What’s buzzing in the world of TikTok’s rising stars? If you haven’t heard the name Ressa Tessa, you’re missing out on one of the platform’s wildest and most captivating real-life stories. This queen is turning her personal heartbreak into a TV show, and the internet is living for it!

Tessa, a beautiful Black woman who has risen to fame by sharing her real-life trauma, has left fans shocked and hooked. Her story, which began as a 52-part TikTok series, details her tumultuous relationship with a man she calls “the United Nations of red flags” and has become the stuff of viral legend. 

Who Is Ressa Tessa?

Born Tareasa Johnson, she took to TikTok under the name Ressa Tessa and answered the prompt, "What's the most f*cked up thing your ex did to you?" Her answer? A jaw-dropping saga about her husband who was a pathological liar – a man who faked phone conversations, made up entire family members, forged documents, and pretended to have attended San Diego State University. During all of this, he was also cheating on her. In the end, the only true things about him were his name and birthdate. 

Johnson shared every juicy detail, from learning her husband’s stepdaughter was still alive after he claimed she died (to scam her for funeral money) to discovering his social security number didn’t match their marriage license. While she referred to him as "Legion" in her videos, her TikTok fans soon uncovered his real name —Jerome McCoy. McCoy has since denied her allegations, but the internet has spoken, and they’re siding with Tessa.

@reesamteesa Part 51: PSA #reesateesa #fyp #whotfdidimarry #fypシ #trending #publicserviceannouncement #psa #audiobook ♬ original sound - ReesaTeesa

 From TikTok to TV

essa’s TikTok journey is nothing short of viral gold. By the time she wrapped up her series, she had gone from 8,000 to a staggering 3.6 million followers. Part one alone has racked up 39 million views! Her raw, unstaged storytelling gripped viewers, blending the best of reality TV with the undeniable allure of binge-worthy TikTok content.

The impact? Major. So major, in fact, that her story is now being adapted into a TV show! Natasha Rothwell, best known for her roles in Insecure and  The White Lotus, is set to star in and executive produce Who TF Did I Marry, bringing Tessa’s heartbreak to the small screen.

Talk about turning lemons into prime-time lemonade!

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The announcement arrives just in time for the September 13 debut of How to Die Alone, a Hulu comedy created by and starring Rothwell. Known for her Emmy-nominated role in The White Lotus and her standout performances as Kelli on HBO's Insecure, Rothwell is also celebrated for her writing contributions to Insecure and her tenure at Saturday Night Live from 2014 to 2015. With her career on the rise, Rothwell is represented by CAA, Edna Cowan Management, and the legal experts at Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer.

In addition to her acting, Rothwell is producing the upcoming TV adaptation of Who TF Did I Marry? through her Big Hattie Productions. Joining her team is Mary Sayama McHenry, newly appointed as director of development. McHenry comes with experience from CBS TV Studios and Get Lifted Film Company, further solidifying Big Hattie’s powerhouse lineup.

 Fan Of View: 

Tessa’s rise to fame has sparked a mix of admiration and skepticism. Many fans are inspired by her strength, with some women finding the courage to share their own stories of deceit and heartbreak.

Others, however, question how she missed all those “red flags.” Let’s be real – there were plenty.  Now a household name, Tessa can’t walk down the street without being recognized. Whether dining out or grocery shopping, fans approach her to share their own experiences or simply to say, “Thank you for telling your truth.” One woman even told her, “You changed the landscape of TikTok.” 

What’s Next?

With her TV show on the horizon and her TikTok fame still soaring, it looks like Tessa is just getting started. Between media appearances and viral videos, she’s sure to stay busy – and hopefully far, far away from any future red flags.

Are you excited for  Who TF Did I Marry?  Comment below on what you’re expecting from this much-anticipated series!

Photo Credit: @reesateesa on Instagram.