EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Essence Atkins Thinks You'll Become Addicted to 'Ambitions'

Essence Atkins stars as Amara Hughes in Ambitions.

Anticipation is building for the premiere of the Jamey Giddens-penned and Will Packer-produced primetime soap opera Ambitions, which debuts on Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN. Ambitions is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city. Essence Atkins stars as Amara Hughes, a lawyer in the U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent investigator and prosecutor.

The all-star cast also includes Robin Givens as Stephanie Carlisle, the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian J. White), whose true loyalty is to her own family's prestigious law firm where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers; Brely Evans as Rondell, Evan's sister, who runs a not-quite-profitable restaurant called Thelma's Place; and Erica Page as Bella, a fashion designer in Atlanta who designs all of Stephanie's dresses for her.

Prior to taking on the role of Amara in Ambitions, Atkins starred in numerous television series and films including Half & Half, Smart Guy, Mr. Box Office, Marlon, Are We There Yet?, Girlfriends' Getaway, Deliver Us from Eva, A Haunted House, Dance Flick, and many more.

We Love Soaps caught up with Atkins when we traveled to Atlanta in April to speak with the Ambitions cast. Check out what she had to say in our exclusive interview below.

WE LOVE SOAPS: What was your first reaction when you read the script for Ambitions?
ESSENCE ATKINS: I loved the idea of telling the story, especially from Amara's point of view. I auditioned for Will, and originally auditioned for the role of Stephanie. They liked what I did but wanted to see me as Amara. When I read the pilot, Amara was the character that I immediately connected with because of her earnestness when it came to keeping her marriage together. I went through a divorce in 2016 so there is a lot of "would have, could have, should have" moments that I still wrestle with a few years later, and questions that I have. I put a lot of that into Amara's character.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Jamey Giddens Hits the Big Time with 'Ambitions'

Ambitions star Robin Givens and creator/producer Jamey Giddens.

Writer and producer Jamey Giddens made a name for himself covering soap operas for Daytime Confidential for more than a decade. His hilarious and insightful podcast commentary, and fascinating interviews, set him apart in the crowded blogosphere, not to mention the fact that he broke more news than every other soap opera journalist combined. What really made it work was his genuine love for the soaps as a lifelong viewer, combined with a deep understanding of how to tell stories as a talented writer. It was no surprise when he was asked to co-write the first season of Victoria Rowell's comedy series The Rich and the Ruthless, and earned an Indie Series Award nomination for his work. It was only a matter time before an even bigger break came his way, and it happened last year when prolific hit-maker Will Packer took notice and made a deal with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network to pick up the Giddens-penned drama Ambitions.

Ambitions is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.

The all-star cast is led by Robin Givens, who plays Stephanie Carlisle, the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian J. White), whose true loyalty is to her own family's prestigious law firm where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of the Carlisle family law firm and quietly fumes about her father Stephen's condescending assertion that she's simply not ready yet. Essence Atkins stars as Amara, a lawyer in U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent prosecutor but disappoints her supervisor by turning down the offer to run point on a major local case. Brely Evans portrays Rondell, Evan's sister, who runs a not-quite-profitable restaurant called Thelma's Place. Erica Page plays Bella, a fashion designer in Atlanta who designs all of Stephanie's dresses for her.

Kevin Arkadie is executive producer/showrunner, with Giddens and Will Packer Media's Sheila Ducksworth also serving as executive producers.

WE LOVE SOAPS: Situated in Atlanta, Giddens' award-winning writing staff includes Susan Dansby (As the World Turns, The Young and The Restless), Michele Val Jean (The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital), Trey Anthony (da Kink in my Hair, How Black Mothers Say I Love You) and Jazmen Darnell Brown (The Citizen, Saints & Sinners).

Ambitions premieres Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN, following a new episode of The Haves and the Have Nots.

We Love Soaps traveled to Atlanta in April to speak with Giddens and the cast about the much-anticipated series. Check out what Giddens had to say in our exclusive interview below.

You found success, and received an Indie Series Award nomination, for your work on The Rich and the Ruthless, but Ambitions has taken you to a whole other level. What has this journey been like for you these past few months?
JAMEY GIDDENS: I've been in the trenches with it for so long. The work has pretty much taken over my life. Moments like this... a few weeks ago we had the first photo shoot and when we released the trailer is when I was able to go, “Oh, this is really happening" and people are reacting and responding to this.

We're here fourteen hours a day just living and breathing the production aspect of it, and working in the writers' room. I've been told once we wrap I'll really start to see everything.

It definitely has been life-changing. I've never just had one job and now I'm able to fully support myself as a writer and producer, which is an amazing opportunity for any writer. It's been a rare experience having been able to do this from development, and then being a part of the entire process to the point where it was picked up.

'Ambitions': Meet Stephanie, Amara, Evan, Titus, Rondell & Bella

We are only 25 days away from the premiere of the much-anticipated drama series, Ambitions, which explores the sexy, deceitful machinations of love, power and politics in Atlanta. You can tune in Tuesday, June 18th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN to catch all the drama.

Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens (The Rich and the Ruthless) and produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Debmar-Mercury, Ambitions stars a dynamic ensemble cast including Robin Givens, Brian White, Kendrick Cross, Brely Evans, Erica Page and Essence Atkins.

The series centers around the intense rivalry between formidable legal eagles Stephanie Lancaster (Givens) and Amara Hughes (Atkins), former best friends from college who find themselves adversaries in both their personal and professional lives.

Find out more about the lead characters below.

'Ambitions' to Premiere June 18, New Trailer Released!

New steamy family saga Ambitions is set to premiere on Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN, following Tyler Perry's hit drama The Haves and Have Nots (9-10 p.m. ET/PT). The network also released a trailer for the series today.

Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens and produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Lionsgate-owned distributor Debmar-Mercury, Ambitions stars a dynamic ensemble cast including Robin Givens (Riverdale), Brian White (Scandal), Kendrick Cross (Acrimony), Brely Evans (Being Mary Jane), Erica Page (Ozark) and Essence Atkins (Marlon).

Ambitions explores the sexy, deceitful machinations of love, power and politics in America’s hottest urban mecca, Atlanta, Georgia. The series centers around the intense rivalry between formidable legal eagles Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) and Amara Hughes (Essence Atkins), former best friends from college who find themselves adversaries in both their personal and professional lives. Full descriptions of ensemble below:

* Robin Givens is the sophisticated ‘Stephanie Lancaster.’ Hailing from a long line of distinguished attorneys, Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of her family’s prestigious law firm and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

* Brian White is ‘Evan Lancaster,’ the Mayor of Atlanta, who is married to attorney Stephanie Carlisle. Evan’s dream is to be the first African-American governor of Georgia and there’s no line he won’t cross to get there.

* Kendrick Cross stars as ‘Titus Hughes,’ a passionate attorney and dedicated husband to Amara (Essence Atkins). Titus has accepted the challenge of being in-house counsel for a big pharma company run by Hunter Purifoy (Brian Bosworth) to fight a class action suit brought by the powerful Carlisle family.

* Brely Evans stars as ‘Rondell Lancaster,’ the sister of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster and manager of the Thelma’s Place restaurant. As the new face of an anti-gentrification campaign, she never thought she’d become a crusader for the people, but it’s a badge she wears with pride – and nobody is removing it.

* Erica Page plays the role of ‘Bella (Tru) Trujillo,’ Atlanta’s newest and trendiest fashion designer. She’s the exclusive dress designer for First Lady Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) but has set her sights much higher.

* Essence Atkins plays the role of ‘Amara Hughes,’ a lawyer in the U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent investigator and prosecutor.

In addition, Brian Bosworth (What Men Want), Matt Cedeño (Days of our Lives), Deena Dill (Conrad & Michelle), Gino Anthony Pesi (Shades of Blue) and Kayla Smith (Star) will appear in recurring roles.

Check out the newly released trailer below.

Sneak Peak of New Jamey Giddens Soap 'Ambitions'

"Lovers, competitors, enemies, friends, scandal, and that's just for starters," teases Robin Givens in a new first look video for Ambitions, the upcoming primetime soap opera created by Indie Series Award nominated writer Jamey Giddens. Givens stars as Stephanie Lancaster in the OWN series, which premieres in June. Check out the preview below.

Only a Queen Can Sit on the Throne: Check out Robin Givens as Stephanie in a New 'Ambitions' Teaser

We are only two months away from the premiere of Ambitions, the much-anticipated primetime soap opera created by Indie Series Award nominated writer Jamey Giddens (The Rich and the Ruthless). Ambitions is a multigenerational family saga centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.

Riverdale's Robin Givens leads the ensemble cast. She plays Stephanie Carlisle, the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian White), whose true loyalty is to her own family's prestigious law firm, where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of the Carlisle family law firm and quietly fumes about her father Stephen’s condescending assertion that she’s simply not ready yet.

Catch a sneak peek of Queen Stephanie in a new teaser video below.

'Ambitions' Production Underway with Stars Robin Givens, Essence Atkins, Brian White, Kendrick Cross, Brely Evans & Erica Page

Production is now underway in Atlanta on the much-anticipated drama Ambitions, created by Jamey Giddens and produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Lionsgate-owned distributor Debmar-Mercury. The multigenerational family saga features an all-star cast including Robin Givens (Riverdale, The Bold and the Beautiful), Essence Atkins (Marlon, Half and Half), Brian White (Ray Donovan, Scandal), Kendrick Cross (Acrimony, Tales from the Hood 2), Brely Evans (Turnt, Being Mary Jane) and Erica Page (Ozark, Bad Dad Rehab). Multiple award-winning writer/EP Kevin Arkadie (The Quad, New York Undercover) has joined as showrunner. Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens (The Rich and The Ruthless) from an original idea by Packer, Ambitions will debut on OWN in March 2019, with the pilot episode directed by Benny Boom (All Eyez on Me, Black Lightning).

Ambitions is centered around one woman who, having recently relocated and intent on revitalizing her marriage, finds herself going head to head with some of the most powerful and deceitful players in the city.

