More than a decade after its debut, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots remains one of the most influential and successful drama series in the history of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Created, written, directed, and executive produced by Tyler Perry, the show blends soap-opera intensity with social commentary, exploring the emotional and moral consequences of wealth, privilege, and systemic inequality in modern America.
Premiering on May 28, 2013, the series became the first scripted drama ever broadcast on OWN, and it quickly made history by delivering the highest-rated debut in the network’s history, attracting approximately 1.77 million viewers for its first episode. The show would go on to dominate OWN’s ratings for years, becoming the network’s flagship drama and a defining part of its programming identity.
A Tale of Two Social Classes
Set in Savannah, Georgia, the story centers on the intertwined lives of three families—two wealthy and powerful, and one struggling to survive—representing the sharp divide between privilege and hardship.
The “Haves”
The Cryer and Harrington families stand at the top of the social hierarchy.
Jim Cryer, a powerful judge, embodies authority and ambition, while his wife Katheryn fights fiercely to protect their reputation and fortune. Their close friends, David and Veronica Harrington, represent another elite household, with Veronica in particular becoming one of the series’ most notorious characters—calculating, manipulative, and often ruthless in pursuit of control.
The “Have Nots”
In stark contrast stands the Young family, led by Hanna Young, a deeply religious and hardworking woman employed as a housekeeper and nanny. Hanna’s struggle to protect her children and preserve her dignity in a world dominated by wealth and corruption forms the emotional backbone of the series. Through the Young family, the show examines poverty, exploitation, and the limited opportunities faced by those without social power.
High-Stakes Drama With Social Undercurrents
While The Haves and the Have Nots is filled with betrayals, secret affairs, crime, and shocking twists, its core strength lies in how these dramatic elements reflect deeper social tensions. The series repeatedly returns to themes of:
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Abuse of power and political influence
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Economic inequality and class division
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Moral compromise in pursuit of success
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Faith, forgiveness, and personal redemption
Tyler Perry’s writing style leans heavily into emotional confrontations and moral dilemmas, creating storylines that are both sensational and reflective of real-world struggles, particularly within marginalized communities.
An Eight-Season Journey
The series concluded in 2021 after eight seasons and 196 episodes, making it one of the longest-running scripted dramas on cable television during its run. To mark the end of the show, OWN aired a two-part reunion special, bringing cast members together to reflect on the characters, the impact of the series, and its loyal fan base.
Importantly, despite online rumors and viral posts, there has been no official announcement of a 2026 revival, movie adaptation, or continuation of The Haves and the Have Nots. All credible sources confirm that the story officially ended in 2021, and no new installment has been approved or produced since then.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Beyond ratings success, The Haves and the Have Nots helped solidify Tyler Perry’s role as a dominant force in American television drama. It also demonstrated that networks like OWN could successfully compete in scripted programming by telling stories rooted in emotional realism and social conflict.
The series paved the way for additional Tyler Perry productions on OWN and reinforced the demand for long-form dramas centered on Black families, power structures, and class struggles—areas that had long been underrepresented on mainstream television.
Final Thoughts
Although it is not a 2026 film or new series, Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots remains a landmark television drama that left a lasting impression on cable TV audiences. Through its intense storytelling and emotionally charged characters, the series offered more than entertainment—it presented a dramatic reflection of social imbalance, ambition, and the human cost of power.
For viewers who appreciate socially driven drama with bold characters and relentless plot twists, The Haves and the Have Nots stands as one of Tyler Perry’s most defining and influential television works.