WE TV senior vice president John Miller identified the series as part of the network's strategy to "present stories that showcase the wild ride of modern-day life from a woman's perspective". Prior to Shannen Says, WETV was already associated with wedding-themed shows, such as Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera. Variety's Jill Goldsmith cited it, alongside Braxton Family Values, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, and Mary Mary, to discuss WETV's focus on celebrity-based reality shows.
