{"id":6937,"date":"2026-03-31T12:10:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T12:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/2026\/03\/carlos-king-belle-collective-birmingham-interview\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T12:10:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T12:10:00","slug":"carlos-king-belle-collective-birmingham-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/westcoastaftershock.com\/wca\/2026\/03\/carlos-king-belle-collective-birmingham-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Carlos King Talks Bringing \u2018Belle Collective\u2019 To Birmingham, NeNe & Next Moves\u2013\u2018Hard Work Does Pay Off\u2019 [Exclusive]"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Super producer Carlos King <\/a>is expanding his reality TV universe to another southern city, and he\u2019s telling BOSSIP why all roads lead to Birmingham.<\/p>\n

\"Carlos
Source: Carlos King \/ Baby Grande PR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As previousl<\/em>y reported, Belle<\/em> Collective: Birmingham<\/em><\/a> is gearing up for its Friday, April 10 debut while marking a milestone moment for the super producer who now becomes the first executive producer to independently build two unscripted franchises\u2014Belle Collective<\/a><\/em> and Love & Marriage: Huntsville,<\/a><\/em> that have each evolved into multi-city worlds.<\/p>\n

Originally launched in Jackson, Mississippi, Belle Collective<\/em> carved out its space by spotlighting a group of dynamic Black women balancing business, family, and friendship in the South. Now, the series heads to Birmingham, Alabama, where a new collective of women is building brands, shaping culture, and redefining what it means to be a modern Southern belle.<\/p>\n

\"Belle
Source: Belle Collective: Birmingham \/ OWN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For King, the move to Alabama\u2019s Magic City introduces a fresh tone within a familiar cultural framework\u2014this time spotlighting successful Black Alabamians whose personalities are just as supersized as their success.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBirmingham is extremely different than Huntsville,\u201d he told BOSSIP, noting that while the shows share DNA, each city brings its own distinct identity.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

\u201cI think this city was off people\u2019s radar, and a lot of that is because we were already in Alabama with Huntsville,\u201d he continued. \u201cBut it reminds me of when Bravo created The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills<\/em> after doing Orange County. The early conversation was, \u2018We\u2019re already in California, we got OC.\u2019 And they were like, \u2018Oh no, honey\u2014Beverly Hills is very different.\u2019 I feel that way about Birmingham.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

King also praised the cast, led by Canvas Beauty boss Stormi Steele, for bringing that distinction to life on screen.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cStormi, along with this amazing cast, they are solid in delivering what I consider to be one of the best new shows coming out this year,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s good\u2014it\u2019s really good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Belle
Source: Belle Collective: Birmingham \/ OWN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That ability to balance familiarity with fresh perspective has been key to the success of Love & Marriage: Huntsville<\/em>, which is now celebrating its 10th season. Anchored in real relationships and lived experiences, the series has continued to resonate with audiences while earning an NAACP Image Award nomination<\/a> and solidifying its place as a cornerstone of OWN\u2019s original programming slate.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThey find themselves relating to at least one of the couples or individuals,\u201d King said of the show\u2019s enduring appeal amongst watchers. \u201cTo have that recognition as we celebrate 10 seasons, the timing was perfect,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That same emphasis on authenticity is something King believes the broader reality TV landscape could benefit from as it continues to evolve. According to the super producer, balance is key. <\/p>\n

\"Reality
Source: Reality With The King \/ OWN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

\u201cDon\u2019t go for constant arguing and fighting. It\u2019s cute\u2014we love it\u2014but in doses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Instead, he points to a return to deeper storytelling as the key to longevity.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happening in your house? Your relationships? That\u2019s what the audience wants,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Beyond television, King\u2019s influence continues to grow in the digital space through his podcast, Reality With the King,<\/a><\/strong> and YouTube channel which has become a go-to destination for candid conversations with reality stars and cultural figures alike. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

The platform blends episode recaps, exclusive interviews, and deep dives, offering guests a space to open up in ways they often don\u2019t elsewhere.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a gotcha interview\u2026 it\u2019s like, let\u2019s talk,\u201d King said, noting that both publicists and talent now actively seek out the platform.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

That growing demand has helped position the podcast as one of pop culture\u2019s most influential destinations, with notable guests including NeNe Leakes, Mathew Knowles, and most recently two Married To Medicine<\/em> standouts; Dr. Heavenly Kimes and Miss Quad. <\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

And as many of King\u2019s loyal \u201cReign Drops\u201d have noticed, his partnership with Leakes has also extended beyond the mic, with the pair currently taking their chemistry on the road through the \u201cQueen and King of Reality\u201d tour. The live experience, which grew out of their viral interview, has been years in the making.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n

\u201cWhen we did our first interview two years ago and broke the internet, I called her and said we have to go on tour,\u201d King told BOSSIP. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Now wrapped, the tour is expected to expand with additional dates, further solidifying King\u2019s presence across multiple platforms. <\/p>\n

He also shared that NeNe is \u201cin the greatest place she\u2019s been in a very long time,\u201d reflecting a new chapter for the reality star who\u2019s back on [very] good terms with Bravo.<\/a><\/p>\n

When asked about Leakes\u2019 return to the Bravo universe and what it could mean moving forward, King said he\u2019s hopeful.<\/p>\n

\"Real
Source: Freddy O \/ FreddyO.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

\u201cI think everything is steps in order, right? I think everything is headed in the right direction,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not going to say like, \u2018Oh, next year we\u2019re going to get it.\u2019 I hope so, right? But I think my thing is, we should just be happy to know that she\u2019s back in some form or capacity because we didn\u2019t see this coming.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He added that Leakes\u2019 legacy within the franchise deserves recognition.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait for us to see her amongst the girls celebrating 20 years of the Housewives franchise.<\/a> She deserves it. She helped build it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAnd to be celebrated and honored in how she\u2019s being honored; I heard some things, and I think it\u2019s perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He also added to BOSSIP that his freind is thriving, both personally and on tour.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cShe and I started our two-city tour and she is in the best space,\u201d he said. \u201cShe\u2019s in the greatest place she\u2019s been in a very long time. She\u2019s been through a lot, but my girl gets on stage and connects with the audience.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

As Belle Collective: Birmingham<\/em> takes center stage and Love & Marriage: Huntsville<\/em> keeps its 10-season streak strong, King is proving that stories made for the culture can connect far beyond it.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n

\u201cThe audience calls me the king of reality television,\u201d he said. \u201cBut now, I\u2019m about to be the king of all media.\u201d<\/p>\n