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Total Divas
GenreReality television
Starring
Opening theme"Top of the World" by CFO$
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons9
No. of episodes120 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Camera setupMultiple
Running time39–44 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkE!
ReleaseJuly 28, 2013 (2013-07-28) –
December 10, 2019 (2019-12-10)
Related

Total Divas is an American reality television series that aired from July 28, 2013, to December 10, 2019, on E! Television.[1][2] The series gave viewers an inside look into the lives of female WWE wrestlers from their work within WWE to their personal lives with the inclusion of behind the scenes footage.[3][4][5][6] All nine seasons were later made available on WWE's on-demand streaming service, WWE Network, until its closure in 2024.[7]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

In 2011, it was reported that WWE had released a survey to gauge interest in original content intended for the newly announced WWE Network. One of the prospective shows would be a reality show that followed the lives of six WWE Divas on the road, all living on the same tour bus that would also feature a 24/7 webcam for fans to unlock via password.[8]

In April 2013, an article on WWE.com stated: "WWE is contemplating a potential Divas reality show: It's a new reality series following the life and times of eight WWE Divas that lets viewers into the Divas locker room, behind the scenes on the road, and inside the personal lives of some of the most glitzy, gritty and glamorous celebrities in all of entertainment."[9] Fans were also asked to vote in a poll to help determine a name, with the six options including: WWE Divas Road Trip, Hot Wheels, Heels on Wheels.[10] The latter title, Heels on Wheels, was trademarked by WWE in 2011, and according to a 2019 interview with former WWE writer Brian Mann, was the original title for the series.[11][12]

Total Divas was revealed later in 2013, as a part of a partnership with E! and Bunim/Murray.[13][14] The cast for the newly announced series consisted of The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella), Naomi, Cameron, Natalya, Eva Marie, and JoJo.[15] It was announced on August 14, 2013, that E! had ordered an additional six episodes to the already eight episode first season, bringing the total episode number up to fourteen episodes.[16] The mid-season finale aired on September 15, 2013, with the season continuing on November 10, 2013.[17] WWE commentator Josh Mathews revealed on November 20, 2013, that Total Divas had been renewed for a second season.[18][19] The second season premiered on March 16, 2014.[20]

On May 19, 2014, E! announced that the third season of Total Divas would premiere on September 7, 2014.[21] On February 24, 2015, Paige announced Total Divas was renewed for a fourth season, with filming commencing at the end of the month.[22] It was then announced at the end of season three, that the fourth season would premiere on July 7, 2015, moving from Sunday to Tuesday nights.[23] On April 1, 2015, E! announced the show had been renewed for a fourth season via a press release.[24] After the September 22 episode of Total Divas aired, it was announced that the following week's episode would serve as the season finale, rather than a mid-season finale.[25]

Season 5 was announced on October 6, 2015, and premiered on January 19, 2016.[26][27] Season 6 was officially confirmed on April 18, 2016, by the E! Network. Its premiered on November 16, 2016. Additionally, the E! Network announced that Brie and Nikki would be getting their own spin-off, also with a fall premiere date, titled Total Bellas.[28][29]

On January 28, 2017, it was announced that Nikki Bella would serve as an executive producer of the show when the series returned in April 2017.[30] On September 20, 2017, E! revealed that the seventh season will premiere on November 1, 2017.[31] On May 7, 2018, E! and WWE announced that Total Divas had been renewed for its eighth and ninth seasons. Season 8 premiered on September 19, 2018. Season 9 and its final season premiered on October 1, 2019. [32][33]

In June 2021, Essentially Sports reported that the E! Network had quietly cancelled Total Divas and its sister show Total Bellas, citing low ratings and a lack of interest from those involved.[34]

Cast

[edit]

In a 2021 interview, Cameron claimed that Vince McMahon handpicked the cast of the first season of Total Divas, which consisted of The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella), Naomi, Cameron, Natalya, Eva Marie, and JoJo.[35] TJ Wilson, husband of Natalya, stated in 2023 that she was almost not part of the cast for the first season due to concerns over her traditional wrestling background. However, it was McMahon who decided that her background would be helpful for the audience, and thus casting her on the show.[36] Eve Torres stated in a 2016 interview with WWE's Where Are They Now? web series that Triple H had offered her a role on the cast of Total Divas ahead of its first season, with her upcoming WWE departure being featured as a possible storyline. However, she declined the offer due to personal reasons.[37]

Eva Marie revealed that after being signed to WWE following a 2013 WWE Diva Search that was not televised, she was asked to audition for the show that was still in development. Within 72 hours of auditioning, Marie was cast and sent to WrestleMania 29 to begin filming.[38] Fellow rookie JoJo was cast in the first season at the age of 19, leaving the show after the first season, being replaced by Summer Rae in the second.[39][40] During a 2017 Q&A to promote her book, Crazy Is My Superpower, AJ Lee revealed that she had declined an offer to replace JoJo and join the cast for the second season, objecting to the idea of presenting an inauthentic version of herself after being offered multiple storylines to choose from.[41][42]

During the third season premiere, Rosa Mendes joined the cast, and was joined by Paige and Alicia Fox following the mid-season break.[43][44][45] Naomi and Summer Rae also left the cast during the second half of the season, with the former tweeting that it was not her decision.[46] Naomi returned to the cast during the fourth season, whereas Mendes and Cameron departed the series.[47] However, Naomi left the cast once again during its fifth season, with Mendes returning and WWE Tough Enough runner-up Mandy Rose joining the cast for the first time.[48]

The sixth season featured three departures in Alicia Fox, Mandy Rose, and Rosa Mendes, with the trio being replaced by newcomers Renee Young, Lana, and Maryse, along with Naomi rejoining the cast as a series regular.[49] On June 9, 2017, it was reported that Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax would be joining the seventh season of Total Divas.[50][51] On June 10, 2017, Renee Young confirmed via Twitter that she would not be returning.[52] On June 29, 2017, it was reported that Carmella would be joining the cast and that Paige had departed the show for the final time.[53]

On May 15, 2018, it was announced that Carmella would not be returning for the show's eighth season.[54] It was later revealed that Paige and Lana were also leaving the show. Lana later revealed in a 2019 interview that she was removed from the show because her storylines were "hated" by the E! demo following market research.[55] In April 2019, Brie and Nikki Bella announced that they would not be returning for the ninth season of Total Divas, stating that they wanted to focus solely on Total Bellas.[56] On August 26, 2019, it was revealed that Naomi, Natalya, and Nia Jax were set to return for season nine alongside Carmella, who was announced to be returning as a series regular, and new cast members Ronda Rousey and Sonya Deville.[57] Additionally, Brie and Nikki Bella were reported to continue making guest appearances throughout the season.[58] The ninth season premiered on October 1, 2019.[59]

Cast overview

[edit]
Cast member Seasons
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Brie Bella Main Guest
Cameron Main Guest
Eva Marie Main
JoJo Main Guest
Naomi[a] Main Guest Main
Natalya Main
Nikki Bella Main Guest
Summer Rae[a] Main Guest
Rosa Mendes Guest Main Guest Main Guest
Alicia Fox[b] Guest Main Guest
Paige[b] Main Main Guest
Mandy Rose Main Guest
Lana Guest Main
Maryse Main
Renee Young Guest Main Guest
Alexa Bliss Guest Main Guest
Carmella Guest Main Guest Main
Nia Jax Guest Main
Ronda Rousey Guest Main
Sonya Deville Guest Main
Cast notes
  1. ^ a b In season 3, Naomi and Summer Rae were credited as main cast members from 3x01 to 3x10.[60]
  2. ^ a b In season 3, Alicia Fox and Paige were credited as main cast members from 3x11 to 3x20.[61]

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of Total Divas episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally released
First releasedLast released
114July 28, 2013 (2013-07-28)December 15, 2013 (2013-12-15)
211March 16, 2014 (2014-03-16)June 1, 2014 (2014-06-01)
320September 7, 2014 (2014-09-07)March 8, 2015 (2015-03-08)
413July 7, 2015 (2015-07-07)September 29, 2015 (2015-09-29)
514January 19, 2016 (2016-01-19)April 19, 2016 (2016-04-19)
616November 16, 2016 (2016-11-16)May 10, 2017 (2017-05-10)
712November 1, 2017 (2017-11-01)January 31, 2018 (2018-01-31)
810September 19, 2018 (2018-09-19)November 28, 2018 (2018-11-28)
910October 1, 2019 (2019-10-01)December 10, 2019 (2019-12-10)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref
2014 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Reality Show Total Divas Nominated [62]
2014 PopSugar Best of 2014 Awards Best Reality Show Total Divas Won [63]
2016 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Reality Show Total Divas Nominated [64]

Reception

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Ratings

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The series premiered on July 28, 2013, drawing 1.34 million viewers. It would remain the highest rated season premiere throughout its run.[65] The highest rated episode of the series was "Planet Funk is Funked Up" during the first season, garnering 1.67 million viewers.[66] The lowest rated episode of the series was "MountainMania" during the ninth season, which only garnered a 0.19 in the ratings.[67] The season two premiere episode "New Diva On The Block" received 1.07 million viewers.[68] The following episode "The Braniel Bus" had a strong rise in viewers garnering 1.28 million viewers.[69] The season three premiere attracted over 1.2 million viewers and 821K Adults 18–49, the series was up +15% and +17% respectively versus the season 2 premiere, as well as garnered 26,000 tweets and ranked as the #1 ad-supported cable program of the night. The third-season premiere of Total Divas outdrew the previous season's opener.[70][71] The ninth season premiere episode pulled in a 0.25 rating, with the finale garnering a 0.22.[72] This resulted in the cancellation of the show.

Critical response

[edit]

Tom Conroy of Media Life Magazine found the premiere "not very interesting", adding that it "feels real-ish" but "if the stars are doing any damage to their reputations, it's that they appear to be too nice. That might make their fans happy, but viewers expecting a smackdown can and will go elsewhere."[73] Diva-Dirt.com stated "Meet Your New Guilty Pleasure!".[74] Eric Gargiulo of Camel Clutch Blog said "I tuned in to WWE Total Divas expecting to see a scripted reality show in the vein of Hogan Knows Best. Instead I got an interesting look behind the scenes of the WWE and its superstars more in the same vein as Beyond the Mat."[75]

Impact

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Total Divas is attributed with growing the female audience demographic for WWE. In a 2020 interview, Stephanie McMahon stated: "We saw an increase in our female audience in different platforms and different channels. [...] The 40 per cent stayed for our core programming, but Total Divas and Total Bellas, the female viewership went through the roof. On YouTube, on social media, our female viewership increased."[76]

The show is credited with playing a role within the Divas Revolution, which resulted in more TV time for the female talent, deeper storylines, and the retirement of the "Divas" branding, instead being referring to female wrestlers as "Superstars" like the men.[77] Scarlett Harris wrote for Digital Spy in 2019: "a legion of new women's wrestling fans will be watching Evolution, thanks in no small part to the pop cultural cachet of Total Divas. Whether wrestling purists like it or not, Total Divas is a cornerstone in the women's wrestling evolution."[78]

In 2023, Nikki Bella reflected on the backlash the show received from within the wrestling industry: "Total Divas should have been praised even more, I felt, because what we were doing was we literally were at the point of almost beating the Kardashians in the ratings. [...] We could have had the industry behind us, but instead they used it to turn it against us."[79]

A number of female wrestlers attributed their initial interest in the sport to Total Divas. These women include Bianca Belair,[80] Maxxine Dupri,[81] Jakara Jackson,[82] and Fallon Henley.[83] Belair also hoped that her own WWE produced reality show, Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez, could interest future female fans as Total Divas did for her.[84]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Total Divas

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Total Divas is an American reality television series that aired on E! from July 28, 2013, to December 10, 2019, spanning nine seasons and chronicling the personal and professional lives of female professional wrestlers from . Produced in partnership between E!, , and Bunim-Murray Productions, the show offered viewers an inside look at the WWE Divas' high-stakes careers in the ring, their training regimens, and intimate personal stories involving relationships, family dynamics, and personal milestones. The original cast featured prominent WWE performers including The Bella Twins (Brie Bella and Nikki Bella), Natalya, Cameron, Naomi, Eva Marie, and JoJo. Over the course of its run, the ensemble evolved with additions such as Paige, Alicia Fox, Rosa Mendes, Nia Jax, Lana, Sonya Deville, Carmella, Liv Morgan, and Ronda Rousey, reflecting changes in WWE's women's roster and storylines. The series captured key moments like WrestleMania preparations, title pursuits, and real-life events, including Nikki Bella's record-breaking WWE Divas Championship reign and the cast's advocacy for greater opportunities for women in wrestling. Total Divas significantly boosted the visibility of WWE's women's division during a transformative , contributing to the shift away from the "Diva" branding toward the "Women's " in 2016. It also spawned the spin-off , focusing on ' lives post-WWE, which premiered in 2016 and ran for six seasons until 2021. The show's blend of glamour, drama, and athleticism attracted a broad audience, averaging strong viewership ratings and earning praise for humanizing the performers behind the personas.

Production

Development

The series Total Divas was officially announced on April 22, 2013, as a collaborative project between and the E! network, aimed at bringing a format to the world of . This partnership sought to expand 's reach by highlighting the multifaceted lives of its female performers beyond the ring. Production was handled by Bunim-Murray Productions, the company behind influential reality series such as The Real World and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which brought expertise in unscripted storytelling to the project. The initial concept focused on revealing the personal and professional challenges faced by WWE's women wrestlers, including training regimens, relationships, and career aspirations, to attract a wider audience unfamiliar with wrestling. This approach was designed to humanize the performers and emphasize their athleticism and personalities in a format appealing to reality TV enthusiasts. The original cast was selected based on popularity, marketability, and narrative potential within WWE, with the Bella Twins—Nikki and Brie Bella—positioned as central anchors due to their established fanbase and twin dynamic. Joining them were fellow Divas Natalya, Eva Marie, Naomi, Cameron (collectively known as The Funkadactyls), and JoJo, chosen to represent a mix of veterans and rising stars. Leading up to its July 28, 2013 premiere, marketing efforts included promotional videos featuring the cast shared across 's digital platforms and E! channels, as well as tie-in events like a meet-and-greet with fans at in August 2013. These initiatives integrated the series with 's live programming to build anticipation among both wrestling and general entertainment audiences.

Filming and format

Total Divas is a series produced by and Bunim-Murray Productions, blending behind-the-scenes footage from WWE events with personal narratives of the female superstars' lives outside the ring. The format incorporates interviews where cast members provide direct commentary on events, alongside segments capturing everyday activities such as training sessions, family interactions, and social outings, often emphasizing interpersonal drama and relationships. This style draws from established reality TV conventions, prioritizing emotional conflicts and personal growth while integrating authentic WWE elements like ring performances and travel schedules. Filming occurs across diverse locations to reflect the cast's dynamic lifestyles, including WWE arenas for professional segments, cast members' personal homes for intimate moments, and on-tour travel during live events. Additional shoots take place in non-WWE settings such as vacations in destinations like , , and , , allowing for storylines involving relaxation and group dynamics away from work. WWE provides extensive access to enhance authenticity, capturing real-time elements like injury recoveries and contract discussions, which are woven into the narrative to bridge professional and personal spheres. Episodes typically run approximately 42 minutes and follow a multi-threaded structure, tracking several cast members' storylines simultaneously to build tension through cliffhangers and resolutions across personal challenges. This approach often includes crossovers with programming, such as referencing ongoing feuds or matches, to create continuity between the show and the wrestlers' in-ring careers. Over the series' run, the format evolved, particularly after , with an increased emphasis on life beyond wrestling amid the WWE Women's Evolution initiative. Later seasons, such as season 8, highlighted post-retirement transitions, including Paige's career-ending injury and ' explorations of business ventures and family life, shifting focus from active competition to long-term personal development.

Cast

Main cast

The main cast of Total Divas consisted of WWE performers who appeared regularly across multiple seasons, blending their in-ring personas with personal storylines to showcase the dual lives of professional wrestlers. Central to the series were , (Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace) and (Brianna Monique Danielson), who featured in seasons 1 through 6 and 8 through 9, serving as the show's driving forces through interpersonal drama, sibling dynamics, and entrepreneurial pursuits outside the ring. As known for their work and individual title reigns, the twins highlighted real-life milestones such as Brie's marriage to wrestler Daniel Bryan in 2014 and subsequent pregnancies, alongside Nikki's engagement to and her record-setting 301-day reign as WWE Divas Champion from April 2015 to November 2015. Natalya (Natalie Katherine Neidhart), a wrestler from the , appeared in all nine seasons, providing comic relief, technical expertise, and insights into the rigors of life as the longest-tenured cast member. Her segments often explored her marriage to fellow wrestler TJ Wilson () and her role mentoring newer talent, emphasizing the physical and emotional demands of the industry. Trinity Fatu, known in as Naomi, was a core member in seasons 1 through 3 and 6 through 9, portraying the energetic dancer and multi-time champion whose "Feel the Glow" persona infused the show with high-energy moments. Her real-life marriage to wrestler and explorations of family life added depth to episodes focusing on balancing travel with personal relationships. Paige (Saraya-Jade Bevis) joined as a main cast member from seasons 2 through 6 and 8, bringing her edgy, anti-Diva persona as the youngest Divas Champion at the time of her 2014 debut, with storylines delving into her transition from independent wrestling to WWE stardom. Eva Marie (Natalie Eva Marie Nelson) appeared in seasons 1 through 6, often positioned as the ambitious newcomer whose modeling background and training struggles sparked conflicts, while showcasing her marriage to Jonathan Coyle. Summer Rae (Danielle Moinet) rounded out the early core in seasons 1 through 3, contributing as a fashion-savvy heel whose alliances and rivalries, including with Natalya, highlighted backstage tensions. CJ Perry, known in WWE as Lana, joined as a main cast member in seasons 6 through 8, focusing on her acting aspirations, marriage to wrestler Rusev (Miro), and efforts to establish herself beyond her valet role. Savelina Fanene, performing as Nia Jax, was a main cast member from seasons 7 through 9, showcasing her powerhouse style, family ties to The Rock, and challenges with injuries and body image in WWE.

