"It was that BET hadn't decided if they were picking up the show yet or not [...] During that time when they didn't know, I was offered a really amazing pilot for NBC, and BET graciously allowed me to go and do it [...] Then the timing got complicated and there was a need to move forward. [BET] had to figure out how to deal without me because I wasn't available. But it's not because I wanted to leave."
Words from Tracee Ellis Ross addressing her sudden exit from BET's Reed Between The Lines, in an exclusive with Essence magazine.
It was exactly 1 week ago when we confirmed that Ms Ross had left BET's freshman scripted series. Specific reasons weren't given at the time, but, in a released statement, Ms Ross did express her love for the series and its cast, calling it one that "I believe in and care about."
My guess was that her casting in the new NBC women's prison drama Bad Girls, adapted from the UK ITV series of the same name, might have had something to do with it. And it looks like it did in some part; however, as Essence reports, NBC actually DID NOT pick up the pilot for Bad Girls, which means it's likely dead. But we'll see.
Recall that Kym Whitley and Jurnee Smollett were both cast in Bad Girls as well.
So what does this now mean for Tracee, since season 2 of Reed Between The Lines is moving on without her AND, NBC didn't pick up Bad Girls?
Her IMDB page doesn't list any upcoming projects (at least, non that's been announced); however, don't completely write her off Reed Between The Lines; don't be surprised if her character does return in the future - assuming the series is even still around if/when that happens.
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