Diksia.com - Riches is a prime show that has captivated audiences with its gripping story of a wealthy family that is torn apart by a tragic event. The show, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in December 2022, is a British drama created by Abby Ajayi, who also serves as the writer and executive producer.
The show stars Deborah Ayorinde, Hugh Quarshie, and Sarah Niles as the main characters, who are involved in a fierce battle for control over the family’s cosmetics empire, Flair & Glory.
The show follows the aftermath of the sudden death of Stephen Richards, a self-made man who has built a cosmetics empire and become a strong advocate for Black-owned businesses. His family’s secrets and lies come to the surface, and the future of his multi-million-pound company is at stake.
His children from his two marriages, Nina and Simon, who have been estranged from him and each other, return to the UK and find themselves in a battle for control over the family business, Flair & Glory, with his second wife Claudia and their children, Alesha, Gus, and Wanda.
What is Riches about?
The show follows the life of Stephen Richards, a self-made man who has built a successful business in the hair and beauty industry. He is also a strong advocate for Black-owned businesses and a philanthropist. However, his life takes a sudden turn when he suffers a stroke and dies, leaving behind his family and his legacy.
His family consists of his second wife, Claudia, and their three children, Alesha, Gus, and Wanda. They are shocked to learn that Stephen had two other children from his first marriage, Nina and Simon, who have been estranged from him for years.
To make matters worse, Stephen’s will reveals that he has left Flair & Glory to Nina, who is a lawyer in New York, and not to Claudia, who has been running the business with him.
This sets off a chain of events that exposes the family’s secrets, lies, and betrayals, as both sides of the family clash over the fate of the business and their inheritance. Along the way, they also have to deal with external threats, such as rival companies, investors, media, and the police, who are all interested in the scandalous affairs of the Richards family.
Why should you watch Riches?
Riches is a show that offers a lot of drama, suspense, and intrigue, as well as a glimpse into the world of the rich and powerful.
The show explores themes such as family, loyalty, identity, race, class, and ambition, and how they affect the characters and their relationships. The show also features a diverse and talented cast, who deliver stellar performances and bring their characters to life.
The show has received positive reviews from critics and viewers alike, who have praised its writing, direction, acting, and production values. The show has also been nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA TV Awards, the Royal Television Society Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Where can you watch Riches?
Riches is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Nordics, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The show is also available on ITVX in the UK, where it premiered on 22 December 2022, before airing on ITV on 30 June 2023.
What is the future of Riches?
Unfortunately, Riches has been cancelled by Prime Video after one season, and will not return for a second season. The creator of the show, Abby Ajayi, announced the news on social media, thanking the fans and the cast and crew for their support. She also expressed her disappointment and sadness over the decision, saying that she had more stories to tell about the Richards family.
However, she also hinted that there might be a possibility of continuing the show elsewhere, saying that she is “not giving up hope” and that she is “open to exploring other avenues”. She also encouraged the fans to keep watching and sharing the show, and to keep the conversation going.
A Diverse and Talented Cast
Riches boasts a diverse and talented cast that brings the complex and flawed characters to life. Deborah Ayorinde, who starred in Them and Girls Trip, plays Nina Richards, the eldest daughter of Stephen who left the UK to pursue a career in journalism in New York. She is shocked to learn that she has been named the new head of Flair & Glory, despite having no experience in the industry.
Hugh Quarshie, who is known for his roles in Holby City and Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, plays Stephen Richards, the charismatic and visionary founder of Flair & Glory, who dies of a stroke in the first episode.
Sarah Niles, who appeared in Ted Lasso and I May Destroy You, plays Claudia Richards, the second wife of Stephen who has been running the company with him for years. She is furious and hurt when she discovers that he has left the business to Nina, and vows to get it back by any means necessary.
The show also features Brendan Coyle, who played Mr. Bates in Downton Abbey, as Gideon Havelock, a rival cosmetics mogul who has a history with Claudia and offers to help her regain Flair & Glory.
Hermione Norris, who starred in Cold Feet and Spooks, plays Maureen Dawson, a journalist who is investigating the secrets of the Richards family and has a personal connection to Stephen.
Adeyinka Akinrinade, who was in Doctor Who and The Capture, plays Alesha Richards, the eldest daughter of Claudia and Stephen who is a social media influencer and the face of Flair & Glory.
Ola Orebiyi, who was in Rocks and The Irregulars, plays Gus Richards, the son of Claudia and Stephen who is a hacker and a rebel. C.J. Beckford, who was in Small Axe and The Feed, plays Andre Scott-Clarke, the lawyer and confidant of Claudia who has a crush on Alesha.
Nneka Okoye, who was in Silent Witness and The Split, plays Wanda Richards, the youngest daughter of Claudia and Stephen who is a singer and a songwriter.
Emmanuel Imani, who was in Black Mirror and The Gentlemen, plays Simon Richards, the son of Stephen and his first wife Oyin who has been living in Nigeria and has a troubled relationship with his father.
A Drama That Tackles Important Issues
Riches is not only a drama that entertains, but also one that tackles important issues such as race, class, gender, identity, and family.
The show explores the challenges and opportunities that come with being a Black-owned business in a predominantly white industry, and the pressures and expectations that are placed on the Richards family as a result.
The show also examines the dynamics and conflicts that arise within the family, as well as the secrets and scandals that threaten to destroy them. The show delves into the themes of loyalty, betrayal, ambition, love, and forgiveness, and how they shape the characters and their choices.
The show also showcases the diversity and richness of the Black British and African cultures, as well as the beauty and innovation of the cosmetics industry. The show features a variety of locations, from London to New York to Zurich to Lagos, and a range of music, from Afrobeat to R&B to pop.
The show also highlights the creativity and passion that go into creating and marketing beauty products, and the impact that they have on people’s lives and self-esteem.
A Show That Has Received Critical Acclaim and Audience Praise
Riches has received critical acclaim and audience praise for its compelling story, captivating performances, and stunning visuals. The show has been praised for its originality, authenticity, and relevance, and for its representation and inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives.
The show has also been applauded for its suspense, drama, and twists, and for its balance of humor, emotion, and action.
The show has been nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA TV Awards, the Royal Television Society Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The show has also been featured in several publications, such as The Guardian, The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Vogue.
The show has also attracted a loyal and passionate fan base, who have expressed their love and appreciation for the show on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
A Show That Is Worth Watching
Riches is a show that is worth watching for anyone who enjoys a drama that is engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. The show offers a unique and refreshing perspective on the world of beauty and business, and the family and personal issues that come with it.
The show also features a talented and diverse cast that delivers powerful and nuanced performances, and a creative and talented team that creates a stunning and immersive visual and auditory experience. The show is a prime example of how television can be a medium that informs, inspires, and empowers.
