Unscripted and Unstoppable: Carlos King on Storytelling & Travel
Carlos King has earned his crown in the world of reality television. As CEO of Kingdom Reign Entertainment, he has produced genre-defining shows like Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Belle Collective, and Hollywood Divas, and has worked on landmark seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. But King is more than a hitmaker. He is an advocate, a cultural shaper, and one of the few openly gay Black executive producers working at the highest level of unscripted TV.
Mark
Carlos King has earned his crown in the world of reality television.
As CEO of Kingdom Reign Entertainment, he has produced genre-defining shows like Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Belle Collective, and Hollywood Divas, and has worked on landmark seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
But King is more than a hitmaker. He is an advocate, a cultural shaper, and one of the few openly gay Black executive producers working at the highest level of unscripted TV.
His shows are entertaining, but they are also intentional. They highlight Black voices, Southern cities, and genuine relationships with nuance and authenticity. “We grew up without any openly gay role models in the media,” King reflects. “There was no one pointing us in the right direction. I had to figure it out on my own. That’s why I am so loud and proud now. Because there are not many of us doing this work at this level.”
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Under his leadership, Kingdom Reign was responsible for nearly seventy percent of all original programming hours on OWN in the past year. The tenth season of Love & Marriage: Huntsville premiered on July 19 and remains the network’s highest-rated series. For King, the ratings matter, but the issues of impact matter more.
“People in the community come up to me and say they see me and they are proud of me. That means everything. That’s what keeps me going.”
He also hosts Reality with the King, a podcast that has become essential listening for reality TV fans. It features interviews with stars from across the industry and dives into the mechanics, scandals, and culture of unscripted programming.
“I wanted to create a safe space,” King says. “Somewhere, people I’ve worked with, especially in the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, could have real conversations. We’ve had T.S. Madison, NeNe Leakes, Kenya Moore, and Teresa Giudice. I even launched the show with Ebony K. Williams, and because of that interview, we went number one after just two days. I told her on the air that I had gotten it wrong about her time on The Real Housewives of New York, and our conversation changed my mind. We became friends after that.”
The podcast recently partnered with Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Network under iHeartMedia, and new episodes now drop several times a week. A recent addition to the format is a true crime segment airing every Thursday, where King and his guests explore the intersection of unscripted television and criminal investigations.
For travelers looking to dive in, King recommends his one-on-one interviews as a great starting point. “If you are getting on a long flight, start with my sit-downs with the housewives or with cast members from Love and Marriage. We cover so much ground, and you get to hear the full story behind the headlines.”
King is no stranger to travel himself. With shoots and appearances around the country and abroad, he has developed a finely tuned personal routine. “I haven’t checked a bag in fifteen years,” he says. “Even when I went to Australia. I pack what I need. If my cute boots don’t fit in the carry-on, they don’t come. I want to get off the plane and go straight to the hotel. I don’t want to wait at baggage claim or risk my luggage being lost.”
His packing list always includes his AirPods, a charger, and snacks. “I’m vegan, and I don’t trust anyone to have the food I need. Even on a short flight, I’m bringing my own snacks.” He is also adamant about onboard Wi-Fi. “If a flight doesn’t have Wi-Fi, I am calling the airline. I need to stay connected.
When he is not working, King recharges by going to the gym. “The gym is my escape. I love Equinox and Lifetime Fitness. Clean facilities, great customer service, top equipment. If I weren’t doing television, I might be a fitness instructor. It clears my mind.”
He also finds time to explore the cities he visits. “I love discovering local charm, walking around different neighborhoods, and checking out plant-based restaurants.” Some of his favorite destinations include Sydney, London, Paris, and especially Miami. “Miami is my favorite city in the U.S. I’m a member at Soho House Miami Beach, which I love. And the vegan food there is amazing. There’s The Cocinita Miami and Vegan Vibes, both are go-to spots for me. I also just enjoy walking my dog, being outside, and wearing shorts and a tank top on Christmas while my family in Detroit is freezing.”
King has a gift for seeing possibility where others might not. Love & Marriage: Huntsville grew from a meeting with Marsau and LaTisha Scott, a real estate power couple who introduced him to their friends. “We built the show around that circle, and now it is OWN’s top show.” He recommends visitors to Huntsville stop by BLAQUE Cigar Lounge, owned by the Scotts. “It is the place to go. Have a drink, grab some food, unwind, maybe dance a little.”
In Jackson, Mississippi, the setting for Belle Collective, King was moved by the historic Farish Street district. “It is a neighborhood where generations of African American business owners built a legacy. Some of our cast members are trying to revitalize that area. If you are visiting Jackson, Farish Street is a must-see. There is also a museum that explores the city’s Black history. It’s powerful.”
Looking ahead, King hopes to expand internationally. “Right now, I’m very interested in foreign markets. I want to find the next great story, maybe in a city outside the United States. I’ve already helped shine a light on Huntsville, Jackson, Detroit. I think it’s time to look beyond the borders.” Cape Town, South Africa is on his list. “I visited with the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta once. We were only there for a day, but it was beautiful. I always said I would go back.”
One of his most profound memories comes from that trip. “We visited a few villages and brought toys to the kids. The cast, the crew, everyone was deeply moved. There was not a dry eye on set. It reminded us of our privilege and our shared humanity. People often underestimate reality stars, but that moment showed just how much heart this community has.”
During New York City Pride, King had the honor of riding on the God’s Love We Deliver float alongside Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” he says. “To be on the float with Niecy and her wife, to see my community waving and cheering—it was special. I had so much fun, and I felt so celebrated for the work we’ve done. It was my first time on a float, but I hope it’s not my last.” King also praised the organization itself, which provides medically tailored meals to individuals living with serious illness, calling their work “amazing” and “deeply meaningful.”
Whether he is behind the camera, on a podcast mic, or simply strolling through a new city with a vegan snack in hand, Carlos King is doing what he does best—telling stories that matter and inspiring others to live their truth out loud.
You can listen to Reality with the King wherever you get your podcasts and catch the new season of Love & Marriage: Huntsville on OWN. For visual interviews and bonus content, subscribe to King’s YouTube channel.
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