(ATLANTA, GA) – January 3, 2019 – Building off the success of the summer docu-series Naked Hustle, UMC – Urban Movie Channel (
www.UMC.tv), the go to streaming service for the best in Black film and television, continues to expand its original programming slate with the introduction of its first reality series, BEYOND THE POLE. The first non-scripted series that presents an intimate look at some of Atlanta’s most famous strippers, the show seeks to address more than just the complicated professional lives of these women by asking “What’s your plan – Beyond the Pole.”
In the vein of popular reality shows such as Basketball Wives and Love and Hip Hop, the six-episode first season centers on the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of six Atlanta based exotic dancers; Lea Lea, Ling Ling, Ms. Dime, La’ Bri, Laina, and Angel Kake; and one former exotic dancer, Stormy Wellington. Known as a “Pitbull in a skirt,” Stormy is a self-made multi-millionaire that takes on a matriarchal role to the group of women with the goal of leading them out of the scrupulous strip club world. Yet as the ladies’ various personalities begin to clash, Stormy’s good intentions may be soured before they begin. The reality series also features appearances from recording artists, Yung Jocand Lyfe Jennings.
“The stripping industry as a whole plays a significant role in the urban entertainment culture,” says Beyond the Pole executive producer and show runner, Shanté Paige. “With the success stories of former strippers such as Cardi B, Blac Chyna, Amber Rose and more, it’s long overdue for the unapologetic truth of these women and their stories to be told. With the launch of this series on UMC, I’m confident that the story we are telling in Beyond The Polewill change the perspective of women that are employed by this industry.”
Premiering on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at
www.UMC.tv (and on various devices), Beyond The Pole is executive produced by entertainment industry veteran, Shanté Paige and Mark Stevens in association with She’s A Movement Media Group. New episodes air weekly on Thursdays through February 7, 2019.