Carlos King is a powerhouse figure in the world of reality television who many credit as one of the architects of the genre.
As a top-tier producer, King played a major role in the rise and reign of The Real Housewives of Atlanta — helping shape it into one of the most successful and talked-about installments in the franchise's history. But his influence doesn't stop there. Through his production company, Kingdom Reign Entertainment, King has created his own hit franchise, Love & Marriage, for the OWN network.
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In fact, Kingdom Reign is behind a staggering 69% of all original programming hours on OWN, a testament to both his creative vision and unmatched output. Beyond producing, the reality maven has also stepped into the spotlight with Reality With the King, his candid interview series where he's sat down with reality royalty like Kenya Moore and NeNe Leakes, while also offering sharp, entertaining commentary on other fan-favorites like Married to Medicine.
With an undeniable eye for identifying good stories and star power, King discussed all kinds of topics with Out — such as tackling business affairs, his preference in dating, and much more.
Out: You've built an empire with Love & Marriage. Is there a secret formula to your success, or is there an element of magic that just can't be replicated?
Carlos King: A little bit of both if I'm being completely honest. There's a method to the madness of creating successful shows. Sometimes, you feel like, 'Okay, this is the best cast to enter into the first season,' and you make changes along the way. Particularly with Love & Marriage: Huntsville, this is the first Black reality show where the forefront is couples who are equal in terms of position.
On a lot of shows, you either have a coed [dynamic between] friends, or the show is dominated by women and their husbands just make appearances. This is the first one where women and men are married to each other. That's the conceit of the show: They're both equal in terms of the position on the show.
I wanted to explore the real world and in the real world, men are in women's business and that's OK [laughs]. As far as formula, I'm great at finding a star, I can spot a star in 2.5 seconds or less. I do have that gift to where I know when someone's destined to be on television, where someone is destined to be famous, where someone is destined to be successful not just in front of the camera, but also behind the scenes. I'm able to really look at somebody and say, hmm, you're meant to be on television. Sometimes folks ain't meant to be on tv and that's alright.
You've had to make tough calls as a producer. Was there ever a time where you went on to regret casting someone on a show?
There have been one or two occasions where I'm like, 'Okay, we tried, and it didn't work out.' My additional gift is I'm able to see the best in people who may not see it in themselves. I can see the potential in somebody and say, 'I want to give you this opportunity because you have what it takes.' One or two times I've been confronted with people who didn't believe they could have all of that. So their actions on camera displayed that [insecurity], and the audience didn't connect with them. In those moments, you pivot. That's all you can do.
You've interviewed a lot of Bravolebrities. If the opportunity ever came, would you return to Bravo in any capacity? Or has that chapter closed for good?
I have a great relationship with Bravo. I pitch to them all the time. We've had a few shows in development when it comes to Bravo. And I think the audience knows this, because you all watch Bravo, right? It's rare to see a brand-new series on Bravo. You either have their franchises of Real Housewives or Below Deck — we now have the spinoff of Vanderpump Rules called The Valley. It's rare to see a new show, but my relationship with Bravo is outstanding.
When it comes to me ever coming back to Bravo, the answer is yes. The biggest question people always ask is, 'Will I ever return to the Real Housewives of Atlanta?' The answer is that I'm no longer a showrunner. I own a production company. Anything I do in my life, at this point, my company has to come along with it. Bravo knows that. I have an amazing rapport with them. I just met with them last week [to discuss] a show, so anything is possible.
You're known for asking some of the tough questions. What's an answer from a reality star that genuinely left you shocked due to how unexpected it was?
My interview with Joseline Hernandez left me completely shocked due to her honesty on everyting. It was refreshing.
Garcelle Beauvais is beloved on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but some fans feel like she holds back. Do you think she really clocks in, or is she playing it safe?
I definitely think she clocks in, for sure. And I enjoy that she asks the real questions.
You're expanding Kingdom Reign Entertainment and your own reach. What's the most unexpected challenge between growing from TV producer to a full-fledged media mogul?
