BET Networks Says YES to Comedy Superstars and Music Legends with Original New Scripted, Late Night and Mini-Series
BET Networks Reigns as the #1
BET Networks Prevails as a Top 20 Ad-Supported Cable Network among Coveted P18-49 Demo
With over 15 Billion Annual Social Impressions, BET Networks Boasts the #1 Most Socially Engaged Audience in Television in Its Competitive Set
BET Networks Teams with Twitter in First-Ever "Black Twitter" Impact Study
Companion Network, CENTRIC, is Refreshed to "BET Her" as the Premiere Destination for African American Women
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170427006918/en/
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson - Photo Courtesy of G Unit
BET Networks' influence is ubiquitous, persisting as the #1
In addition to viewers, the New York Times hailed BET's signature tentpole events as "the award shows that get it right." Touted as "outstanding," BET's unrivaled awards shows define authenticity and excellence, claiming six of the top ten Cable Award Shows in CY 2016 among AA P18-49.***
"Over the last 37 years,
BET SAYS YES TO BLACK IN JOINT TWITTER STUDY OF "BLACK TWITTER":
As BET's breakout biopic, "The New Edition Story," soared to 29MM total
viewers on television, it also lit social media on fire as "Black
Twitter" drove global trending topics all three nights. Now,
The analysis includes a set of top Twitter hashtags, consisting of
over 10MM Tweets and over 20MM Retweets since 2014. Early data continues
to support a strong correlation between Tweeting and watching live TV at
home via traditional delivery methods. People on Twitter see TV as a
social opportunity and source of information for what's happening, best
enjoyed live and viewed with others on Twitter. Twitter and BET will
release findings in a joint session in June. As one of few brands that
organically speaks to this phenomenon,
From unparalleled premium original programming to best-in-class tentpole specials, BET Networks is delivering more powerful content and influence in 2017-18 across more platforms than ever before. BET Networks highlighted the following programming at its annual Upfront presentation:
BET SAYS YES TO EDGY NEW COMEDY AND LATE NIGHT PROGRAMMING:
-
DIVORCE SAVED MY MARRIAGE - From Executive Producer
Kevin Hart comes "DIVORCE SAVED MY MARRIAGE," a new 30-minute scripted dramedy, based on the stand up ofDavid A. Arnold , that turns relationships and marriage inside out. When a couple realizes that divorce is the only thing they can agree on, their attorney recommends a financial plan instead of a court date - forcing them to work together so they can finally afford to be apart. "DIVORCE SAVED MY MARRIAGE" is executive produced and created byDevon K. Shepard andDavid A. Arnold , withKevin Hart andDave Becky serving as Executive Producers.
FORMAT: 30-minute Scripted Comedy
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 10
-
THE RUNDOWN WITH
ROBIN THEDE -BET joins forces with Executive ProducerChris Rock to bring theAfrican American female voice to late night news satire: "THE RUNDOWN WITHROBIN THEDE ." Comedian and former head writer and contributor for "The Nightly Show,"Robin Thede , gives her hilariously unique take on the week's headlines in politics and pop culture in a fast-paced, no-holds-barred late night show featuring biting social commentary, sharp sketch comedy and in-your-face pop culture parody. From the team behind "Full Frontal withSamantha Bee ," "THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE" is produced by JAX MEDIA withChris Rock andRobin Thede serving as Executive Producers.Tony Hernandez ,Lilly Burns ,John Skidmore andGenevieve Anniello also executive produce.
FORMAT: 30-minute LateNight Comedy
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 24
-
BET's MANCAVE - Executive Producer
Steve Harvey andBET are opening the door to "BET's MANCAVE" - a no-holds-barred conversation among five men brave enough to be honest and vulnerable, as they laugh it up and get serious about hot-button topics. Hosted by award-winning journalistJeff Johnson - and featuring actors, athletes, and comedians, among others - this topical weekly event series brings togetherAfrican American men with wildly diverse opinions to dissect current hot topics in entertainment, politics, news and beyond. Through humor, genuine emotion and heated debate, the panel will discuss their own opinions and experiences, while revealing what it's really like to navigate the world as anAfrican American man. With unfiltered honesty, "BET's MANCAVE" is the ultimate ‘bro-out' session that reflects how complex men's thoughts actually are. "BET's MANCAVE" is created byJeff Johnson and produced by Truly Original and East 112thStreet Productions . Johnson serves as Executive Producer, alongside Truly Original'sSteven Weinstock ,Glenda Hersh andBryan Hale .Steve Harvey andGerald Washington also serve as Executive Producers for 112thStreet Productions .
FORMAT: 30-minute LateNight Comedy
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 12
-
FACE VALUE - From
Push It Productions and Executive Producer,Wanda Sykes , "FACE VALUE" is a groundbreaking new game show that will finally answer the age-old question, "Can you judge a book by its cover?" The veteran actress, comedienne and LGBT advocate knows what it's like to be prejudged, so this series is flipping the script to award cash and prizes for correctly guessing facts about strangers from all walks of life - based solely on their appearance and a few personal details. Hosted byDeon Cole ("black-ish,"Barbershop), "FACE VALUE" will humorously break down stereotypes, expose prejudices, and celebrate the human spirit by highlighting the commonalities and differences among people of various backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs and life experiences.Push It Productions' Wanda Sykes and Page Hurwitz serve as Executive Producers along withLance Crouther .
FORMAT: 30-minute LateNight Comedy
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 24
-
50 CENTRAL - Award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and
producer, the iconic Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, storms BET's airwaves
to take variety and sketch comedy to the next level with "50 CENTRAL."
BET's first variety comedy showcase will be unlike anything seen from
the genre before. Along with unprecedented sketches, there will be
hidden camera pranks, musical performances, and A-list celebrity
guests to create the ultimate late night party - all handpicked and
hosted by
50 Cent . Few artists have had as much crossover success as Jackson and he showcases his talents as an MC, actor and producer for a fresh take on the variety series. "50 CENTRAL" is produced by G-Unit Film & Television in partnership withBack Roads Entertainment with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson,Stephen J. Savva ,Colby Gaines andRiley Robbins serving as Executive Producers andMichael A. Blum serving as Co-Executive Producer.
FORMAT: 30-minute Late Night Variety
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 24
-
LOVE ROOM - "LOVE ROOM" is a daring social experiment that brings together individuals who have almost given up on finding a relationship and falling in love. Much more than a single date, two sexy, single strangers will meet and live together for a week to see if a relationship blossoms. Having struck out with blind dates and dating apps, the couples will work through challenges that test their resolve and compatibility. This "full immersion" relationship will accelerate the dating process, challenging the couple to reveal their deepest secrets, face their own insecurities, overcome their fears and set aside their baggage to find true love. "LOVE ROOM" is produced by Eastern, producers of the hit "Love & Hip Hop" franchise.Toby Barraud ,Stefan Springman ,Mala Chapple ,Carmen Mitcho andSean David Johnson are Executive Producers for Eastern.
FORMAT: 60-minute Unscripted
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 10
BET SAYS YES TO CULTURAL DOMINATION WITH POWERFUL NEW MINI-SERIES EVENTS:
-
THE BOBBY BROWN STORY - From the team behind BET's smash hit,
"The New Edition Story" - the #1 cable biopic of all time - comes
another epic mini-series event: "THE
BOBBY BROWN STORY ." With a career that spans from founding the R&B super group New Edition to a successful solo run, Bobby Brown's life truly epitomizes the meaning of sex, drugs, and rock & roll. Hailed as the King of R&B,Bobby Brown is undisputedly one of the genre's original "bad boys." His hits may have kept him at the top of the charts, but his antics kept him on the front page. Written byAbdul Williams ("The New Edition Story," Lottery Ticket), "THE BOBBY BROWN STORY" is executive produced byJesse Collins ("The New Edition Story," "Real Husbands of Hollywood") forJCE Films , a division ofJesse Collins Entertainment .
FORMAT: 4-Hour Biopic Mini-series
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 2 Nights, 2-Hours per Night
-
DEATH ROW CHRONICLES - The story of the world's most dangerous
record label could only be told in a definitive 6-part documentary
series: "DEATH ROW CHRONICLES." While Death Row Records boasted the
success of
Snoop Dogg , 2Pac, andDr. Dre forged by unmatched creativity, the chart-topping and record-breaking sales came at a bloody, controversial cost. Part true-crime murder mystery and part hip hop drama, this compelling docu-series will comb through mountains of misinformation, uncovering key evidence and witnesses who will reveal the truth about the bitter rivalries surrounding its legends. The limited series will also celebrate the groundbreaking music ofDeath Row , explain how it reflected society at the time, and how it influenced some of today's biggest hip hop artists. On the eve of the label's 25th anniversary, "DEATH ROW CHRONICLES" offers an unflinching look at the label and its legacy. "DEATH ROW CHRONICLES" is produced by Entertainment One (eOne) andCreature Films .
FORMAT: 60-minute Documentary Series
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 6
BET SAYS YES TO PROVOCATIVE DRAMA WITH RETURNING ORIGINAL SERIES:
-
THE QUAD - As Wednesday's #1 New Cable Series among
African American millennials (AA P18-34), the riveting, true-to-life drama about HBCU culture and relationships is back for another season of passion and controversy. Georgia A&M President Dr.Eva Fletcher continues to navigate her relationships, career and serve the student body. For faculty and students alike, one similarity remains: everyone plans to make a name for themselves on "THE QUAD." Starring multi-talentedAnika Noni Rose , "THE QUAD" is created and executive produced byFelicia Henderson andCharles Holland , and developed byRob Hardy who also serves as Executive Producer.Mitzi Miller serves as Co-Executive Producer.
FORMAT: 60-minute Scripted Drama
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 10
-
THE BREAKS - Shot on the streets of
New York , "THE BREAKS" is a gritty, authentic take on the origins of hip hop through the journey of three young friends exploring the industry in 1990 New York City. "THE BREAKS" is inspired by Dan Charnas' critically acclaimed book The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop, an epic, 40-year narrative of the executives, entrepreneurs, hustlers and handlers who turned rap music into the world's predominant pop culture. Original cast members included: Afton Willamson (HBO's "The Night Of…"), Wood Harris ("The Wire"), Mack Wilds ("The Wire"), Antoine Harris ("Ballers"), David Call ("The Magicians"), Evan Handler ("Sex and the City"), Melonie Diaz ("Fruitvale Station"), Sinqua Walls ("Power"), Ali Ahn ("Billions") andGloria Reuben ("Mr. Robot").
FORMAT: 60-minute Drama
-
HIT THE FLOOR - Just when you thought it was over, sizzling new
episodes of original series, "HIT THE FLOOR", are back to steam up TV
screens for a brand new season on BET Networks. The premier
professional dance squad for the Los Angeles Devils basketball team,
the Devil Girls, returns with more scandal, sex, secrets, intrigue and
jaw-dropping dance routines, that captured audience's hearts. "HIT THE
FLOOR" was created by
James LaRosa .
FORMAT: 60-minute Drama
BET SAYS YES TO INDUSTRY-LEADING MEGA-SPECIALS AND TENTPOLE EVENTS:
-
"LIP SYNC BATTLE" SPECIAL EDITIONS - Multiplatform global pop
culture juggernaut, "LIP SYNC BATTLE" is blowing up with two 1-hour
specials made exclusively for
BET . Featuring the same cast, LL COOL J andChrissy Teigen , but touting the BET brand, each one hour special will be tailored to a tentpole event - "BET HIP HOP AWARDS" and "SOUL TRAIN AWARDS" - which will drive the songs that the celebrities perform. The special editions will be taped in September inLos Angeles . The expansion of "LIP SYNC BATTLE" toBET taps into the overall plan to leverage multiple platforms for Viacom's most successful properties.
