The Family Business⁚ BET Crime Drama Series Overview

The Family Business is a BET crime drama series created by Carl Weber, based on his bestselling book series․

The Premise

“The Family Business” dives into the world of the Duncans, a seemingly ordinary family residing in Jamaica, Queens․ On the surface, they are the proprietors of a thriving exotic car dealership, a successful venture passed down through generations․ However, beneath this veneer of respectability lies a carefully concealed truth⁚ the Duncans are deeply entangled in the criminal underworld․ Their luxurious car dealership serves as a front for their illicit activities, masking their involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering․ As the series unfolds, the Duncans find themselves grappling with threats from both within their family and from external forces, forcing them to confront their double lives and make difficult choices to safeguard their empire and their loved ones․

Main Cast and Characters

The series features a talented ensemble cast, led by Ernie Hudson as L․C․ Duncan, the formidable patriarch of the Duncan family․ Valarie Pettiford portrays Charlotte “Chippy” Duncan, the matriarch and L․C․’s steadfast partner․ Darrin Dewitt Henson and Sean Ringgold star as Orlando and Junior Duncan, respectively, two of the Duncan sons deeply involved in the family business․ Tami Roman plays London Duncan, the daughter navigating her place within the family’s complex dynamics․ The cast also includes Javicia Leslie as Paris Duncan, Arrington Foster as Vegas Duncan, and Miguel A․ Núñez Jr․ as Elijah, a close associate of the Duncans․

Production and Reception

Originally developed as an independent film franchise, “The Family Business” was adapted into a limited series by BET in 2018․ The series quickly gained popularity, leading to multiple season renewals․ The show’s success can be attributed to its compelling storylines, well-developed characters, and talented cast․ Critics and viewers alike have praised the series for its portrayal of family dynamics, loyalty, and the complexities of navigating a life intertwined with criminal activity․ The show’s popularity led to its acquisition by Netflix, further expanding its reach and garnering a wider audience․

Spin-offs and Adaptations

Capitalizing on the success of “The Family Business,” BET greenlit a spin-off series titled “The Family Business⁚ New Orleans․” Set in the heart of Louisiana, the spin-off explores a new branch of the Duncan family and their ventures in the Big Easy․ While maintaining the core elements of crime, drama, and family ties that made the original series a hit, the New Orleans spin-off introduces a fresh cast of characters and storylines․ This expansion of the “Family Business” universe demonstrates the franchise’s potential for growth and its ability to captivate audiences with its compelling narratives and diverse settings․

The Duncan Family⁚ A Look at the Characters

The Duncan family, led by L․C․ and Charlotte “Chippy” Duncan, navigate the complexities of their legitimate business and their secret criminal enterprise․

L․C․ Duncan⁚ The Patriarch

L․C․ Duncan, portrayed by the seasoned Ernie Hudson, is the formidable patriarch of the Duncan family․ A man of quiet strength and unwavering authority, L․C․ commands respect from both his family and the criminal underworld․ He is the owner of Duncan Motors, a successful exotic car dealership that serves as a front for the family’s illegal operations․ While L․C․ loves his family dearly and strives to protect them, he also grapples with the weight of their criminal legacy, often questioning the morality of their actions․ Throughout the series, L․C․ faces numerous threats, forcing him to make difficult decisions that test his loyalty and push him to his limits․ Despite the dangers and internal conflicts, L․C․ remains a pillar of strength for the Duncans, guiding them through treacherous situations with his wisdom and experience․

Charlotte “Chippy” Duncan⁚ The Matriarch

Charlotte “Chippy” Duncan, played by the talented Valarie Pettiford, is the matriarch of the Duncan family․ A woman of grace, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, Chippy provides a stabilizing force amidst the chaos of their double lives․ As L․C․’s wife and confidante, she is privy to the inner workings of the family business and often provides wise counsel․ While supportive of her husband, Chippy is not afraid to challenge L․C․’s decisions, particularly when their illegal activities threaten the safety of their children․ Fiercely protective of her family, Chippy possesses a hidden strength, capable of making tough choices when necessary․ Throughout the series, Chippy evolves from a supportive wife into a powerful force, demonstrating her business acumen and unwavering determination to protect her family’s legacy․

The Duncan Children⁚ Orlando, Junior, Vegas, London

The Duncan siblings, each with their distinct personalities and roles, bring a captivating dynamic to the series․ Orlando, the level-headed and ambitious second son played by Darrin Dewitt Henson, often finds himself balancing his business aspirations with the family’s illicit dealings․ Junior, the eldest son portrayed by Sean Ringgold, serves as the family’s head of security, his imposing presence and unwavering loyalty making him a formidable protector․ Vegas, known for his quick temper and impulsive nature, adds an element of unpredictability, while London, the youngest and only daughter played by Tami Roman, navigates her own path, often grappling with the weight of the family’s secrets․ Together, the Duncan children represent the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and familial bonds, tested amidst the turbulent waters of their double lives․ Their individual journeys and internal conflicts contribute to the gripping narrative of “The Family Business․”

Recurring Characters and Their Roles

“The Family Business” is further enriched by a compelling ensemble of recurring characters who weave their way into the Duncans’ lives, adding layers of intrigue and complexity․ Among them is Alejandro Zuniga, played by Emilio Rivera, a powerful and ruthless cartel leader whose dealings with the Duncans create dangerous ripple effects․ Then there’s Sasha, portrayed by Arrington Foster, a woman connected to the family’s past who resurfaces, bringing with her secrets that threaten to unravel their carefully constructed world․ Harris Grant, played by Miguel A․ Nunez Jr․, adds a touch of moral ambiguity as a lawyer who walks a fine line between upholding the law and serving the Duncans’ interests․ These recurring characters, with their shifting allegiances and motivations, contribute to the suspenseful and unpredictable nature of the show, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats․