Get ready for the highly anticipated return of The Family Business! Season 5 of this thrilling drama series is set to premiere on July 4, exclusively on BET+. The ten-episode season, written by Carl Weber, kicks off with two episodes upon release, followed by a new episode every Thursday, culminating in the finale on August 29, 2024.

Season 5 brings forth a gripping conflict between the Duncan family and an unexpected adversary, one who happens to be LC’s own son. As he, Chippy, and the entire clan welcome Vegas home, they feel a sense of sadness as Junior departs from the family. LC is fiercely committed to protecting his blood, causing former allies to turn into enemies as they plot to seize control of The Table. A thief in the night turns out to be more than just an ordinary robber, taking Rio on a gripping pursuit that will have a profound impact on the Duncan family. Meanwhile, Paris’s ex, Niles Monroe, unexpectedly reappears with a warning of impending revenge.

In my recent interview, Carl Weber revealed the driving force behind his transition from writing commercial fiction to creating the “The Family Business” series. “The reason I began to write The Family Business series was because, as a company, Urban Books in Publishing, we wanted to go into TV,” Weber explained. He saw a void in the television landscape—a lack of complex, multi-dimensional Black family stories akin to iconic shows like “The Sopranos” or “The Godfather.”

“The Family Business” is not just a story about a family; it’s a tapestry of interwoven relationships, power struggles, and emotional journeys that reflect real-life complexities.

For “The Family Business” director Trey Haley, understanding and preserving the essence of Weber’s books was paramount. “It’s really about the details,” Haley emphasizes. His approach to directing involved maintaining the authenticity of the characters and the world Weber had created. This meant paying attention to everything, from the cars the characters drove to the jewelry they wore. “When you read a book, you’re in your own brain. You’re visualizing everything through your own journey,” Haley notes. His challenge was to ensure that this visualization was both collective and true to the original material.

Mutual respect and understanding were the foundation of Haley’s collaboration with Weber. “Carl will be like, ‘You know what? I’m okay if this happens, but they got to do this, or they got to say this line because that line is going to be the trigger,'” Haley reveals. This synergy between the writer and the director was crucial in maintaining the integrity of the story and ensuring that the adaptation did not lose its essence.

One of the most remarkable achievements of “The Family Business” is its ability to cultivate a fiercely loyal fan base. Weber attributes this success to the show’s multi-generational appeal. “There’s someone on the show for everybody,” he said. “If you’re a teenage girl, there’s Nevada. If you’re a 30-something man who just likes a hot woman, there’s Paris. Mama can be looking at Ernie Hudson and going, ‘He’s so fine.'”

Haley echoed this sentiment, adding that the show’s unpredictable twists and turns keep audiences hooked. “A lot of shows have a twist that moves very quickly.” It’s predictable. You enjoy what you’re watching, but you knew that was going to happen. In contrast, Carl Weber’s writing and storytelling have hooks that always give you a little bit of something, but they’re going to set you up in a way where you’re like, ‘But wait a minute.'”

Reaching Season 5 is a significant milestone for any television series, and “The Family Business” is no exception. For Weber and Haley, this season represents validation. “To be in Season 5 with the opportunity for Season 6 and beyond that, it’s a dream come true,” Weber said. “Whatever you do, you work hard to do it and to finally be able to look back and go, ‘Hey, we’ve been validated.'”

Haley described the sense of accomplishment shared by the entire team. “Behind the scenes, we have so many people working hard. We stay focused. Don’t try to think beyond tomorrow with what we’re doing. We say, ‘This is like season 5. We’re going to shoot. We’re going to do everything we can to make this the best we can do, with no expectations of tomorrow.'”

As we look forward to Season 5, fans can expect deeper dives into their favorite characters’ backstories and new, intriguing plotlines. Weber hinted at some exciting developments, including the introduction of a special character named Roman and significant story arcs for Lisa Ray and Junior. “They come into their own,” Weber teased.

Haley added that this season would delve into the origins of the family business, providing a richer context for the characters. “If you want to know how he family business started, how Chippy and L.C. met, this is going to be the season. “We go back in time and show you how this all began.”

The “The Family Business” universe is also expanding. Weber and Haley hinted at more crossovers and connections with other shows, enhancing the storytelling experience. “When you see The Family Business, New Orleans, there’s going to be a little bit more connection going on here. You’re going to really start to see this Carl Weber universe,” Haley revealed.