FIRST REACTION: Hollywood Exes, Episode 1

2 days ago, I was up at like 3 AM with nothing to watch and I came across a link over on Clutch Magazine for the 1st full episode of Hollywood Exes, the new VH1 show.

HERE'S THE SHOW DESCRIPTION:

Hollywood Exes is a docu-series that delves deep into the lives of a group of women who are separated from some of the most famous men in America. Simply put, these girls are starting over. They all divorced young and got married even younger so now is when they need each other's backs the most. And from raising kids to starting up a new business ... these women are ready to tackle a VERY busy year.

At a glance, all these girls are at a different phase in their relations with their exes. Some have remained friends while others can't even say their names out loud, but either way, the girls have the support of each other to fall back on. These women aren't exactly new acquaintances either. Some have known each other even before they were married so there is clearly a strong sisterhood within the group dynamic.

More than anything, this series will prove that through the struggles of a high profile divorce and separation, these women can emerge from the shadows of their ex-;husbands' fame and fortune, and show the world that they're not just a trophy wife with a pretty face. This fabulous group's quest is to establish themselves as independent, successful women and bring relevance, honor and fame to themselves separate from their exes... even if there happens to be some drama along the way. 

MY THOUGHTS: I can't say I'm impressed, but it is SLIGHTLY (I use the loosely) refreshing, in comparison to VH1-produced shows like Basketball Wives and Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. This show, for once, has a cast that has a claim to the title of the show; though the majority of them have been divorced from their high-profile husbands for many years; some are remarried.

The show follows these ladies in their lives as "high profile" divorcees, still living somewhat in the shadow of their ex-husbands, while trying to make a name for themselves. I think the show has good intentions. The ladies constantly speak on the lessons they've learned in love, mistakes made, and they seem to attempt to empower women who have lost themselves in their marriages. Can't knock that.

Though it seems to get heated later in the season when Prince's ex-wife throws a drink at a castmate, it seems this show is LESS trashy than others and it may be something I continue to watch.

The only downfall is that... as empowering as these ladies want this show to be, and as much of an encouragement as it can be to other women, one can't help but to ponder how these ladies have moved on, yet at the very root of the purpose of the show is that they are exes of men, who they're holding on to as their claim to fame. You know? Like, if you and Will Smith have moved on, then why be on a show where you are solely known as "Will Smith's EX-wife" and make money off of that? *side eye*

Anyone else care to chime in?