''Let's Stay Together'' is an American

romantic comedy Romantic comedy (also known as romcom or rom-com) is a subgenre of comedy and slice of life fiction, focusing on lighthearted, humorous plot lines centered on romantic ideas, such as how true love is able to surmount most obstacles. In a typic ...

television series created by Jacque Edmonds Cofer. It premiered on Black Entertainment Television (

BET Black Entertainment Television (acronym BET) is an American basic cable channel targeting African-American audiences. It is owned by the CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global via BET Networks and has offices in New York City, Los ...

) on January 11, 2011. The title of the series refers to

Al Green Albert Leornes Greene (born April 13, 1946), better known as Al Green, is an American singer, songwriter, pastor and record producer best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s, including " Take Me to the River", ...

's 1972 song of the same name. The series premiere drew 4.4 million viewers. Initially, ''

Soul Food Soul food is an ethnic cuisine traditionally prepared and eaten by African Americans, originating in the Southern United States.Soul Food originated with the foods that were given to enslaved Black people by their white owners on Souther ...

'' star Malinda Williams was cast in the lead role of Stacy. For undisclosed reasons, she was replaced by Nadine Ellis. On April 20, 2011, BET announced that the series was renewed for a second season which aired 22 episodes starting in January 2012. For its second season,

Erica Hubbard Erica Hubbard is an American actress and model. Hubbard is best known for her roles as Kiana Anderson in the 2006 film '' Akeelah and the Bee'', Cassandra "Cassie" Sutton on the ABC Family series '' Lincoln Heights'' (2007-09) and Kita Whitmore ...

appeared infrequently due to her pregnancy. New cast member

Kyla Pratt Kyla Amore Pratt (born September 16, 1986) is an American actress. She provided the voice of Penny Proud in the first animated series for Disney Channel called ''The Proud Family'', and Breanna Latrice Barnes in UPN's '' One on One''. After play ...

(formerly of UPN's '' One on One'') joined the cast portraying Crystal, Charles and Kita's cousin. At the 2012 BET Upfront on April 13, 2012, it was revealed that the show has been renewed for a third season. The third season premiered on March 26, 2013. In April 2013,

BET Networks Black Entertainment Television LLC, doing business as BET Networks, is an American entertainment company that oversees the company's premium cable television channels, including its flagship service BET. It is a subsidiary of media conglomerate P ...

announced the show had been renewed for a fourth season which premiered on March 4, 2014. In September 2014, it was announced that the series was cancelled.

Synopsis

''Let's Stay Together'' is the story of Stacy Lawrence (Nadine Ellis), a pediatrician who is engaged to Charles Whitmore (Bert Belasco), the contractor she hired to remodel her kitchen. Stacy and Charles have a fun, sexy, intense dynamic. However, six months in, some of the magic of finally finding a soul mate has worn off, and they find themselves constantly renegotiating their rules of cohabitation. In contrast, Stacy’s super-fabulous younger sister Tasha (Joyful Drake) and her husband Jamal (RonReaco Lee) act like an old married couple even though they’re only in their 20s. Tasha made a lot of mistakes in love before she found a stable, ambitious guy like Jamal so she has dedicated herself to pleasing her man and raising their six-month-old twins. Jamal considers himself lucky to have a fine, dedicated wife like Tasha even though she does bring the drama on a regular basis. Charles’ earthy younger sister Kita (Erica Hubbard), a proud employee of the DMV, is celebrating her independence by taking a break from dating while she explores all that life has to offer before she settles down.

Episodes

Cast and characters

Main

* Bert Belasco as Charles Whitmore, a self-employed contractor and older brother to Kita; Married to Stacy. * Nadine Ellis as Stacy Lawrence-Whitmore, a successful conservative pediatrician; Married to Charles; Tasha's sister. * Joyful Drake as Tasha Lawrence-Woodson, Happy housewife to Jamal and mother of twins; Stacy's sister; owner of a baby's boutique. *

as Kita Whitmore, Charles' self-assured younger sister. Season 1, Kita worked at a DMV until she quit in season 2 to be a part of a reality show. She then became a bartender. Now she is in the Police Academy training to be an Officer of the Law. * RonReaco Lee as Jamal Woodson, a legal aid attorney and Tasha's husband. Jamal has now decided to run for councilman of his community. *

as Crystal Whitmore, cousin of Charles and Kita Whitmore. A young and outspoken film studies major at Clark Atlanta University. (seasons 2–4)

Recurring

Kym Whitley Kym Elizabeth Whitley is an American comedian and actress. She is best known for her roles on television sitcoms, such as '' My Brother and Me'', '' Sparks'', ''Animal Practice'', '' The Boondocks'', ''Young & Hungry'', '' The Parkers'', ...

as Charmaine Wax (seasons 1–2) *

Daphne Maxwell Reid Daphne Etta Maxwell Reid (née Maxwell; July 13, 1948) is an American actress, comedian, designer and former model. She is best known for her role as the second Vivian Banks on the NBC sitcom ''The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'' from 1993 to 1996. ...