FORMAT: Two 1-hour Specials
NUMBER OF EPISODES: 2 Editions - "BET HIP HOP AWARDS," "SOUL TRAIN AWARDS"
-
BET AWARDS - Moving into its eighteenth year, The "BET
AWARDS" franchise is the #1 program in cable television history among
African American viewers, and a top 10 awards show on television among total viewers. This magical night of musical collaborations and jaw-dropping moments consistently delivers high ratings, millions of social media impressions and buzz before, during and after the star-studded live telecast. Last year was a celebration ofPrince and his music featuringBeyoncé ,Kendrick Lamar ,Janelle Monae , and more. Anything can - and always does - happen at BET's signature live awards event.
-
BET EXPERIENCE - Returning for its sixth year, BET Experience
at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® is four-day event showcasing the
best in music, comedy, and entertainment. The immersive experience
continues to grow each year, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors
to the downtown
Los Angeles area. The BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® includes a series of interactive events such as a free Fan Fest, live music, Sprite Celebrity Basketball Game, and Genius Talks with A-list talent; as well as a partnership betweenBET Networks andAEG to bring a star-studded electrifying concert series to the L.A. Live complex.
- BET HIP HOP AWARDS - The "BET HIP HOP AWARDS" returns to highlight the best of the year in hip-hop music, with bold performances and breakthrough freestyle cyphers. This seminal award show singularly celebrates hip-hop and sets social media on fire with the click of a hashtag, placing it among the most social award shows all year. The "BET HIP HOP AWARDS" is the one show where the hottest rap stars of today share the stage with the icons of tomorrow.
-
BLACK GIRLS ROCK! ™ - Featuring emerging and legendary talent,
touching tributes to present-day role models and soulful, surprising
musical performances, "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" ™ celebrates the brilliance
and beauty of Black women. This NAACP Image Award-winning special is
both timely and timeless, saluting dynamic leaders in entertainment,
business, philanthropy, and beyond. Past award winners include film
legend
Cicely Tyson , music and fashion iconRihanna , directorAva DuVernay , educatorNadia Lopez , and veteran actorTaraji P. Henson . Created by executive producerBeverly Bond , "BLACK GIRLS ROCK!" ™ highlights the wide spectrum of talent and contributions of women of color who are shaping our world.
-
SOUL TRAIN AWARDS - The "SOUL TRAIN AWARDS" brings you the most
revered and promising voices in soul and R&B. Simulcast on
BET andBET Her, the "Hippest Trip In America" keeps grooving forward. The iconic brand that defined a generation returns with the award show that delivers world class talent and a long tail of social chatter. Honoring the best in R&B and soul, the "SOUL TRAIN AWARDS" is guaranteed to deliver Love, Peace, and SOUL!
-
SOUL TRAIN WEEKEND - "Soul Train Weekend" returns to
Las Vegas for an immersive live experience, showcasing the best ofAfrican-American culture. This three-day music celebration will celebrate soul and R&B music with special appearances & performances, a celebrity golf tournament, aGrammy Academy panel and more.
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of
BET.com,
a leading
(Source: Live + Same Day | Measurement Period: CY02-CY17 thru Feb by
Year based on NHI Calendar (
(** 'Cable - National' networks measured by Nielsen Social. Rankings are
in order of most Facebook and Twitter interactions and 'Cable -
National' here does not include news and sports. The ranking applied to
(***Nielsen | Live + Same Day | CY16 (
Follow us on Twitter: @BET_PR
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170427006918/en/
giovanna.desselle@bet.net
Source: BET Networks
News Provided by Acquire Media