BET Networks News

BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios announced today the new original dramatic comedy, 'SISTAS,' the second series under Perry's exclusive, multi-year content partnership deal with Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA). Starring KJ Smith, Ebony Obsidian, Mignon Von, and Novi Brown, 'SISTAS,' follows a group of single black females from different walks of life who bond over their one common thread: why am I single? In this bold new series, viewers watch these women navigate their 'complicated love life' status, careers and friendship through the ups-and-downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals. Premiering this fall on BET, the one-hour drama takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions and hilarious moments that are the epitome of #squadgoals. Principal photography for 'SISTAS' is underway at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

BET Networks announces the cast of the Will Packer and Will Packer Media executive produced original series, 'BIGGER' (formerly Peachtree Place), premiering on the network's streaming service BET+, this fall. 'BIGGER' is an entertaining and lively scripted comedy starring Tanisha Long, Angell Conwell, Rasheda Crockett, Chase Anthony, and Tristen Winger, which takes place in the East Atlanta neighborhood, Little Five Points. The 30-minute, ten-episode series follows a single-black-woman who is dealing with the threat of marriage to a boring-in-bed boyfriend and the sudden, random death of a college acquaintance. The tragedy drives her ambitious group of friends to take a deeper look at their stagnant lives, asking themselves - is there something bigger and better in life. 'BIGGER' recently wrapped production this summer in Atlanta.

BET Networks announced that Devin Griffin joins the company as General Manager, BET+. The subscription video-on-demand service focused on the African American audience, BET+, will feature more than 1,000 hours of premium content including exclusive new original programming and fan-favorite series, movies, and specials from BET Networks, world-renowned creator Tyler Perry, and a host of leading African American content creators. Griffin will report to Scott Mills, President of BET Networks. Griffin will be based in Los Angeles. In his role, Griffin will manage the BET+ P&L and oversee business strategy & operations, including original programming, content acquisitions, marketing, distribution, planning and analysis.

During the BET Awards last night, Rihanna delivered a heartfelt introduction to Lifetime Achievement Award Winner and hip-hop and soul legend Mary J. Blige. The Grammy Award-winning icon took the stage herself with a mashup of some of her greatest award-winning hits, including 'My Life,' 'No More Drama,' 'Real Love,' 'I Can Love You' with Lil Kim, 'You're All I Need' with Method Man and finished with the quintessential 'Just Fine.'

BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Media Networks (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), and Tyler Perry Studios today unveiled a new joint venture to launch BET+, a premier subscription video-on-demand service focused on the African American audience. Available to consumers this fall, BET+ will feature more than 1,000 hours of premium content including exclusive new original programming and fan-favorite series, movies, and specials from BET Networks, world-renowned creator Tyler Perry, and a host of leading African American content creators.

During the 2019 BET Awards, breakthrough artist Lizzo emerged atop a giant white cake with a captivating performance of her hit "Truth Hurts," complete with a signature flute solo.

BET Networks honored a powerful and show-stopping lineup of artists, entertainers, cultural icons and inspiring humanitarians across more than 18 categories at the 19th Annual 'BET AWARDS.' The ceremony, hosted by actress and comedian Regina Hall, aired live on BET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 23, 2019.

BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios announced today that a new original drama, 'The Oval,' the first series under Perry's exclusive, multi-year content partnership deal with Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) will begin principal photography this summer at Tyler Perry Studios. Starring Ed Quinn, Kron Moore, Paige Hurd and Daniel Croix Henderson, 'The Oval,' will introduce viewers to the new first family moving into the White House. This picture-perfect couple has it all! Money, status, and pure bliss flank the Mr. & Mrs. However, behind closed doors, they are anything but flawless. With lies, cheating and messy mayhem running amuck, in the new scripted series, we see next level corruption up close and way too personal, directly from the White House. Please believe, you could not write this... but Tyler did!

BET Networks in conjunction with Irv 'Gotti' Lorenzo announce the season two global premiere of hit original series, TALES. The series will make a global return, with a two-hour premiere. The debut episode, 'Brothers,' brings a new and exciting twist for the series, by serving as the launchpad for an unreleased Kanye West song exclusive to the show's soundtrack. Fans can tune-in to BET and MTV channels globally and on VH1's international channels on Tuesday, July 2. BET and the international channels will air the first look at 9:00 PM E.T., with MTV airing in a later timeslot.

TV One and CLEO TV General Manager Michelle Rice officially announced today that veteran television executive Brigitte McCray has joined the network's senior leadership team as the Senior Vice President, Original Programming and Production. In her new role, McCray provides strategic direction for all original programming and oversees all development and current production for TV One and its sister network CLEO TV. Based in the Silver Spring headquarters, she will report directly to Rice.