The biggest challenge is the fact that the anonymity is obviously gone, and I'm no longer able to hide behind just doing the show when I'm out. Now I'm obviously the face of all of my shows, and I'm pretty much the face of Black reality TV. With that, obviously, comes a lot of conversation, and a lot of moments where you have to be in a position to just focus on the work and not on the chatter. That can sometimes be distracting.
I think through my faith, I'm able to understand the duality in the sense of, like, this is my real life, right? Everything else is just noise. The challenge is just making sure I never enter the noise, because once you do that, you are pretty much a part of a conversation that isn't pleasing.
Do you think the world is ready for an ensemble cast of queer people on a TV show that's similar to a Real Housewives? MTV had The Real Friends Of WeHo, which is no longer on the air. Do you think that's possible in the future?
I created Styling Hollywood with Jason Bolden and his husband, Adair Curtis. Everyone loved that show at the time when it was on Netflix… But, in 2019, your show had to be seen equally across 190 countries on the platform. That was the metric, in terms of what Netflix determined, for a successful show. The metrics, now, six years later, are different.
I created a show because I do want to see more queer people on TV. Jason and Adair are my friends in real life, and they're definitely a power couple that's also relatable. They're just beautiful men, inside and out, and raising a growing family with their son. So the door is not closed to that. Everything's about timing. Who would have thought that reality TV will be dominated by Black female ensembles? That didn't really start until the Real Housewives of Atlanta came about. I think once one happens, you'll be able to see others follow suit.
Your success story is inspiring. What's a moment of struggle, that people don't know about, that shaped who you are today?
Leaving Detroit, MI with $500 in my pocket and going to NYC. I struggled with odd jobs, here and there, to make ends meet. Until I got a PA position at BET years later.
If there was no reality TV and you had to pivot into a completely different industry, what do you think you'd be doing today?
I would be a journalist doing entertainment reporting.
You've created many spaces for reality stars to shine. Have you ever had a moment where you felt like you personally weren't getting your flowers?
Listen, when you are a person of color and a queer person in a space dominated by non-POC and non-queer people, you do sometimes feel like your flowers aren't given to you. I think we all can relate to that, regardless of what field we're in. So I've absolutely felt that way. There are moments where even today I feel that way.
I also strongly believe [that] anybody who works hard, does great work, and sometimes feels like they're not being seen or given their flowers… It only matters what God sees. It only matters what He sees because He is the one that is going to push you to greatness and make sure that you're propelled to your highest self. So once you get that, you'll be able to honestly know your worth, know that God's a higher power, and He's going to usher you there — how to negotiate your raise or your salary, how to show up at work, how to be the best professional you can be.
The mistake a lot of people make is going on social media and dissing their employer or their boss. Did you sit down and have a meeting with them? You see, a lot of professionals go on TikTok and do TikTok videos. Do you want the flowers, or do you want the attention? You can't have both at the same time. So, choose what you want, and then show up to receive it.
What's a Bible verse you believe the world should hold on to, especially during these times with, you know, Trump in office, to stay faithful and prayed up?
Psalm 37. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. That's one of my favorites. I also like second Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a stone spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. Those are very powerful attributes to a person.
Fans are always asking about NeNe Leakes getting back to Real Housewives. You've said you're hopeful, but do you really think we'll ever see her back on the show? And if so, do you think it will bring an old-school Housewives feel?
I love NeNe. I am somebody who wants what NeNe wants. I've never asked her if she wants to go back. I don't know if she wants to. If that's something she wants to do, I would love to see it. I think the audience wants to see it. She is the greatest reality star of all time. She's the greatest [Housewives star] of all time. She will always be the face of that show. I'm a firm believer in doing what works for you at the time you are in your life and in your season.
I don't always think the answer is going backwards, but that's my opinion. I'm not saying that's the case when it comes to her, but I believe in someone propelling into unforeseen hype that could create another space. Seeing NeNe have The NeNe Leakes Show on YouTube and me being her first guest — and that episode already reaching over 400,000 views in less than a week — it shows that she has something special on her own. I want to see NeNe continue doing stuff like that. She's a force multiplier on her own and a force to be reckoned with. I want to see NeNe do more ownership stuff.
Kenya Moore's future with Real Housewives of Atlanta has been in question. Do you think things will change, and will Bravo understand the value in bringing her back?
