Reality stars often feel pressured to create drama to keep their storylines appealing. This includes fake relationships and staged conflicts among cast members. The Braxton family returned to WE tv on August 9th after a two-year break, during which they dealt with a family loss.
Before this break, “Braxton Family Values” was the highest-rated show on the network for years. In 2013, WE tv announced that they had secured R&B star Toni Braxton and her talented sisters for a reality show that would showcase both Toni’s career and her family dynamics.
Beneath the glamorous exterior of the five sisters, all connected to Toni’s musical success, there was tension. This tension arose from the fact that only the oldest sister, Toni, and the youngest, Tamar, achieved significant success in their musical careers.
The show turned out to be much more entertaining than WE tv had anticipated. Toni, Traci, Towanda, Trina, and Tamar sang, danced, laughed, argued, and gossiped, winning over fans beyond their musical following.
WE tv found a reality TV hit with the Braxtons, and despite the constant bickering among the sisters, there was always an understanding that after the arguments, the sisters would respect their mother, Ms. Evelyn, and follow her lead.
This pattern continued year after year, even when all the sisters, except Traci, boycotted one season due to disagreements with the network. Eventually, the sisters reconciled, and the show returned to normal until tragedy struck the family when Traci was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
On March 12, 2022, Traci lost her battle with cancer, which changed “Braxton Family Values” forever. Now, the family is sharing their grief with the public. Some find it uncomfortable, while others view it as exploitative.
Trina’s Struggles After Traci’s Death
Two years after Traci’s death, the Braxton family returned to WE tv, but they were in disarray. Trina, who was closest to Traci, appeared to be the most affected, visibly shaken by her sister’s passing. The premiere episode included a group therapy session with licensed therapist Dr. Spirit, attended by the remaining sisters and their mother, Ms. Evelyn.
Their father and Traci’s son, Kevin, participated via Zoom. Trina organized the session but hesitated to share her feelings initially. “You would think that Traci’s death would’ve brought us closer, but it seems like it pushed everyone further apart into their own areas,” she shared during a confessional.
Trina’s tears softened her sisters’ attitudes, but it wasn’t enough to make the first attempt at group therapy for grief successful. Towanda and Tamar were clearly at odds, and Toni remained detached, while Trina admitted to coping with her pain through food and alcohol.
The session ended abruptly when the police arrived at Kevin’s door with a warrant for his arrest. All of this unfolded while the show aired emotional scenes from Traci’s final days with her sisters. Although the entire family is credited as executive producers on the show, it’s hard to believe they all agreed to share these intimate moments of Traci’s last days with the public.
Tamar’s Public Expression of Grief
Shortly after the second episode aired, Tamar posted on Instagram, accusing the family of being dysfunctional. Her post, which she later deleted, included a video of Traci during her final days.
“I HATE EVERYTHING about this!!! I thought I would be OK, but I’m so broken because you aren’t here!! It hurts so bad, and I’m so sorry for EVERYTHING and EVERY second I took for granted,” she wrote.
“I know this show was important to you, Trae, and this is how you wanted us to show your fans your journey… not with a funeral, not with anything sad but to CELEBRATE all you have given to the world. Thank you for all the years of laughter and epic memories.
This show isn’t the same without you…actually NOTHING is. We miss you Traci. Tonight, your wish will finally come true with your fans seeing you in your last days and the way you loved us and the way we ALL loved you. I welcome everyone to celebrate Traci and watch the Braxtons airing tonight on We tv. We are and will FOREVER be #TheBraxtons.”
The Family’s Struggles Continue
The first three episodes of the reboot follow the family as they struggle to cope with Traci’s death in their own ways. While fans were happy to see the Braxtons return to television, the pain and loss they are experiencing feels too raw for viewers to enjoy.
Traci’s son, who has been dealing with seizures since his mother’s death, is also facing a pending divorce and possible jail time. The family clearly hasn’t regained their stability enough to return to entertaining their fans through their music and reality TV show. Scenes of Traci’s last days with her sisters are hard for the audience to watch, as they seem like personal memories that shouldn’t be shared publicly.
The Braxton Family Returned Too Soon
The Braxtons opened their lives to the public over 10 years ago after signing a contract with Magical Elves’ production company for WE tv. Sharing their grief in real-time feels inappropriate because the family hasn’t fully dealt with their emotions or the aftermath of losing Traci.
Their authenticity over the years created a fan base that appreciates their relatability. Watching the sisters overcome heartbreak, divorce, issues with their father, and sibling rivalry made the series a hit for the network.
While audiences missed the Braxton sisters, their loyal fans would have understood if the family had taken more time to heal and rebuild their bond before returning to television.
“The Braxtons” airs every Friday on WE tv and can be streamed on ALLBLK.