Recurring cast

The recurring cast of Total Divas featured performers who appeared in supporting roles across multiple seasons, often highlighting personal challenges, career transitions, and interactions within the Divas' ensemble. These members typically contributed to 5-20 episodes per season, adding layers of conflict, support, and humor to the main narratives without anchoring full seasons. Ariane Andrew, performing as Cameron, was a key recurring figure in seasons 1-2 and returned briefly in season 7, where she participated in group settings that explored Divas' camaraderie and rivalries. Melissa Perez, known as Rosa Mendes, appeared recurrently in seasons 1-3 and continued into season 5, with her storyline prominently focusing on single motherhood after giving birth to her daughter in 2016, which showcased the balance between WWE demands and family life. Amanda Saccomanno, performing as Mandy Rose, was a main cast member in season 5 following her appearance on WWE Tough Enough, with arcs emphasizing her modeling background and rigorous WWE training. Other notable recurring performers included Joanna Jernigan (JoJo) in season 1, where she brought youthful energy to early group dynamics; in seasons 4-6, often involved in friendship tensions and romantic subplots; and Maryse (Maryse Ouellet) in seasons 5-6, contributing to ensemble scenes centered on veteran advice and marital life. Later recurring cast included Leah Van Dale (Carmella) in seasons 7-9, highlighting her princess persona and relationship with ; Daria Berenato () in season 9, focusing on her MMA background and story; in season 9, exploring her transition from UFC to ; and (Gionna Daddio) in season 9, showcasing her energetic personality and family dynamics.
PerformerRing NameSeasonsNotable Contributions
Ariane AndrewCameron1-2, 7Group interactions and rivalries
Melissa Perez1-3, 5Single motherhood arc
Amanda Saccomanno5Modeling and training storylines
Joanna Jernigan1Youthful ensemble dynamics
Alicia Fox4-6Friendship and romance conflicts
Maryse OuelletMaryse5-6Veteran guidance in group settings
Leah Van DaleCarmella7-9Relationship and persona development
Daria Berenato9MMA transition and personal story
Ronda Rousey9UFC to WWE adjustment
Gionna Daddio9Family and energetic dynamics

Episodes

Season summaries

The first season of Total Divas, premiering in July 2013, introduced audiences to the core cast including , (Naomi and Cameron), and Natalya, emphasizing the intersection of professional rivalries and personal relationships among the women. Spanning 14 episodes, the season explored how on-screen tensions and backstage dynamics influenced their off-duty lives and friendships. Season 2, airing from March to June 2014, marked the debut of Paige as a main cast member, while elevating the prominence of amid ongoing group conflicts and individual storylines; it consisted of 11 episodes. The season built on the established format by incorporating new rivalries and personal milestones, such as wedding preparations and career pressures. Seasons 3 through 6, broadcast between September 2014 and April 2017, captured a period of heightened drama, delving into cast members' injuries, romantic engagements, family challenges, and occasional crossovers with related reality programming like . These seasons featured evolving cast dynamics, including the addition and departures of wrestlers such as and , with episode counts ranging from 13 to 20 per season. Key themes included career setbacks like Daniel Bryan's injury recovery and Nikki Bella's egg-freezing decision, alongside relational strains for Natalya and Paige. From season 7 onward, airing between October 2017 and December 2019, the series shifted toward the cast's post-wrestling transitions, retirements, and family-oriented narratives, reflecting broader life changes beyond the ring. Season 7 with 12 episodes and Season 8 with 10 episodes highlighted rivalries like Natalya versus Naomi, Nia Jax's dating struggles, and Alexa Bliss's personal adjustments, while incorporating newer talents such as Carmella and . Season 9, comprising 10 episodes and concluding on December 10, 2019, featured Rousey's integration into the group, alongside themes of grief for Natalya following her father's passing and career reflections for veterans like Naomi. Over its nine-season run, Total Divas evolved from a primary emphasis on in-ring competitions and immediate interactions to deeper explorations of life after , including entrepreneurial ventures, motherhood, and emotional recoveries.

List of episodes

Total Divas comprises 120 episodes across 9 seasons, broadcast from July 28, 2013, to , 2019. Episodes generally run approximately 42 minutes, excluding commercials. The series includes no standalone specials or unaired episodes. The following tables provide a complete inventory of episodes, organized by season, with episode numbers, titles, and original air dates. Production codes, directors, and writers are not consistently credited in available records.

