Zatima is a show that has created a name for itself. Being featured on a platform that features chiefly black-centered entertainment, the show has definitely reached audiences even beyond the original target audience. Among the shows that have been created by Tyler Perry, it has established itself as one of the best ones.
Earning love from the audience and creating hype for itself is a daunting task these days. Zatima succeeded in doing it. The BET+ originating series created a place for itself in the modern television industry based on what the audience wanted to watch and how well it was delivered.
Even though it was released just last year, the show and the people behind it have started becoming the talk of the town. Featuring the love life of Zachary Taylor and Fatima Wilson, the show covers them and the people around them.
It is the story of a worker at a law firm and a former con who wants to lead a better life. With them getting together, a lot of many characters and their sides of the story also walk in. The ups and downs of the modern love life and a lot of many concepts are discussed in the show. With each character’s contribution, the story progresses.
Even though some things have been cleared already, there are still a lot of exciting things to learn about Zatima and the people behind it. Here comes the time to proceed from the gist of the show to the real deal. There is so much to explore about the actors, their past works, and the show itself. To make sure that you do know some fun things before you watch the show and start discussing it with your friends and family, here are some facts that will drive you to the show.
Also Read: How To Watch Zatima Episodes Online?
1. Zatima is a spinoff of Sistas
Running on BET is the series Sistas. Zatima is a spinoff of it. The original series revolves around the lives of a group of young single women. It explores multiple aspects of their lives in modern times, with Andi Barnes, the lawyer. Danni King, the airport employee, Sabrina Hollins, the bank teller, and Karen Mott, the hair salon owner, the show has been given a comedic touch.
The show explores the highs and lows of these characters and their personal relationships and careers, and daily lives. The show’s story also explores how each one of them learns lessons from their experiences and sticks to each other even in tough times.
2. The initial Sistas fame provided a lot of leverage to the show
Tyler Perry has had a reputation for working on multiple series that have earned critical acclaim and public approval. In recent times, it was Sistas that made the mark for Perry. The show absolutely dominated the BET show rankings with its characters and storyline.
The audiences received the show in a very welcoming manner, and the actors and actresses made headlines for the performances that they had delivered in the first season. The second season also managed to retain the major people who had made their statements in the first season of the show.
It was this wave that Zatima rode and found a quick foothold. With artists who had received a lot of affection earlier, the show had its things figured out already. And the early established foundation proved to be fruitful for those behind the spinoff show. In fact, Zatima did well enough in its first season to get a second season as well!
3. Devale Ellis was an American football player
Devale Ellis is the actor for Zac Taylor. What many do not know is that he was a player of American football. He went as far as the pinnacle of the sport- the National Football League (NFL). He started off with his football career during his time at university and proceeded with the NFL journey.
Even though he did not get drafted in 2006, he still managed to join the Detroit Lions in their practice squad. He even made it to the active roster of the team. After his tale with the Detroit Lions that lasted from 2006 to 2008, the Zatima star went on with the Cleveland Browns as well.
4. Tyler Perry has won multiple reputed awards
Tyler Perry is the writer, director, and producer of Sistas and Zatima. He has been behind quite some reputed works of entertainment. What is more impressive is that he has an award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and a Primetime Emmy as well. Perry won the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Awarded for “outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes,” it was announced for Perry in 2021.
Meanwhile, the Governor’s Award, given by the Emmys, is provided to those who have contributed to TV over a long period of time. Other than these two, Perry and his creations have been nominated and awarded a number of black television and numerous other awards.
5. Crystal Renee Hayslett’s impressive debut
Playing the main role in Zatima, acting in the role of Fatima Wilson, is Crystal Renee Hayslett. Worth noting is the fact that her first speaking role was in the short film This Time. In 2011, Matthew A. Cherry decided to have Crystal in the short film.
Cherry himself has directed 2019 released Oscar-winning animated short film Hair Love. In fact, he has also been a player with six teams in NFL. It was in 2013 that Crystal Renee Hayslett made her way to the Tyler Perry Studios, and we all know that she is a lead in Zatima now.
Also Read: Where To Watch Zatima Season 2 Episodes? Streaming Guide
6. The show’s lead shares his name with a US President
Something for history lovers. Other than the Zatima lead, there is another Zachary Taylor, who is quite well-known in the US. The thing is that the Zachary Taylor we are talking about was the President of the United States of America. Yes! Zachary Taylor served as the 12th President of the USA.
Although he had one of the shortest presidencies in American history, he is still celebrated as a national hero. Having served as a major general in the US Army, he was also a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. He is also remembered for his role at the Texas-Mexico border and eventually in the Mexican-American War.
7. Remington Hoffman has quite a resume to brag about
Playing the character of Bryce, the working professional and Zac’s buddy, Remington Hoffman has an impressive resume that should not be overlooked with this much ease. As a director, he has worked on A Walk in West LA. The comedy short earned itself a handsome reputation with impressive ratings to back it.
He has also played the Days of Our Lives character Li Shin in the Days of Our Lives: The Digital Series. He has also worked with Marvel’s Agents of Shield and Animal Kingdom. In plays as well, Remington has made a name for himself. With performances in plays like Fat Pig and Last Days of Judas Iscariot.
8. Crystal Renee Hayslett did not start off as an actress at Tyler Perry’s studio
Crystal Renee Hayslett, after working in some shows and other works of entertainment, went on to join the Tyler Perry Studios in 2013. Interestingly enough, her start at the studio was not as an actress. Instead of working as an actress at first, Crystal worked as a costume designer for the studio.
She even worked as Tyler Perry’s personal stylist. After working in these roles, the chance to work in the show Sistas came to her. The show made a name for itself. Although her appearance at first was a guest one, the second season and the Zatima announcement cemented her place as an integral part of it.
9. Zatima made a place for itself in the young feminist audiences
A huge reason behind the support that Zatima managed to muster is that it established a connection with the young audiences that want to see modern women’s lives. What catches the audience’s eye is the show’s display of the struggles of the modern woman’s love life and her work life. The support of the people is all due to how relatable it has become for modern women. The relatability is an incredibly solid reason behind why the show got counted among the trendy ones.
With these facts clear, you are all set to venture out to watch Zatima and enjoy the story. After covering everything from the very point that it is a spinoff to which audiences it addresses, prepare to watch the show with some extra facts to boast!
Also Read: What Time Does BET+ Release New Episodes?
