Lela Rochon, Yvette Nicole Brown Lead BET+ Crime Drama ‘The Family Business: New Orleans’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — BET+ is set to premiere its latest crime drama, *The Family Business: New Orleans*, on Jan. 23, 2025, with Lela Rochon and Yvette Nicole Brown leading a star-studded cast. The series, created by Carl Weber and directed by Trey Haley, expands the *Family Business* universe, shifting focus to Big Shirley Duncan and her fight to protect her underground casino and nightclub, Midnight Blues, in the heart of New Orleans.

Rochon, known for her iconic role in *Waiting to Exhale*, returns to the screen as Big Shirley, a formidable matriarch navigating the dangerous underworld of New Orleans. Brown, who plays Monique, Big Shirley’s loyal best friend and right-hand woman, brings warmth and humor to the intense storyline. The series explores themes of family, loyalty, and generational wealth, set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans.

“There’s a lot of excitement around it,” Rochon told ESSENCE. “It’s a project that really speaks to the culture, and they’re very excited about a New Orleans version—especially the people that are from NOLA. And I hope there’s some excitement about me going back to work. It’s been a long time.”

Brown emphasized the importance of the on-screen sisterhood between her character and Rochon’s. “I love that we’re demonstrating how wonderful it is when sisters stand up for sisters,” she said. “I think that we’re going to need a lot more of that going forward with the climate in the world. So I love that we get to model what it’s like when you’ve got somebody that’s got your back.”

The series also features Brandon T. Jackson as Marquis Duncan, Big Shirley’s ambitious son, and Michael Jai White reprising his role as Vegas Duncan from the original series. Other cast members include Orlando Jones, Pooch Hall, and David Banner, who plays Jean LeBlanc, a powerful figure in New Orleans.

Filming took place in both Los Angeles and New Orleans, with the latter’s rich culture and history deeply influencing the show’s tone. “You can’t step foot in New Orleans without feeling everything about New Orleans,” Brown said. “I’m a spiritual person, a person of faith. And so as soon as you get there, you feel the ancestors, you feel that city.”

Rochon added that the city’s atmosphere helped her embody Big Shirley’s strength and determination. “It just made me lock in and be a little bit more powerful in the role,” she said.

The series aims to highlight the importance of family and generational wealth within the Black community. “It really is about Black generational wealth and keeping it in the family and continuing on,” Rochon said. “That’s one thing that we haven’t really heard people speak about until this decade, and it’s a big deal.”

With its mix of crime, family drama, and cultural significance, *The Family Business: New Orleans* promises to be a standout addition to the BET+ lineup. Fans of the original series and newcomers alike can expect a gripping story filled with action, intrigue, and powerful performances.