Fans of the “Teen Mom” franchise have followedMaci Bookout McKinneyand Cheyenne Floyd’s journey for years.
before joining the “Teen Mom” cast in 2018.
They also shared how they stay authentic and bring real issues to the screen.
Maci:It’s new territory, so figuring that out.
We are still in a good place because it’s been genuine.
Maci:Yeah, definitely.
Open communication goes a long way.
We’ve all learned that it is possible, and yeah, I feel good about it right now.
Why do you think those are important issues to be represented on a show like this?
I’m trying to figure out why we didn’t do it before.
It’s important that we talk about it and open that door for other people.
Maci:Yeah, I would agree with that.
They might not be afraid to then bring that up to their parents.
It’s helping break the stigma aroundmental healthand therapy.
Sometimes, it’s a matter of checking in with people, genuinely asking them how they’re doing.
That goes a long way.
Living authentically on camera
You’ve all been onreality TVfor several years at this point.
The camera crew, they’re like our family, so it also feels safe.
You actually see the face behind the camera, not just the camera.
Cheyenne:Yeah, I agree.
You get the best footage when we do forget that the cameras are there.
I barely washed my face today.
This is what you’re getting."
Are there any topics that you guys still make a run at keep off screen?
Do you have boundaries, like “This is just personal for us?”
Cheyenne:We’re all pretty open.
We have to be open.
I can’t even think about anything [we keep off screen].
Do you ever go back and watch past seasons, or do you leave that behind?
Maci:Leave it where it is.
What am I thinking with that hair color?"
Stuff like that, style choices, they’re a nightmare sometimes.
But also, over the years, it’s a good self-reflective tool to use.
It’s like, “Hmm, man, I was really being an a**hole.
I remember this being really tough.”
I tried to use it to benefit me instead of taking me backward.
Yeah, that makes sense.
And what about for you two?
Cheyenne:I don’t want to watch it.
I really like where we’re at now.
Zach:It’s already embedded in my head, so I don’t need to go back.
Cheyenne:He was like, “That was life.”
Like, “I’ve been through it.
I don’t need to see it.”
Zach:I know what I did, so that’s it.
“Teen Mom: The Next Chapter"premieres with back-to-back episodes tonight at 8:00 p.m.
This interview has been edited for clarity.
