9/14/2023
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today a new spin-off, READY TO LOVE: MAKE A MOVE, which comes from the popular dating and relationship series READY TO LOVE. On Friday nights, READY TO LOVE ranks as the #1 cable series in its time slot with key African American demos and in this new series, four READY TO LOVE fan-favorite female alum embark on an all-new adventure looking for their soulmates in a new city, New Orleans, Louisiana. But the Big Easy isn’t that simple in love as host Tamica Lee, an expert matchmaker, presents them with 25 potential Mr. Rights to choose from. After the course of 13, one-hour episodes, the four ladies each need to decide if any of the men are worthy for them to MAKE A MOVE permanently to New Orleans for a fresh start at life and love - or if they’ll return back to their own homes still searching for “the one.” Produced by Will Packer Media and Lighthearted Entertainment, READY TO LOVE: MAKE A MOVE premieres on Friday, October 13th at 8PM ET/PT on OWN.
In the premiere episode “Welcome to NOLA,” Ashlee Akins (S1, Atlanta), Verneashia Allen (S3, Houston), Zadia Murphy (S4, Washington, D.C.), and Shereese Logan (S6, Miami) go to New Orleans for a chance at romance, moving in together to form a dating sisterhood. They are welcomed to town by matchmaker Tamica Lee, who surprises them with a singles mixer filled with hometown hotties. However, tension brews when two women choose the same man for a one-on-one date. It’s just a glimpse at what is to come on READY TO LOVE: MAKE A MOVE as the four singles sample the local talent, explore the city, confide in their sisters and seek out their suitors to see if love connections can be made - or if love triangles will drive a wedge between them.
Meet the women featured on READY TO LOVE: MAKE A MOVE:
Tamica Lee, Host and Matchmaker
Tamica Lee is a woman who does it all. A New Orleans native, Tamica is busy balancing her work while also being a wife and mother to two children. Best known as the star of Southern Charm New Orleans, she was recently the anchor of Good Morning New Orleans and prefers to go by "The Queen of New Orleans!" In addition to being an extremely gifted matchmaker, she is the co-founder of Son of a Saint, a charity she and her brother started in memory of their late father.
Ashlee Akins, 36, Speech Therapist/Bartender - Season 1, Atlanta
During the first season, Ashlee fell hard for Alexx, and stayed by his side during a medical mystery that left him on his deathbed. When a recovered Alexx later revealed himself to be a liar and a cheat, the tumultuous experience crushed Ashlee. It's been over five years since Ashlee has been in a significant relationship, but she recently got back on the dating scene and is hopeful to find a lifelong love to start a family with.
Verneashia Allen, 42, Salon Owner - Season 3, Houston
As someone who juggles three daughters with a successful salon business, Verneashia’s attention is spread pretty thin. Ever since her on-screen, heated break-up with Joel in the third season of RTL, Verneashia has struggled with being vulnerable and putting herself out there. Her sex appeal is apparent to viewers as well as herself, and as a result, it’s important for her to gauge men’s genuine interest in getting to know her beyond her appearance. Ultimately, her aspirations in love is to find a partner who sets a good example for her daughters.
Zadia Murphy, 37, Fitness Trainer/Make Up Artist - Season 4, Washington, D.C.
Zadia stormed on the D.C. scene as a vibrant and assertive boss who won’t settle for anything less than perfection. Zadia and Nai’im had an instant love connection, but as the season went on, her attention splintered and her pursuit for love didn’t work out with either man. A certified trainer and nutrition coach, she is devoted to living a healthy lifestyle, looking for a fit fella to share in her active ways.
Shareese Logan, 44, Esthetician - Season 6, Miami
Shareese tells it like it is, and isn’t afraid to hold back her truth. She expects the same level of honesty, communication and respect from her partner. Strength, a strong presence and professionalism are also traits that Shareese looks for in a man. Appearing on the sixth season of RTL transformed Shareese’s perspective on dating and opening up to the possibility of finding someone to build a future with. Even though she hadn’t found her match on the show, Shareese continued to date and broke off her last relationship a year ago. Her eventual hope is to get married and start a family soon, with a partner she deems worthy of her everlasting love.
Fans can engage with the network (@OWNTV) and the series on social using #RTLMakeAMove.
READY TO LOVE: MAKE A MOVE is executive produced by Will Packer and Richard Brown of Will Packer Media, and Jeff Spangler and Rob LaPlante of Lighthearted Entertainment. Robyn Schnieders and Drew Hoegl executive produce for Lighthearted Entertainment.
For more information, visit http://WatchOWN.tv