Reality show Eat, Slay, Love starring Nivea, Eva Marcille, Tammy Rivera, and London Hughes premiered on Peacock on November 7. The three-part docuseries chronicles the group as they embark on a trip to Vietnam for singer Nivea’s birthday.
If you’re looking for another fun docu-style watch, check out Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words on Amazon next!
An Early Departure
On premiere day, Nivea, Eva, and Tammy appeared on Page Six’s YouTube channel to promote the show. They discussed their experience overseas and what they’re currently up to. Noticeably missing from the interview was comedian London Hughes. But what’s a girls’ trip without a lil’ drama?
Spoiler alert: Hughes makes her exit about halfway through Eat, Slay, Love.
From the the first few minutes on screen, the lack of chemistry was apparent.
Nivea, Eva, and Tammy have a common thread; they’re notable women who’ve experienced high-profile relationships and divorces. They’ve also been on reality shows before: Nivea (The Encore, Queen’s Court), Eva (America’s Next Top Model, About The Business, Real Housewives of Atlanta), Tammy (Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Waka & Tammy).
British comedian London is new to reality television and slightly younger. The cultural clash was obvious and Hughes’s offbeat humor created some friction within the group.
Hughes referenced The Wire when talking about Tammy’s Baltimore roots. She also suggested that Eva might have body dysmorphia. Later she expressed discomfort when the group decided to wear traditional Vietnamese dresses.
What brought the tension to a head? Apparently, an off-camera argument about Nigerian-British singer Sade! While it may seem trivial, the disagreement sparked an intense back-and-forth, highlighting the contrasting perspectives between Black American culture and Black British culture. Despite apologies and an agreement among London, Eva, and Tammy to move forward for Nivea’s sake, London never quite recovered from the incident.
Reality TV is rarely as straightforward as it seems. Editing and unaired content often cast someone in a negative light. For that reason, I extend grace to London. Her social media presence suggests she isn’t promoting the show, and her Instagram comments are turned off. Protect your peace, queen!
Moving On
While I wished London had stuck it out, her dynamic with the girls was absolutely off. The show was just as intriguing after her departure.
Eva is fresh off the heels of a divorce. Tammy is settled into single life. Nivea is working on a new album after a tumultuous music career. Each woman came on the trip to experience something new; the overall theme was growth.
They visited Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Nha Trang to taste city life, the countryside, and a beach town. I’ll admit, I tuned in for drama but it was refreshing and inspiring to see Black women traveling and having unique experiences.
London attended a laughing yoga class, the trio had dinner hosted at a local family’s home, and Tammy and Eva walked in the bottom of the sea.
Final Thoughts on Eat, Slay, Love
Eat, Slay, Love is a cute, easy watch if you’re looking for your next binge.