Kenya Moore is my friend. She's like my family. She is my sister. She's also one of the greatest reality stars of all time. can't deny that the camera loves her, and you can't deny she's great at her job. So I would love to see her back on the show again if that's what she wants. I always start there.
In these past two episodes — which I love, by the way — she's just been a star the whole time and fun to watch. Her scene with Porsha was so great, and it made me mad, because I want to see more of them. These two titans, who were enemies and now are friends, and couldn't be frenemies. I'm so mad we're not going to see the fullness of that relationship-building. Kenya Moore is somebody who deserves to be on everyone's television screen. She is the sheer definition of a star.
Do you think Porsha has the capability to lead the show in its new era?
Porsha is a force multiplier. The camera loves her. Miss thing clocked in the first episode and read Drew for filth. And I love Drew — but even Drew gagged and said, 'Well, damn, girl' [laughs]. She's vulnerable. She wears a heart on her sleeve. She shows up. She's present. She can anchor any show that she's on.
Toya Bush-Harris threw some shade about Housewives ladies having too much Botox and filler. Was she out of line, or would you deem that as fun shade?
I love Toya and that's my Detroit sister, but I didn't like it. Only because I wouldn't want any girls on any other shows to say anything about the Married To Medicine cast members' looks. My philosophy is to throw shade, or fun shade, during the scenes. If you keep it focused on the scene, then that's fine. But when you go too far, and it's not about the scene — it's about someone's looks or someone being a mom — I do think there's certain lines that shouldn't be crossed.
A clip of you on her show went viral. You talked about wanting to cater to your man, and show up for him, and how you'd want to provide for your man. What does providing look like for you in a relationship?
I don't believe in gender roles. I think one of the biggest mistakes queer men in same-sex relationships make is trying to adapt into what heterosexuals do in their gender-roles relationship, which is the 'men do this, women do that' thing. That doesn't apply to us because we're two men in a relationship. I am who I am. I'm a leader. I'm somebody who takes pride in making sure that my man has a stress-free life. I'm a spiritual person, so I pour Godly verses into them. That can also mean financial freedom in terms of living a great life.
God has blessed me with everything that I have, and it's not meant just for me to keep to myself. If I'm in a relationship, I take pride in making sure that my man also lives a great life and isn't worried about paying for anything because that's my job in terms of who I show up to be in a relationship. I am somebody who just likes to be a leader. I'm somebody who likes to guide. That doesn't mean my partner doesn't have a voice in the relationship — of course I want somebody to have a voice. It also doesn't mean that he doesn't work.
For me, fundamentally, I am a man who loves to take care of his man. That doesn't just mean financially… Even though that's a huge part, too. It just means that I want him to feel safe when he's around me. When he's around me, he has nothing to worry about. I think a Black man deserves a soft life too. If that's what he wants, that's what he'll get.
I saw on your Instagram story that you like pretty boys. What's your type of man?
[My type,] he is beautiful inside and out. I like a good looking man, but you can be good looking on the outside and ugly on the inside… And you won't make it past the first date with me. As far as pretty boys, that could be subjective in terms of what constitutes a pretty boy. I do like a good looking man who's good looking to me. I do like a man who I find attractive. I like a man who has a personality, is extremely confident, and shows up that way. And I'm into feminine guys for sure. I think they don't get enough love, in my opinion. Carlos King is an advocate for an attractive fem guy. I am the president of 'the femme guy fan club.'
What's like a non-negotiable for you when it comes to dating?
Don't lie to me. The moment you lie to me, I'm out the door. I say this on first dates; I'm very direct. I had a first date last year and it went for three hours. He had said something to me at the end of the date… A few days later, I found out he wasn't truthful about all of the aspects he revealed to me. I immediately ended it. Don't embarrass me.
I don't know what kind of fitness routine you're doing, but the chest is big and the arms are big. What's the secret to having the Carlos King body?
The secret to Carlos King's fitness body is the fact that I work out six days a week. I'm a vegan, so I have a plant-based diet. I don't eat sugar. I try to stay away from carbs a lot. I do cardio. I lift weights. I'm just a workout fanatic.