as Juanita Lawrence, Stacy and Tasha's mother. (seasons 1–2) *

Ron Canada Ronald Ellis Canada (born May 3, 1949) is an American actor with a specialty in portraying judges and detectives. He is best known for '' One on One'' (2001–2004), ''The Shield'' (2003–2004), and '' Lone Star'' (1996). Career Following ...

as Garrison Lawrence, Stacy and Tasha's father. *

Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (born September 4, 1953) is an American actor and singer. Best known for playing Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington in ''Welcome Back Kotter'' (1975–79), he has also appeared in a number of films and television shows, in ...

as Charles Whitmore Sr., Charles and Kita's father. *

Jackée Harry Jacqueline Yvonne Harry (born August 14, 1956) is an American actress, comedian, and television personality. She is known for her starring roles as Sandra Clark, the nemesis of Mary Jenkins (played by Marla Gibbs), on the NBC TV series ''227'' ...

as Delores Whitmore, Charles and Kita's mother. *

Christian Keyes Christian Keyes (born July 24, 1975) is an American actor and model. Born in Detroit, MI but raised in Flint, MI, Christian got his start in the entertainment industry by appearing in stage plays having since graduated to television and film. Sin ...

as Troy, Tasha's ex-boyfriend from college who still has feelings for her. Ended up falling in love with Kita. *

Jackie Long Jackie Long (born October 23, 1981) is an American television and film actor, writer, musician, director and producer. He is also a voice actor for ''Grand Theft Auto V ''Grand Theft Auto V'' is a 2013 action-adventure game developed by Roc ...

as Micah, Kita's ex-boyfriend who sparks her interest in law enforcement. (seasons 2–4) * Tony Bravado as Darkanian Le'Johnson, a cocky NFL player who falls for Crystal. In the season 2 finale, it was revealed that Darkanian is

gay ''Gay'' is a term that primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual. The term originally meant 'carefree', 'cheerful', or 'bright and showy'. While scant usage referring to male homosexuality dates to the late 1 ...

and has a boyfriend who he kept a secret out of fear that it would affect his football career prospects. (seasons 2–4) * Darlene French White as Aunt Jean, Charles, Crystal and Kita's aunt. (season 2) *

T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh (born Crystal Walker; October 13, 1962) is an American actress and singer. In addition to her status as an original cast member of the Fox sketch comedy series ''In Living Color'' (1990–1994), Keymáh is also known for ...

as Dr. Blair Riley, Stacy's rival physician at the clinic. (season 3) * Russell Pitts as Rashad, Jamal and Tasha's babysitter for the twins and Crystal's love interest. (season 3) *

Erika Alexander Erika Rose Alexander (born November 19, 1969) is an American actress, writer, producer, entrepreneur and activist best known for her roles as Pam Tucker on the NBC sitcom ''The Cosby Show'' (1990–1992), and Maxine Shaw on the FOX sitcom ''Livi ...

as Blanche (season 4)

Guest stars

Eva Marcille Eva Marcille Sterling (née Pigford; born October 30, 1984) is an American actress, fashion model and television personality. She started her career by winning the third cycle of ''America's Next Top Model''. Early life Sterling was born in Los ...

Kandi Burruss Kandi Lenice Burruss Tucker (born May 17, 1976), known professionally by her mononym Kandi, is an American producer, television personality, singer, songwriter and actress. She first gained notice in 1992 as a member of the female vocal group Xs ...

Anna Maria Horsford Anna Maria Horsford is an American actress, known for her performances in television comedies. Horsford is best known for her roles as Thelma Frye on the NBC sitcom ''Amen'' (1986–91), and as Dee Baxter on the WB sitcom '' The Wayans Bros.'' ( ...

Tichina Arnold Tichina Rolanda Arnold (; born June 28, 1969) is an American actress and singer. She began her career as a child actor, appearing in supporting roles in ''Little Shop of Horrors'' (1986) and '' How I Got into College'' (1989) before being cast a ...

Thomas Mikal Ford Thomas Mikal Ford (September 5, 1964 – October 12, 2016) was an American actor and comedian. He was best known for his role as Thomas "Tommy" Strawn on the FOX sitcom ''Martin'', which originally aired from 1992 until 1997. He also had a recur ...

Nicole Ari Parker Nicole Ari Parker Kodjoe (born October 7, 1970) is an American actress and model. She made her screen debut with a leading role in the critically acclaimed independent film '' The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love'' (1995) and went o ...

Kim Coles Kim LaShaunda Coles (born January 11, 1962) is an American actress, comedian and game show host. Coles is known for her roles as a cast member on ''In Living Color'' for the first season (1990-1991) and as Synclaire James-Jones on television sitco ...