BET Networks announced actress and comedian Regina Hall as the 2019 'BET Awards' host. Nominated in this year's 'Best Actress' category, Regina takes the stage to host for the first time, joining the ranks of A-list entertainers who've hosted in years past, including Jamie Foxx, Leslie Jones, Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock and Mo'Nique. This year's broadcast celebrates 19 years of creating unforgettable moments, showcasing the present and future of black entertainment while honoring the unsung heroes and icons of the past. The 'BET Awards' continues to reign as the ultimate platform showcasing the best and most beautiful aspects of the black experience, highlighting culture and serving as a driving force for social change. The 2019 'BET Awards' will air LIVE on Sunday, June 23 at 8 pm ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA on BET.

BET Networks greenlights new digital talk series, BLACK COFFEE hosted by Marc Lamont Hill. Announced during Viacom's Newfront annual presentation, the LIVE daily morning show will keep viewers up to speed on Black Twitter's buzziest conversations. The half-hour series, BLACK COFFEE, will feature news-making interviews with top celebrities, athletes, and social media stars. Joined by co-hosts Gia Peppers, Jameer Pond and weekly guests who represent some of this generation's most influential voices, Marc will delve deep into everything from pop-culture, relationships, music, politics, race, and social justice. BLACK COFFEE will premiere Monday, June 3 at 10 AM ET across multiple platforms including YouTube, Facebook Watch, Twitter, BET Now App and BET.com.

The Emerging Directors and Music in Motion Showcase selections have been announced for the 23rdAnnual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), taking place June 12-16 in Miami.  These programs were launched with the aim of increasing diverse representation in the entertainment industry and are set to screen from June 13-15 at the Regal Cinemas South Beach.

The 23rd Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is excited to announce their distinctive 2019 lineup of narrative features, documentaries and short films in competition. Films are set to screen in Miami from June 13-15 at the Regal Cinemas South Beach and the New World Center.

The 23rd annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), taking place in Miami June 12-16, continues to deliver on their promise to showcase some of today's hottest talent and provide a platform for emerging artists. This year's lineup will include conversations, screenings and panels with diverse and inspiring filmmakers, icons and industry executives, presented by some of the most innovative brands in entertainment.

ABFF Ventures announced today their selection of finalists who will compete at the 7th annual ABFF Comedy Wings Competition, presented by HBO. Last night, nine comedians competed in the ABFF Comedy Wings Semifinals Showcase held at the HaHa Comedy Club in Los Angeles, hosted by Chris Spencer. 

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) announced the winners of the 44th annual Gracie Awards to take place May 21 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles. The event will recognize such esteemed honorees as Sandra Oh, Tisha Thompson, Rachel Maddow, Connie Britton, Elizabeth Perkins, Patricia Arquette, Leah Remini, Robin Roberts, Laura Lynch, Rachel Bloom, Angela Yee, Maura Tierney, Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie, along with some of the most talented women in television, radio and digital media. Local and student award winners will be recognized at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 26 at Cipriani in New York City.

On the heels of the second season pick up of critically- acclaimed BOOMERANG series BET Networks announces continued partnership with Lena Waithe as it green lights her single-camera comedy series “Twenties.” Created and written by Waithe when she was in her early 20s the eight-episode half-hour series, follows the adventures of a queer black girl, Hattie, and her two straight best friends, Marie and Nia, who spend most of their days talking 'ish' and chasing their dreams. “Twenties” is a scripted show about friendship, finding love, and messing everything up along the way.

Rap and R&B royalty holds court with the BET premiere of “LADIES NIGHT,” starring Salt-N-Pepa (SNP), DJ Spinderella and SWV. With a legacy spanning over three decades, Salt-N-Pepa has landed their biggest career accomplishment to-date, a Las Vegas residency. While simultaneously preparing for their opportunity of a lifetime, the trio has made the ambitious decision to launch the “Ladies Night” national tour in collaboration with SWV. The stakes are high and reputations are on the line as everyone scrambles to meet expectations and deadlines. We follow along as individual personalities, group egos, personal conflicts and professional obligations all take center stage to discover whether or not the ladies can push it to greatness together.

Today BET Networks announced second season pick-ups for both its half-hour subversive, smart, serialized comedy series 'BOOMERANG,' and the critically-acclaimed period drama based on the untold rise of the iconic music and dance program 'Soul Train,' 'AMERICAN SOUL.' BET is investing in partnerships with leading Black content creators with unique creative voices to bring viewers elevated storytelling and premium programming.