Plot Synopsis

Executive produced, written, and directed by Tyler Perry, this spinoff of TYLER PERRY'S THE OVAL tells the story of a woman named Ruth who kidnaps her young daughter to join her in the dark underworld of a fanatical religious cult. She's joined by best friend Tally -- also from THE OVAL -- who both want to create better lives for their children, which leads them to join the cult. Meanwhile, Agent Brian Rollins is investigating the cult, while trying to rescue an undercover officer from the group. TYLER PERRY'S RUTHLESS premiered on Thursday, March 19, 2020, as BET+ released the first three installments of the 24-episode first season. Subsequent episodes debuted each Thursday thereafter. After nearly a six-month break, TYLER PERRY'S RUTHLESS returned with new episodes on Thanksgiving 2020 (Thursday, November 26), as BET+ released three episodes for the show's fall debut. TYLER PERRY'S RUTHLESS had its linear television premiere on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT on BET, with a simulcast on BET+.

The sophomore season of RUTHLESS debuted on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT, as BET+ released the first three episodes. In the season opener, "The Outhouse," Ruth and The Highest share a secret that The Highest doesn't want anyone to find out. Escape plans are all over the compound but if caught, results could be deadly. A new episode debuted each Thursday through April 22. Following a seven-month break, RUTHLESS returned with new episodes on Thursday, November 25, 2021 on BET+, with three more episodes and a new episode on subsequent Thursdays. Season 2 made its linear television debut on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 10pm ET/PT on BET, with a simulcast on BET Her.

On Thursday, March 10, 2022, BET+ released the first three episodes of the third season of RUTHLESS. When chaos is king, the rules of power will be broken. In the season opener, "The Calming," Oliver's escape attempt hits a snag, Ruth tries to quiet The Highest's wrath, River brings Joan back to her senses, Dikahn seeks Marva's help, and Andrew finds himself in a standoff. A new episode drops each Thursday thereafter.

Season 4 of RUTHLESS premiered on Thursday, April 20, 2023 on BET+, as the streaming service released the first two episodes of the new season. When chaos is king, the rules of power will be broken. In the season opener, "A Matter of Time," Mack is sidelined when his new boss steps in and takes over the investigation into the Rakudushis and their missing agents. Ruth, River, and Joan battle distrust among one another while attempting to carry out their plan. Then, in the second episode, "What's Done in the Dark," As Dikahn becomes suspicious of the camp's new guests, Ruth, and River race to keep The Highest alive. Sheriff Conley's indiscretions are jeopardized when new agents arrive in town. After a 7.5-month break, RUTHLESS returned for its mid-season debut with three new episodes on Thursday, February 1, 2024 on BET+. In the first new episode, "State of Emergency," when agents search for an important man, everyone in the camp prepare for war. Ruth is skeptical of Peter's big discovery, that could set them free, and Lacey is victim to Marva's wicked intentions yet again
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The fifth season of RUTHLESS debuted on Thursday, August 8, 2024 on BET+, which released the first three episodes of the new season. A new installment drops weekly on Thursdays. The Highest narrowly escapes the FBI as the agents are pursued by the cartel, resulting in a dangerous defense, and Ruth finally comes face-to-face with her daughter Callie. Then, Ruth looks for a way to get the brainwashed children away from their dangerous new headmaster, Obadiah, and Dikahn interferes in River's attempts to get back into The Highest's good graces.