Perhaps with a chance to dispel some of the myths surrounding both Chicago and law enforcement, new reality show “Married to the Law” takes a raw and sometimes humorous look at the lives of those who serve and protect the city’s hardest streets. Centered around the men and women dating and married to some of Chicago’s finest, the series looks to be equal parts provocative and thought provoking.
Series creator and costar Stacy Sorrell-Hatter is the mother hen straight talker that keeps the women of the cast grounded. Her tongue is slick and her wit is sharp, but it’s no match for the daily fear she has of losing her new husband, a member of Chicago PD’s gang specialty unit, to the tough and unforgiving city streets.
We recently sat down with Sorrell-Hatter to talk about the inevitable drama of being a part of a reality show and what fans can look forward to in the upcoming season.
What can fans expect from this upcoming season of the show?
Fans will see the lives of six strong minded women that don’t always get along but they have one common bond, the emotional and disheartening side of the law. This show is allowing viewers to look inside of the homes of police officers. We see them in action while fighting crime, but with this show, we’re able to see the human side. We are now able to see how their households are affected by this life altering career.
Tell us about your role in the series
I lost my first husband to gun violence at the age of 23. Now I’m newly married to a Chicago Police Officer. My role on the show is the representation of how police families are affected by fear and worry that their loved one may not return home. I lay in bed praying every night that I will hear my husband turn the key. I am a very positive praying woman. I try my best to keep the ladies of the cast together without all the drama. You can call me the no-nonsense, fun loving peacemaker.
How did your family react to the news that you were going to do a reality show?
My family was extremely excited and very supportive — so supportive that they wanted to be in every scene of every episode. They drive me crazy but I love them dearly.
Would you agree that the show has a bit more of a serious tone than most reality shows?
This show is definitely different than most reality shows. We are dealing with a very dangerous career that millions of families across the country lives are affected by. These women and men are risking their lives everyday to protect our cities while still having to deal with the same concerns of any other middle class household. It doesn’t get more serious than that.
Any reservations about joining the series in regards to how you’ll be portrayed?
I think initially I was a little nervous about being on camera, but when I thought about the importance of shedding light on our lifestyles in law enforcement the nervousness disappeared. Without any cameras, I’m an open book. I love telling my stories, my testimonies to others in order to help them through a similar experience. I’m not perfect. I know the viewers will have their opinions. That comes with the platform. The ability to show the human side of these officers, to show that all officers aren’t bad through television will be well worth it.
How do you plan to deal with the inevitable drama when it comes your way?
When it comes to the drama, I’m ready for it. I have been through a lot in my life, so my patience for drama is very low. I’m a work in progress. Again, I try to keep it cool and keep the peace, but it’s only so much I will tolerate. I love hard and I enjoy a peaceful setting but I’m not a person who will allow disrespect or to be walked over.
Which cast member do you get along with the most?
I’m the closest to Bionca. She’s like a little sister to me. I’m always giving her unsolicited advice about her relationships only because I don’t want her to go through some of the pain I’ve experienced. Our personalities are similar but Bionca is a bit more vocal to say the least.
Which cast member do you frequently bump heads with?
I find myself bumping heads with Latonya the most. We have a very long history. We were very close friends at one time in our lives.
“Married to the Law” is set to premiere on the Launch TV Network on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 9:30 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to connect with the cast and crew on the “Married to the Law” Facebook page and on Instagram @MTTLChicago.