Donnie McClurkin Donald Andrew "Donnie" McClurkin, Jr. (born November 9, 1959) is an American gospel singer and minister. He has won three Grammy Awards, ten Stellar Awards, two BET Awards, two Soul Train Awards, one Dove Award and one NAACP Image Awards. ...

* Thomas Miles *

Countess Vaughn Countess Danielle Vaughn (born August 8, 1978) is an American actress, singer and television personality. She is best known for her role as Kim Parker on the UPN sitcoms ''Moesha'' and its spin-off ''The Parkers'', and as Alexandria DeWitt on '' ...

* Danny Erskine *

Queen Latifah Dana Elaine Owens (born March 18, 1970), known professionally as Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, actress, and singer. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1989 and released her debut album ''All Hail the Que ...

Vanessa Bell Calloway Vanessa Bell Calloway ( Bell; born March 20, 1957) is an American actress. Beginning her career as a dancer, Bell Calloway became known for her film roles as Princess Imani Izzi in the 1988 comedy ''Coming to America'', as well as for her roles ...

James Lesure James Lesure (born September 21, 1970) is an American television actor, best known for roles on the NBC/The WB sitcom ''For Your Love'' (1998–2002), and NBC comedy-drama ''Las Vegas'' (2003–2008), '' Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce'' (2017–20 ...

Henry Simmons Henry Oswald Simmons (born July 1, 1970) is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Alphonso "Mack" Mackenzie in the ABC superhero drama series '' Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' (2014–2020) and Baldwin Jones in the ABC police drama s ...

* Bobb'e J. Thompson *

Damien Dante Wayans Damien Dante Wayans (born April 29, 1980) is an American actor, screenwriter, producer and director. He is a member of the Wayans family. Early life Wayans was born in New York City, he is the nephew of the Wayans Siblings, which consists of ...

* Chris Spencer * Kelly Perine *

Roz Ryan Roz Ryan (born Rosalyn Bowen; July 7, 1951) is an American actress, singer, and comedian who has worked for productions in film, television, and Broadway theatre for over 40 years. Ryan's first role on Broadway was in '' Ain't Misbehavin, a Fa ...

La La Anthony Alani Nicole "La La" Anthony (née Vázquez; born June 25, 1979 ) is an American television personality and actress. In the early 2000s, she worked as an MTV VJ on ''Total Request Live''. She was the host of the VH1 reality television reunion ...

Rickey Smiley Broderick Dornell Smiley (born August 10, 1968) is an American stand-up comedian, television host, actor, and radio personality, known for his prank phone calls. The calls feature Smiley disguising his voice and carrying on a conversation with th ...

Omarion Omari Ishmael Grandberry (born November 12, 1984), better known by his stage name Omarion, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, actor and dancer. He rose to prominence as the lead singer of the boy band B2K. The group achieved success in the e ...

Cory Hardrict Cory Hardrict (born November 9, 1979) is an American actor. He has appeared in film and television since the late 1990s. Personal life Hardrict was born in Chicago, Illinois. After dating for six years, Hardrict and actress Tia Mowry were engage ...

* Paula Jai Parker *

Tony Rock Anthony Rock (born June 30, 1974) is an American actor and stand-up comedian. He is the younger brother of comedian Chris Rock. He is best known for playing Uncle Ryan on ''Everybody Hates Chris'' (2008–2009), and television producer Dirk Black ...

* Chico Benymon * Roland "Buddy" Lewis *

NeNe Leakes Linnethia Monique "NeNe" Leakes (; née Johnson; born December 13, 1967) is an American television personality, actress, presenter, businesswoman, author, and fashion designer. Born in Queens, New York and raised in Athens, Georgia, she is best ...

Jasmine Guy Jasmine Guy (born March 10, 1962) is an American actress, director, singer and dancer. She is known for her role as Dina in the 1988 film ''School Daze'' and as Whitley Gilbert-Wayne on the NBC ''The Cosby Show'' spin-off ''A Different World'', ...

Judge Greg Mathis Gregory Ellis Mathis (born April 5, 1960), known professionally as Judge Mathis, is a former Michigan 36th District Court judge, television court show arbitrator, author, television producer, and Black interests motivational speaker/activist. ...

Ernie Hudson Earnest Lee Hudson (born December 17, 1945) is an American actor. His roles include Winston Zeddemore in the '' Ghostbusters'' film series, Sergeant Darryl Albrecht in '' The Crow'' (1994), and Warden Leo Glynn on HBO's '' Oz'' (1997–2003) ...

Naturi Naughton Naturi Cora Maria Naughton (born May 20, 1984) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Naughton is best known as one-third of the R&B group 3LW and for her acting roles in the films '' Fame'' and '' Notorious'', in which she played rapp ...

References

External links

* * {{BET 2010s American romantic comedy television series 2010s American black sitcoms 2011 American television series debuts 2014 American television series endings BET original programming English-language television shows Television shows set in Atlanta