Why did Ryan Michelle Bathe leave First Wives Club? (How did Ari die?)

It’s always tough when a leading actress exits a show, especially if they play your favorite character. Many would agree that Ryan Michelle Bathe’s departure from BET+’s First Wives Club was shocking to find out. The way her character departs the series is just so sad and heartbreaking to watch.

Based on the hit ’90s film The First Wives Club, First Wives Club is a comedy series created by Tracy Oliver. You might recognize Oliver as the creator of the comedy series Harlem. She also co-wrote the screenplays for movies such as Girls Trip, Little and The Blackening.

Set in New York City, the show follows three best friends who come together to lift each other up as they work through their rocky marriages while also navigating their demanding careers. Ryan Michelle Bathe portrayed the role of Ari Montgomery, one of the friends and an attorney who left her law career behind to assist her husband in his political campaign.

She played a beloved character that many viewers looked forward to seeing on their screens. But unfortunately, her character’s journey came to an end after two seasons. Why is that?

Ryan Michelle Bathe’s exit from First Wives Club was a creative decision

Fans shouldn’t be that surprised about Ryan Michelle Bathe’s departure because her character was already separated from the other main characters for most of the second season. If you recall from season 2, Ari leaves the East Coast to set up her own law firm in sunny Los Angeles, ultimately putting a strain on her relationship and friendships. Ryan even appeared in fewer episodes in season 2, so it looks like her departure was being set up.

There were rumors that Ryan’s exit stemmed from behind-the-scenes drama between her and other cast members, but these rumors have been shut down. According to FreshersLIVE, Ryan’s departure is believed to have happened because the show creator wanted to “introduce a bold and unpredictable element to the series, showcasing the show’s willingness to take risks and explore complex storytelling.”

In other words, Tracy Oliver wanted to show fans that no character was safe in the show and that they could meet their demise at any moment. She wanted to let everyone know that she’s willing to take risks and try new things with the show, even if might sadden or anger some fans.

Jill Scott, who plays Hazel in the comedy series, was initially against Ryan Michelle Bathe’s exit. She told Entertainment Tonight in a November 2022 interview that she “hated” the decision but appreciated that she was able to reveal another layer of Hazel’s character by depicting her grief.

Spoilers ahead from First Wives Club season 3. 

How does Ryan Michelle Bathe leave First Wives Club?

Ryan doesn’t appear in any episodes of the third season, but viewers find out in the second episode of the season that her character died from a brain aneurysm. At the very end of the second episode, Gary (RonReaco Lee) walks up to Hazel and Bree (Michelle Buteau) to relay the sad news. He tells them that David (Mark Tallman) just called him from the hospital to let him know that Ari had a brain aneurysm and passed away. In the third episode of the season, we see everyone grapple with grief and loss.

Back in November 2022, Essence Magazine spoke with Jill Scott and asked her why the show creator decided to give Ari a permanent exit and kill her off. Scott responded by saying, “Because it happens. I’ve lost a lot of friends — I won’t say a lot, but I have lost some friends and I just did not see that coming. I thought that they were too young to go, but surprise, surprise. This is life. There’s no guarantees in this thing.”

First Wives Club seasons 1-3 are streaming now on Netflix.