As comedian, television host of Dish Nation, and top-rated nationally syndicated radio personality of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Rickey Smiley rose to superstardom after igniting his 25-year career serving as opening act for industry titans such as Steve Harvey, George Wallace and Carl Strong. Throughout his career trajectory, Smiley has been one of the industry’s most towering forces in building an impressive empire that has landed him preeminent roles on radio, television, film and onstage performances.

Now for a second year in a row, fans of the much-loved entertainer can get an inside glimpse of his personal and professional life as the new season of the hit docuseries, Rickey Smiley for Real kicks off this week on TV One. Based on the media mogul’s journey of balancing work and family, the show features Rickey and his five children, Malik, Brandon, D’Essence, Aaryn, and Craig, as well as his radio show family Da Brat, Gary, Headkrack and Rock-T. Last year’s season delivered a ton of positivity and laughs perfectly intertwined with valuable lessons on life and fatherhood, and season two promises the same – but kicked up a notch.

“One of the things we talk about when we do shows here at the network is showing what’s at stake and also our talent showing warts and all,” said Lamar Chase, Director, Original Programming and Production for TV One. “I think with this show you get not only the funny moments with the radio family, but you also get those heartfelt moments with Rickey and the kids, but then you also get to see Rickey as that father that has to have that delicate balance of tough love and also knowing when to let the guard down a little bit. And we really get to see his kids as they’re older now, and they really have to make decisions that shape and alter their path. And we get to see Rickey really help guide them through these times, so [I feel] you get a full, well-rounded show with this show.”

“When Rickey and I conceived this show I thought his life was thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking, and I thought that a lot of people could learn lessons from somebody like him because I didn’t realize that he’s a single father to so many children and his hectic work life, so we wanted to basically showcase that,” said Roger Bobb, Executive Producer of BobbCat Films. “The great thing about working with Rickey is that he is a comedian, so every scene ends of being hilarious, whether we want it to nor not. And so even the heartfelt scenes where he really touches on your heartstrings when he’s dealing with whether it’s disciplinary issues with his children or whether he’s dealing with situations at work, he always enters each situation with a great degree of intelligence, a great degree of articulation and a great degree of comedy. And so we are happy that we have a have great balance this season.”

Some of the highlights viewers will see this season involve Rickey and his daughters swimming with sharks in the Bahamas as they take some special daddy-daughter time for some heart-to-heart conversation, and the comedian with his sons Malik and Brandon as they evolve through their own personal highs and lows of life. There’s also an inside look of how he adjusts to life on the road with his comedy tour that features fellow comedians Tony Brock and Coco Brown as well as Mike Epps, while simultaneously acting as mentor and counsel to his friends and radio show staff.

The premiere episode of Rickey Smiley For Real season 2 begins with the boys all in trouble for various reasons, as Rickey takes his boat out for a quick getaway to Bimini in the Bahamas with his daughters, niece and their friends.

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Back in Atlanta, Gary brings Headkrack and Da Brat along to a business meeting for his new men’s underwear line which leaves Krack and Da Brat blushing for two totally different reasons. And Rickey’s daughter, D’Essence, confronts her ex-boyfriend Landon about how he betrayed her.

I had the great delight of speaking with Rickey Smiley and Da Brat to discuss more about the show’s new season. The pair also opened up about Rickey’s passion as a father, how he successfully balances his career while keeping family first, and which life lessons he would like other fathers to learn by watching the show. Additionally, Da Brat gave some great advice and empowering words of wisdom for bouncing back after difficult times.

Rickey Smiley For Real Season 2

Take a listen to our chat below.

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Rickey Smiley For Real season 2 premieres May 10 at 8 p.m. ET on TV One.

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Rickey Smiley For Real Season 2

For more information on TV One’s Rickey Smiley For Real, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. You can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Periscope (@tvonetv) using the hashtag #RickeySmileyForReal.

Rickey Smiley For Real Season 2