originally aired on HBO Max, starting June 13, 2023. The series focuses on a group of young Black adults navigating their lives, friendships, and aspirations in South Los Angeles. Following its abrupt cancellation in 2022 during the merger of HBO Max with Discovery, the show's loyal fanbase has expressed a passionate desire for its return. The re-airing is expected to not only rekindle interest but also provide behind-the-scenes insights that fans have been craving.

The series features a close-knit cast including Tylynn Burns, Briana Jones, Amanda Scott, Cheryl Des Vignes, Jerrold Smith II, P’Jae Compton, and Jordan Bentley. As stated by Tylynn Burns in a recent interview, "It’s really refreshing to see that so many people love the show, they still love us, or they're still just interested in our lives" (USA TODAY, Taylor Ardrey, 2023). This sentiment reflects the show's impact on its viewers and the ongoing conversations surrounding representation in media.

The first season will debut on Fridays at 9 p.m. ET, with episodes airing back-to-back starting June 27 at 8 p.m. ET. The complete episode schedule is as follows: - June 13: Episode One, "Sweet Life" - June 20: Episode Two, "Good Vibes Only" - June 27: Episodes Three and Four, "You Got Me (Expletive) Up" and "A Seat at the Table" - July 4: Episodes Five and Six, "Moving In, Moving Out, Moving" and "Once Upon a Time in Sexico" - July 11: Episodes Seven and Eight, "No Cabo Cuddles" and "Low-Key Privileged" - July 18: Episodes Nine and the Season Finale, "Are We Even Friends?" and "The Group Chat"

According to OWN, each episode will also include 5-7 minutes of exclusive commentary from the original cast members. Cheryl Des Vignes noted, "I feel like the viewers should expect little tidbits of behind the scenes and what we were really feeling in the moment" (USA TODAY, 2023). This feature aims to deepen the connection between the cast and the audience, providing a more intimate look at their experiences.

The cancellation of "Sweet Life: Los Angeles" in 2022 after two successful seasons drew significant attention and disappointment from fans. As reported by Variety and Deadline, the series concluded amid broader changes within HBO Max, leading to speculation about the future of similar shows featuring diverse casts.

In light of the re-airing, cast member Amanda Scott expressed her hope for a potential third season, stating, "I would love to have a season three. I think it would be incredible. We've all grown so much. There's so much story that the show has missed since we stopped filming" (USA TODAY, 2023). The re-airing on OWN presents an opportunity to reignite interest in the series and possibly set the stage for its revival.

The return of "Sweet Life: Los Angeles" on OWN is not only a significant moment for its cast and fans but also a crucial step in the ongoing dialogue about representation in reality television. As viewership returns, the implications for future programming featuring similar narratives remain to be seen, with many hoping that the series will pave the way for more inclusive storytelling in the industry.