Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is

Production

BET announced the short-form reality documentary series Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is in early July 2006, and it premiered on July 12, 2006. The show, produced by BET and DuBose Entertainment with James DuBose and Cole as executive producers, followed the singer's career and family life. Filming was centered in Atlanta, Georgia, where Cole was based, with additional locations in her hometown of Oakland, California and on tour. Trade outlets noted the series was part of BET's mid-2000s push into personality-driven unscripted shows, designed to boost Cole's rising profile.

Reception and viewership

A review in the Los Angeles Sentinel by Darlene Donloe emphasized the series' focus on emotional vulnerability and family reconciliation rather than manufactured conflict. Emily Ashby of Common Sense Media noted frequent arguments and strong language while also citing themes of perseverance and responsibility. TVmaze described the series as following Cole's efforts to re-establish a relationship with her estranged mother and sister.

A Vibe retrospective identified the series as influential in shaping BET's approach to music-centered reality television. According to BET-cited Nielsen data, the third-season premiere ranked among the network's highest-rated original broadcasts of 2008. The success led to the spin-off Frankie & Neffe.