Robin Givens stars as ‘Stephanie Carlisle,’ the wife of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster (Brian White), whose true loyalty is to her own family's prestigious law firm, where she is the latest in a long line of distinguished lawyers. Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of the Carlisle family law firm and quietly fumes about her father Stephen's condescending assertion that she's simply not ready yet. Givens is represented by PANTHEON.

Essence Atkins plays the role of ‘Amara,’ a lawyer in U.S. Attorney's Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent prosecutor but disappoints her supervisor by turning down the offer to run point on a major local case. Atkins is represented by Buchwald and Kathy McComb Management.

OWN Picks Up Jamey Giddens Drama 'Ambitions' From Will Packer Media

OWN announced today two new series from prolific hit-maker Will Packer (Girls Trip, Straight Outta Compton, Ride Along, Roots) and his Will Packer Media banner: the soapy new drama series Ambitions (written by Daytime Confidential's Jamey Giddens) from global content leader Lionsgate and the unscripted dating series Ready to Love. Packer will serve as executive producer for both series. The new shows mark the first television series to be created under Packer's first-look deal with the network.

The announcement comes as OWN's momentum and diversified programming slate continues to grow. The network recently delivered its highest rated first quarter in four years in the network's key W25-54 demo with year-over-year gains of +6% in W25-54, +15% in African American women and +5% in total viewers. In addition, year-to-date OWN is the #1 cable network for African American women in primetime.

"Will is a creative powerhouse who knows what audiences want," said Erik Logan, president of OWN. "He has an insightful approach to relationships and a keen eye for great storytelling that resonates with viewers across the board. We can't wait to bring these two new series to our viewers."

Victoria Rowell Lays it Down in 'The Rich & The Ruthless'

The Rich & The Ruthless, the much-anticipated dramedy created by and starring The Young and the Restless fan favorite Victoria Rowell, premiered on Robert L. Johnson's Urban Movie Channel (UMC) last week. The second episode was released on Saturday, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

The Rich & The Ruthless is loosely based on Rowell's popular novels "Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva" and "The Young and the Ruthless: Back in The Bubbles". Written by Rowell and the brilliantly funny Jamey Giddens, the plot centers on Augustus Barringer (Being Mary Jane's Richard Brooks), creator of daytime's only black-owned soap opera, as he battles ruthless network executives, scheming underlings, temperamental soap actors, and budget cuts to keep his show in production. Rowell (who also serves as executive producer and director) stars as Augustus's fresh-from-rehab wife Kitty, a former soap queen determined to reclaim her spotlight.

Robert Richard plays Barringer bad boy, Max, a soap opera writer. Chrystale Wilson (The Players Club) is nefarious suds diva Alison Fairchild Roberts, who thinks because she's married to one of the producers she's the Queen Bee. Dawnn Lewis (A Different World) is Beth, the long-suffering wardrobe mistress, and .

The Young and the Restless alum Brenda Epperson appears as network executive Edith Norman. Former Bold and the Beautiful star Mykel Shannon Jenkins is soap hunk Derrick Taylor, while B&B's recently returned Kimberlin Brown is set to appear as the mysterious Dr. Maya Cooper.

There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, including a laundry room scene featuring Rowell in the second episode. Alesha Renee (MTV's Girl Code) is fabulous as plucky soap heroine Calysta Jeffries, while the supporting cast steals a number of scenes.

Rowell also brings the drama, and delivers my favorite line so far during Kitty's argument wtih August.

"My fans will never forget me, because I laid it down!" Kitty snarled at the end of the first episode.

Watch the trailer below, and check out the first two episodes at umc.tv/film/rich-ruthless/.

'The Rich and the Ruthless' Coming Soon to Urban Movie Channel!

Victoria Rowell's long-awaited series, The Rich and the Ruthless, will premiere later this month on Urban Movie Channel. Written with Daytime Confidential's Jamey Giddens, R&R is a character driven story centered on two kindred spirits— soap ingénue Calysta Jeffries (Aleesha Renee) and legendary producer Augustus Barringer (Richard Brooks). The moment he auditioned her years earlier for the role of Ruby Stargazer, Augustus knew he had found his latest muse in the raw and talented Calysta.

While the driving arc is the complicated bond between Calysta and Augustus, R&R is "a multigenerational, dramedy ensemble piece. The audience will grow to love, hate and, in some cases, love to hate many among the motley crew of vicious soap divas, chiseled hunks, and treacherous network television executives who make up this world."

The cast includes Victoria Rowell as Kitty Barringer, Mykel Shannon Jenkins as Derrick Taylor, Chrysale Wilson as Alison Fairchild Roberts, Robert Ri'chard as Max Barringer, Michael Colyar as Willie Turner, Elizabeth Carlisle as Emmy Abernathy, Valenzia Algarin as Veronica Barringer, Hunter Bodine as Randall Roberts, Brenda Epperson as Edith Norman and Shadoe Stevens as Phillip McQueen. Kimberlin Brown also appears as Dr. Maya Cooper, while Dawnn Lewis plays a bitter costume designed named Beth.

Check out the fun series trailer below, along with a sneak peek from the first episode.