Other meanings of The Oval
Television
The Oval is an American prime-time soap opera created by Tyler Perry that premiered on BET on October 23, 2019. The series follows the lives of the first African-American family in the White House, centering on President Hunter Franklin and his wife, First Lady Victoria Franklin, while also depicting the personal dramas of White House staff. Known for its melodramatic twists and rapid production schedule, the show became one of BET's highest-rated original series.
The Oval centers on the Franklin family, the first African-American family to occupy the White House. President Hunter Franklin (Ed Quinn) is a charismatic but flawed leader, while First Lady Victoria Franklin (Kron Moore) is a calculating and ruthless figure who will do anything to protect her image. Their marriage is strained by secrets, infidelity, and political ambition. The series also follows the lives of White House staff, including the chief of staff, secret service agents, and household workers, whose personal dramas often intersect with the political intrigue. The show blends family saga with political thriller elements, featuring betrayals, scandals, and power struggles.
The Oval is produced by Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, and is part of Perry's multi-series deal with BET. Perry writes, directs, and produces nearly every episode, often completing entire seasons in a matter of weeks. The show premiered to strong ratings, becoming BET's #1 new series of 2019. Critics have given mixed reviews, noting its over-the-top plotlines and melodramatic acting, but audiences have embraced its escapist appeal. The show has been praised for providing steady employment for a large cast and crew, many of whom are African-American, and for its fast-paced production model that allows for timely topical references.1
The Oval airs on BET and is also available on BET+ streaming service. In 2020, BET announced a spin-off series titled Ruthless, which follows a character from The Oval, and the two shows have occasionally crossed over. The Oval has been renewed for multiple seasons, with the fifth season premiering in 2023. The show's success has solidified Tyler Perry's dominance in cable television, and it has been noted for its cultural impact as one of the few prime-time dramas centered on a Black presidential family.
Despite its fictional nature, The Oval has drawn comparisons to real-life political dramas, and some viewers have speculated that certain plotlines are inspired by actual events. The show's production schedule is unusually fast: Tyler Perry has boasted of writing and filming an entire season in under three weeks, a feat made possible by his purpose-built studio complex. The Oval also features a rare on-screen depiction of a transgender character in a recurring role, played by a transgender actress, which is notable for a mainstream soap opera. Additionally, the show's theme song and score are composed by Tyler Perry himself, a detail many fans overlook.2
All information is based on publicly available sources as of 2024.
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