Season 1 (2013)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
11Welcome to the July 28, 2013
22A Tango with August 4, 2013
33 Is Funked UpAugust 11, 2013
44The "Fat" TwinAugust 18, 2013
55Feuding August 25, 2013
66Diva September 1, 2013
77The Diva LifeSeptember 8, 2013
88No Longer the BridesmaidOctober 7, 2013
99The Royal RumbleOctober 14, 2013
1010Nurse NikkiNovember 10, 2013
1111The November 17, 2013
1212Backstage BrawlDecember 1, 2013
1313The Divas' Night OutDecember 8, 2013
1414Ready to RideDecember 15, 2013

Season 2 (2014)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
151New Diva on the BlockMarch 16, 2014
162The Braniel BusMarch 23, 2014
173On 's Bad SideMarch 30, 2014
184The Battle of the BellasApril 6, 2014
195The Dirt SheetApril 13, 2014
206 and Daniel's Off-SeasonApril 20, 2014
217The PA That Drives You CrazyApril 27, 2014
228It's a Girl's WorldMay 4, 2014
239The Set-UpMay 11, 2014
2410Digging a HoleMay 25, 2014
2511Wedding ManiaJune 1, 2014

Season 3 (2014–2015)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
261Rowdy with the HomiesSeptember 7, 2014
272I Don't Want to Tag with HerSeptember 7, 2014
283The WWE Divas Get ShirtySeptember 14, 2014
294The Diva's Got Baby FeverSeptember 21, 2014
305The All the Way TourSeptember 28, 2014
316The Brutal TruthOctober 5, 2014
327Gone CountryOctober 12, 2014
338The Diva Strikes BackOctober 19, 2014
349The Divas Make LemonadeNovember 2, 2014
3510Bella Baby BluesNovember 9, 2014
3611November 16, 2014
3712November 23, 2014
3813The Great SurvivorNovember 30, 2014
3914The Triple F MeDecember 7, 2014
4015The Divas Do HollywoodJanuary 4, 2015
4116Baby Not BabyJanuary 11, 2015
4217The B WordJanuary 18, 2015
4318Divas UnhingedJanuary 25, 2015
4419Total SuperstarsFebruary 1, 2015
4520For Those About to RockFebruary 8, 2015

Season 4 (2015–2016)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
461Diva DivideDecember 15, 2015
472December 22, 2015
483Eat Your Heart OutJanuary 5, 2016
494Divas on OverdriveJanuary 12, 2016
505Tea ModeJanuary 19, 2016
51624 Hours in L.A.January 26, 2016
527Jiggly TittiesFebruary 2, 2016
538Baby Baby BellaFebruary 9, 2016
549The Diva's CurseFebruary 16, 2016
5510The GlowFebruary 23, 2016
5611Total BellaMarch 1, 2016
5712Momma's Gotta GoMarch 8, 2016
5813The ReturnMarch 15, 2016

Season 5 (2016)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
591The Double CrossNovember 15, 2016
602This Is My LifeNovember 22, 2016
613The Enemy of My FrenemyNovember 29, 2016
624Baby CrazyDecember 6, 2016
635The Diva's on FireDecember 13, 2016
646The Man in the MiddleDecember 20, 2016
657The Big AnnouncementJanuary 3, 2017
668The Diva Strikes BackJanuary 10, 2017
679The Ex Takes It AllJanuary 17, 2017
6810The BookJanuary 24, 2017
6911The Glam SquadJanuary 31, 2017
7012Baby StepsFebruary 7, 2017
7113For Better or For WorseFebruary 14, 2017
7214The Divas' Last DanceFebruary 21, 2017

Season 6 (2016–2017)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
731A Win-Wine SituationNovember 16, 2016
742Pain in the NeckNovember 23, 2016
753What Happens in VegasNovember 30, 2016
764The New Diva in TownDecember 7, 2016
775Baby Mama December 14, 2016
786The Divas Take LADecember 21, 2016
797The Bella ComebackJanuary 4, 2017
808January 11, 2017
819The Big EasyJanuary 18, 2017
8210The UnbreakableJanuary 25, 2017
8311A New DivaFebruary 1, 2017
8412The Divas' Last RideFebruary 8, 2017
8513The Twin SwitchFebruary 15, 2017
8614The EffectFebruary 22, 2017
8715The Big Nattie ComebackMarch 1, 2017
8816Total May 10, 2017

