'Sweet Life: Los Angeles' cast talk milestones, life after show's cancellation

USA Today

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'Sweet Life: Los Angeles' cast talk milestones, life after show's cancellation
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Although "Sweet Life: Los Angeles" has ended production, its cast continues to find solace in the show's run, which technically is not over just yet.
In 2021, "Sweet Life: Los Angeles," created and executive produced by Issa Rae, premiered, and some credited the show for bringing a breath of fresh air to the reality TV landscape. According to IMDB, the unscripted program gave "an honest and unique look into what it means to be young, Black, and in constant pursuit of one's dreams in the heart of South Los Angeles."
Unlike various reality TV shows, the cast consisted of new faces rather than celebrities and influencers. "Sweet Life: Los Angeles" was inspired by BET's "Baldwin Hills" and other nostalgic early 2000s reality shows, Rae told the Hollywood Reporter.
"Issa Rae and her production company always do an incredible job of really tapping into like the locality of it all," cast member Amanda Scott told USA TODAY. "I think people really resonated with that because they were seeing us be outside in LA without the glitz and the glam."
Fellow castmate Tylynn Burns added, "I think it was rare to see people in their 20s who are who have been friends forever and have genuine connections. On top of that, it was like post-COVID, so I think the show provided some light and encouraged people."
"Sweet Life: Los Angeles" was canceled at HBO Max after two seasons in 2022, leaving viewers on a cliffhanger. However, fans will have the opportunity to watch the first season re-air on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) starting June 13, and according to Cheryl Des Vignes, she and other members of the "group chat" will spill "a little tea."
Ahead of the OWN premiere, Burns, Des Vignes and Scott spoke to USA TODAY about some milestones they have accomplished since audiences last saw them on the show.
More: 'Sweet Life: Los Angeles' re-airing with 'a little tea' from the cast: How to watch
Tylynn Burns and Jaylenn Hart
Tylynn Burns and Jaylenn Hart are still together. The duo, who have been together for seven years, are living in their new home in the Los Angeles County area with their dogs.
"We've been through ups and downs, but we're in a really good place. The best part of our relationship is that we're best friends," Burns told USA TODAY. "I think being complete opposites, we bring out the best and worst versions of ourselves, but since we have that friendship, we just remain a safe space for one another to continue to grow."
Burns said they are excited to take their careers and relationship to the next level. An engagement, more international travel and kids are in their future, he added.
Hart is currently executing events for a major streaming platform.
"We're prepping ourselves for the most fun years of our relationship in our 30s," Burns said.
Cheryl Des Vignes and Jerrold Smith II
Longtime lovebirds Cheryl Des Vignes and Jerrold Smith II are living in newlywed bliss after getting married in Los Angeles in May. Their wedding had 170 people in attendance, including cast members of the show.
"I feel like our wedding was just the perfect representation of two LA kids who grew up in the city," Des Vignes told USA TODAY. "Right after dinner ended, it was just nonstop dancing, taking photos, and having a good time."
The newlyweds have been together since high school, and viewers got a glimpse of their journey on the show.
"The best part was it just kind of brought both of us closer," she said. "Having somebody in my corner while going through all that was amazing."
Des Vignes is a senior designer at a fashion company and a business owner. Smith works as the head of marketing for a China-based shoe company. The couple plans on going to Italy and Greece for their honeymoon in the fall.
Amanda Scott and Rob Lee
Amanda Scott and Rob Lee, who met during undergrad at Howard University, recently got engaged. According to Scott, it was a "display of love, support and community."
"I wish I could relive that day over again," Scott continued. "After that moment, it's like my entire life has opened up in front of me. I'm looking forward to so many things that Rob and I are going to do together as a unit."
The two don't have an official wedding date, but they are excited about their next chapter. Since the show, Scott said she is still working in the public relations and events space. Meanwhile, Rob hosts various events in and around Los Angeles.
The couple still lives in the Los Angeles area.
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How to watch 'Sweet Life: Los Angeles' on OWN
"Sweet Life: Los Angeles" Season 1 debuts on OWN on Fridays, starting on June 13 at 9 p.m. ET.
The network will air back-to-back episodes beginning on June 27, one at 8 p.m. ET and the second at 9 p.m. ET.
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [e-mail].