Still from The Braxtons (Credit: ALLBLK)


Actuality stars typically really feel pressured to create drama to maintain their storylines fascinating. This consists of pretend relationships and staged conflicts between solid members. The Braxton household returned to WE television on August 9 after a two-year hiatus, throughout which they handled a household loss.

Earlier than the break, “Braxton Household Values” was the community’s highest-rated present for a few years. In 2013, WE television introduced that they’d signed R&B star Toni Braxton and her gifted sisters for a actuality present that will discover each Toni’s profession and her household dynamics.

Beneath the glamorous exterior of the 5 sisters, all related to Toni’s musical success, there was pressure. This pressure arose as a result of solely the oldest sister, Toni, and the youngest, Tamar, achieved important success of their musical careers.

The present turned out to be way more entertaining than WE television had anticipated. Toni, Traci, Towanda, Trina and Tamar sang, danced, laughed, argued and gossiped, profitable followers past their musical followers.

WE television had a actuality TV hit with the Braxtons and regardless of the fixed bickering between the sisters, there was at all times an understanding that after the fights the sisters would respect their mom, Mrs. Evelyn, and comply with her instance.

This sample continued 12 months after 12 months, even when all of the sisters besides Traci boycotted one season attributable to disagreements with the community. Finally, the sisters reconciled and the present returned to regular till tragedy struck the household when Traci was identified with esophageal most cancers.

On March 12, 2022, Traci misplaced her battle with most cancers, altering “Braxton Household Values” without end. Now, the household is sharing their grief with the general public. Some discover it uncomfortable, whereas others see it as exploitation.

Trina’s Battle After Traci’s Dying

Two years after Traci’s demise, the Braxton household returned to WE television, however they had been in disarray. Trina, who was closest to Traci, appeared essentially the most affected, visibly shaken by her sister’s passing. The premiere episode featured a gaggle remedy session with licensed therapist Dr. Spirit, attended by the surviving sisters and their mom, Ms. Evelyn.

Their father and Traci’s son, Kevin, joined in by way of Zoom. Trina hosted the session however was initially hesitant to share her emotions. “You’ll assume Traci’s demise would have introduced us nearer collectively, but it surely looks as if it is simply pushed everybody additional aside in their very own areas,” she shared in a confessional.

Trina’s tears softened her sisters’ attitudes, but it surely wasn’t sufficient to make the primary try at grief group remedy work. Towanda and Tamar had been clearly at odds, and Toni remained distant, whereas Trina admitted to coping together with her ache by meals and alcohol.

The BraxtonsThe Braxtons
Nonetheless from The Braxtons (Supply: ALLBLK)

The session ended abruptly when the police arrived at Kevin’s home with an arrest warrant. All of this performed out whereas the present aired emotional scenes of Traci’s remaining days together with her sisters. Though the complete household is listed as govt producers on the present, it’s exhausting to consider that all of them agreed to share these intimate moments of Traci’s remaining days with the viewers.

Tamar’s public expression of grief

Shortly after the second episode aired, Tamar posted a message on Instagram accusing the household of being dysfunctional. Her publish, which she later deleted, included a video of Traci throughout her remaining days.

“I HATE EVERYTHING about this!!! I believed it might be okay however I am so damaged since you’re not right here!! It hurts a lot and I remorse EVERYTHING and EVERY second I took without any consideration,” she wrote.

“I do know this present was necessary to you, Trae, and that is the way you wished us to point out your followers your journey… not with a funeral, not with one thing unhappy, however to CELEBRATE all that you’ve given to the world. Thanks for all of the years of laughter and epic reminiscences.

This present isn’t the identical with out you…in truth NOTHING is similar. We miss you Traci. Tonight your want will lastly come true, along with your followers seeing you in your remaining days and the best way you really liked us and the best way we ALL liked you. I invite everybody to have a good time Traci and watch the Braxtons airing tonight on We television. We’re and FOREVER can be #TheBraxtons.”

The household’s wrestle continues

The primary three episodes of the reboot comply with the household as they grapple with Traci’s demise in their very own methods. Whereas followers had been comfortable to see the Braxtons again on tv, the ache and loss they expertise feels too uncooked for viewers to take pleasure in.

Traci’s son, who has suffered from seizures since his mom’s demise, additionally faces an impending divorce and doable jail sentence. The household clearly hasn’t regained sufficient stability to entertain followers with their music and actuality TV present. Scenes from Traci’s remaining days together with her sisters are tough for the general public to look at, as they appear like private reminiscences that should not be shared publicly.

The Braxton household returned too quickly

The Braxtons opened up their lives to the general public greater than a decade in the past after signing with Magical Elves’ manufacturing firm for WE television. Sharing their grief in actual time feels inappropriate as a result of the household hasn’t absolutely processed their feelings or the aftermath of dropping Traci.

The Braxtons The Braxtons
Nonetheless from The Braxtons (Supply: ALLBLK)

Their authenticity over time has created a fan base that appreciates their relatability. Seeing the sisters overcome heartbreak, divorce, father points, and sibling rivalry has made the collection successful for the community.

Whereas audiences missed the Braxton sisters, their loyal followers would have understood if the household had taken extra time to heal and reconnect earlier than showing on tv once more.

“The Braxtons” airs each Friday on WE television and could be streamed on ALLBLK.