Season 7 (2017–2018)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
891This Is Make or BreakNovember 1, 2017
902Dressed Like a ChampNovember 8, 2017
913Breaking All the RulesNovember 15, 2017
924The Diva DivideNovember 29, 2017
935The Bella RushDecember 6, 2017
946Divas Gone WildDecember 13, 2017
957Fake It 'Til You Make ItDecember 20, 2017
968Single in the CityJanuary 3, 2018
979Three Alarm FireJanuary 10, 2018
9810Shall We Dance?January 17, 2018
9911Let's Get Naked!January 24, 2018
10012Breaking the NewsJanuary 31, 2018

Season 8 (2018)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
1011Good Girls Don't Make HistorySeptember 19, 2018
1022This Is My HouseSeptember 26, 2018
1033The Real Nicole / Risky BehaviorOctober 3, 2018
1044Paige's SecretOctober 10, 2018
1055Pink Hair Don't CareOctober 17, 2018
1066Welcome to October 24, 2018
1077Chase Your DreamsOctober 31, 2018
1088Hate Is a Strong WordNovember 7, 2018
1099A Sisterhood Beyond BloodNovember 14, 2018
11010Unbreakable ForceNovember 28, 2018

Season 9 (2019)

No. overallNo. in seasonTitleOriginal air date
1111The Baddest Women on the PlanetOctober 1, 2019
1122All Is Fair in Love and WarOctober 8, 2019
1133October 15, 2019
1144Damage ControlOctober 22, 2019
1155The Real October 29, 2019
1166MountainManiaNovember 5, 2019
1177I Will PrevailNovember 12, 2019
118835 Years in the MakingNovember 19, 2019
1199December 3, 2019
12010The Next WaveDecember 10, 2019

Broadcast

Premiere and scheduling

Total Divas premiered on July 28, 2013, airing on E! at 10:00 PM ET/PT on Sunday nights, offering viewers an inside look at the lives of WWE's female wrestlers. The series debuted with its first season running from July 28 to December 15, 2013, consisting of 14 episodes that introduced the core cast and their professional and personal challenges. Over its run, the show's scheduling evolved to accommodate network programming and the cast's commitments. Starting with season 4 on , 2015, Total Divas shifted to nights at 9:00 PM ET/PT, a change announced by E! to align with their summer lineup. Starting with season 6 (2016–17), it moved to Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET/PT, with later seasons adjusting times to 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM; season 9 aired on at 10:00 PM ET/PT from October 1 to December 10, 2019. The series incorporated periodic hiatuses, such as the break following the mid-season finale before , to align with major events and tours that impacted cast availability. The show concluded after its ninth on December 10, 2019, with E! and not announcing any renewals thereafter, marking the end of the original run. In April 2025, expressed interest in a reboot featuring the original cast and two new additions, but as of November 2025, no official announcement has been made.

Viewership

The second season premiere of Total Divas in 2014 drew 1.07 million viewers, establishing a solid audience foundation for the series on E!. Overall, episodes in the early seasons typically averaged between 0.8 and 1.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen measurements, reflecting consistent performance among E! reality programming. Viewership peaked during season 3, with select episodes surpassing 1.4 million viewers, largely driven by the rising popularity of as central figures. This surge highlighted the show's appeal during its mid-run, positioning it as one of E!'s top original Wednesday night programs at the time. The series significantly expanded WWE's demographic reach, contributing to a notable increase in female viewership from around 32% of the overall audience pre-Total Divas to over 40%, while drawing in non-traditional fans aged 18-34. However, viewership trends declined in later seasons; for instance, season 7 averaged 583,000 viewers, with seasons 7 through 9 generally falling under 1 million due to key cast retirements and heightened competition in the reality TV landscape. All metrics were tracked via Nielsen ratings, providing standardized comparisons across E! offerings.

Reception

Critical response

Total Divas received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, often praised for its glimpse into the personal and professional lives of female WWE wrestlers while criticized for relying on conventional reality TV elements. The series holds an average user rating of 6.5/10 on IMDb, based on 1,908 reviews, reflecting a generally positive but not exceptional response from viewers familiar with the genre. Critics highlighted the show's strengths in dramatic storytelling and behind-the-scenes access, which provided entertainment value for WWE fans by exploring the wrestlers' challenges and relationships. For instance, a review noted that the series effectively leverages WWE's narrative style to offer insights into the athletes' lives outside the ring, making it a compelling "guilty pleasure." It was also commended for showcasing the athletic demands and limited opportunities faced by women in professional wrestling, emphasizing their strength and theatrical skills. Cast member Natalya described the content as "real and raw," contributing to perceptions of authenticity in portraying interpersonal dynamics. On the other hand, the series faced for accusations of scripting and , with some moments appearing manufactured to fit reality TV conventions, such as heightened conflicts that prioritized drama over depth. Reviewers pointed out its use of formulaic tropes common to the genre, including interpersonal rivalries and predictable personal arcs, which limited exploration of wrestling techniques and sometimes reduced the focus to voyeuristic elements. The lack of broader consensus stems from its niche appeal within wrestling and reality programming audiences. Early seasons were particularly lauded for their freshness, introducing core cast members like and Natalya through engaging personal storylines, such as relationships and career pursuits, which ranked Seasons 1 through 3 as the strongest. Later seasons drew more critique for repetitive personal drama and inconsistent character focus, with elements like unresolved rivalries and underutilized newcomers contributing to lower rankings for Seasons 5 through 9. This evolution mirrored the show's growing emphasis on evolving cast dynamics amid sustained popularity among viewers.

