Love & Hip Hop: New York season 8

Production

VH1 confirmed on October 3, 2017, that the eighth season of Love & Hip Hop would premiere on October 30, 2017. A completely new opening credits sequence was introduced for this season. All main cast members from the prior season returned, except for Kimbella Vanderhee and Cardi B, who departed. Juju C., Cam'ron's fiancée, moved up to the main cast, and Anaís and Lil' Mo joined as fresh faces.

The supporting cast included Karl Dargan, Safaree Samuels, Navarro Gray, his girlfriend Ashley Diaz, her sister Ayisha Diaz, rapper Jaquáe, video vixen Sophia Body, Bad Girls Club alum DreamDoll, rapper Brittney Taylor, singer James R., K. Michelle: My Life cast member Jonathan Fernandez, and singer Trent Crews. Grafh and Kiyanne also appeared in supporting roles. A royalty-themed promo titled "Stay Queening'" dropped on October 20, 2017, featuring Remy Ma presenting "the new queens of New York": Lil' Mo, Anaís, Brittney Taylor, and DreamDoll.

VH1 released a five-minute "super" trailer on October 24, 2017. Nearly two weeks before the season premiere, on October 18, 2017, the network aired Dirty Little Secrets, a special that compiled unseen footage and deleted scenes from the first seven seasons, along with interviews with cast and producers. On November 16, 2017, VH1 announced Remy & Papoose: A Merry Mackie Holiday, a holiday special starring Remy Ma and Papoose, scheduled for December 18, 2017.

On February 12, Love & Hip Hop: The Love Edition aired as a Valentine's Day special, featuring clips from the show and interviews with cast members across all franchises.

Synopsis

Yandy's business dealings create friction in her marriage after her mother-in-law, Judy, begins meddling. Singer Anaís, unhappy with both her stalled career and a bad marriage, starts acting flirtatiously and ends up having a passionate affair with Rich. Safaree comes back to New York hoping to find romance. Mariahlynn faces fresh troubles because of her new boyfriend, James R. A violent feud between rapper Bianca and her rival Brittney Taylor could ruin both their careers.

Lil' Mo and her husband, boxer Karl Dargan, seem to have an ideal family life, but accusations on social media threaten to destroy it. Viewers disliked this season, and for the first time in four years, ratings fell below two million. One widely mocked scene showed Yandy talking into a phone that was clearly unplugged, which critics saw as proof the show was declining and relying on fake storylines. Former cast member Erica Mena called the new cast and the season's plots, especially Yandy's, "boring."

Comedian KendallKyndall, who has recapped the series for years and hosted VH1.com content for this season, also complained about the rushed and confusing editing, weak plots, and uninspiring cast choices.

Cast

Season 8 of Love & Hip Hop: New York featured a large ensemble cast. Anaís and DJ Self each appeared in 17 episodes, the most of any cast member. Juju C. and Jaquáe both logged 16 episodes, while Mariahlynn, Safaree Samuels, and Jonathan Fernandez each had 15. Remy Ma, Rich Dollaz, Brittney Taylor, and DreamDoll all appeared in 14 episodes.

Yandy Smith-Harris was in 13 episodes, with Bianca Bonnie, Felicia "Snoop" Pearson, Papoose, and Navarro Gray each appearing 12 times. James R. and Kiyanne had 9 episodes apiece. Lil' Mo, Sophia Body, and Karl Dargan each appeared in 8 episodes. Ashley Diaz appeared in 7, Grafh in 5, and Judy Harris, Ayisha Diaz, and Trent Crews each had 4.

Hennessy Carolina appeared in a single episode. Guest stars included DJ Webstar, Shirley Samuels, Ruben Brito, Jewel Escobar, and Peter Gunz. Mendeecees Harris, incarcerated during filming, only appeared via phone calls with Yandy. Minor appearances came from Dr. Jeff, Dr. Miami, Fetty Wap, and Trina from Love & Hip Hop: Miami. Tara Wallace made an uncredited cameo.