Cultural impact

Total Divas played a pivotal role in 's Women's Revolution by significantly boosting female viewership and advocating for enhanced storylines for female wrestlers. According to executive , the series, along with its spin-off , caused female viewership to "go through the roof" on platforms like and , with approximately 40% of new female viewers retained for 's core programming. This surge pressured to elevate women's divisions, contributing to more substantive narratives and opportunities for female talent during the mid-2010s. The show's success led to notable spin-offs and expansions within WWE's content ecosystem. It directly inspired , a series focusing on that aired from 2016 to 2019 on E!, extending the reality format to delve deeper into their personal and professional lives. Furthermore, Total Divas influenced offerings by increasing the visibility of women's stories, paving the way for more reality-style programming centered on female superstars. In terms of cultural legacy, Total Divas was instrumental in WWE's 2016 decision to retire the term "Diva" in favor of "Superstar," symbolizing a shift toward greater respect and equality for female performers. The series' portrayal of wrestlers' lives amplified mainstream visibility, particularly for figures like , who leveraged their exposure to launch entrepreneurial ventures such as wine brands and apparel lines. This helped normalize female wrestlers as multifaceted role models, fostering broader discussions on in . Post-2019, the series maintains relevance through ongoing conversations about a potential revival, fueled by nostalgia for the Divas Era and the enduring impact on female representation. In 2025, Nikki and Brie Bella expressed interest in rebooting Total Divas, suggesting it could adapt to current women's dynamics while highlighting empowerment themes. However, its success also sparked internal tensions, with reports of from some performers and executives who felt it diverted attention from traditional scripted programming.

Awards and nominations

Awards won

In 2014, Total Divas won the Best Reality Show award at the PopSugar Best of 2014 Awards, recognized for its innovative crossover of WWE programming with reality television formats that captured strong fan engagement, securing 76 percent of the vote. The series and its cast also received accolades at the 2017 Women's Image Network Awards, where Nikki Bella and Brie Bella were honored with the Outstanding Actress in a Reality Series award for their roles in portraying themes of female empowerment and personal resilience within the wrestling industry. WWE's internal Slammy Awards further highlighted the cast's prominence, with and collectively winning the Diva of the Year award in 2013, an honor attributed in part to the increased visibility from Total Divas that boosted their mainstream appeal. individually claimed the Diva of the Year Slammy in 2015, reflecting the show's contribution to elevating female wrestlers' profiles through fan-voted recognition. These wins underscored Total Divas' impact on advancing female representation in media, by showcasing wrestlers' multifaceted lives and challenging in a male-dominated field.

Nominations

Total Divas received several nominations throughout its run, primarily in categories that highlighted its appeal to younger audiences and its blend of and personal drama. These recognitions underscored the series' growing fanbase within the community and broader reality TV landscape, though it did not secure wins in these instances. The show earned two nominations at the for Choice Reality TV Show: in 2014, recognizing its early popularity among teens; and in 2018, during its later seasons focusing on evolving Divas narratives. Additionally, Total Divas was nominated for Best Reality Series at the 2016 Women's Image Network (WIN) Awards, acknowledging its portrayal of women's experiences in . The series also received a nod in the Location Team of the Year - category at the 2018 California on Location Awards for its production logistics. Cast members, such as , garnered related recognition, including a 2015 Teen Choice nomination for Choice Female Athlete, tied to their on-screen presence. Overall, these approximately five nominations across its nine-season run reflected Total Divas' niche success in reality and genres, signaling rising popularity without achieving widespread mainstream award breakthroughs.
YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2014Choice Reality TV ShowTotal DivasNominated
2015Choice Female AthleteNominated
2016Women's Image Network AwardsBest Reality SeriesTotal DivasNominated
2018Choice Reality TV ShowTotal DivasNominated
2018California on Location AwardsLocation Team of the Year - Brooke Parsons, Meredith Ewinger (Total Divas production team)Nominated

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