During its annual Upfront presentation to the advertising community, BET Networks, the leading provider of content to black consumers globally, will reveal its new programming content including scripted programs and original movies for both BET and CENTRIC as well as new web series for BET.com. During the presentation, BET will announce new late night series DON’T SLEEP!, new scripted series SECOND GENERATION WAYANS, HOUSE HUSBANDS, and new reality series THE MATHIS PROJECT. BET is also launching a new film offering, BET PREMIERE CINEMA, which will give its viewers a first look at never-before-seen films on TV such THE MINDLESS BEHAVIOR PROJECT and critically acclaimed Sundance hits MIDDLE OF NOWHERE and LUV, after their theatrical run, as well as BET original films BEING MARY JANE and GUN HILL.
The Network also plans to announce the new BET AWARDS EXPERIENCE that includes an interactive multi-platform Hollywood takeover of the L.A. Live Complex during BET AWARDS Week in 2013. CENTRIC will unveil its plans to expand SOUL TRAIN AWARDS into a three-day experience including a Comedy Showcase and Concert as well as launch a new talent competition series APOLLO LIVE. BET will reinforce its position as the #1 provider of content for consumers of black culture globally with unprecedented reach to all types of African American consumers across all demographics and genres.
Coming off of its best year ever, BET continues to rank among the top 20 cable networks among all adults 18-49, outperforming its cable industry peers for four consecutive years. According to the Nielsen Company, BET continues to be the number one ad-supported cable network among blacks 18-49 for 12 consecutive years. CENTRIC also continues to make strides and is now one of the top 10 growth networks on cable television.
“We’ve had an incredible year and in 2012 will continue our reign as the #1 media brand among African Americans and a top cable network among all viewers,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks. “We have a diverse roster of new programming that respects our audience and reflects their lives.”
“We continue to be the #1 network targeting and reaching African Americans because we understand the incredible power of our audience,” said Louis Carr, President of Advertising Sales at BET Networks. “Our precise understanding of the African American consumer allows us to program with the needs and wants of Black America and to provide unique partnership opportunities across every platform and channel.”
At the Upfront, BET will also unveil the new late night series starring former CNN anchor T. J. Holmes, DON’T SLEEP!, which tackles social issues and current events important to BET’s audience. Additionally, the Network will launch two additional scripted series SECOND GENERATION WAYANS starring Craig Wayans, Damien Dante Wayans and George O. Gore II alongside Tatyana Ali, and the insanely funny sketch comedy HOUSE HUSBANDS starring Kevin Hart, Nelly, Bobby Brown, Anthony Anderson and Nick Cannon as well as THE MATHIS PROJECT is a powerful new crime investigative series featuring Judge Greg Mathis that aims to empower neighborhoods plagued by unsolved homicides.
NEW PROGRAMMING ON BET:
DON’T SLEEP! - Award-winning journalist T. J. Holmes gives viewers a great reason to stay up with his new original late night series DON'T SLEEP!, Holmes delivers smart, biting social commentary on significant issues important to African Americans. Guaranteed to shake up late night, DON'T SLEEP! presents and tackles current headlines that affect our community while also creating awareness about vital stories mainstream media tends to disregard. Airing four nights a week, DON'T SLEEP! is also infused with numerous in-studio and on-location correspondents injecting perspective, humor, and commentary about a wide range of topics. The witty late-night series is keenly focused on keeping Black America engaged, awake and in the know. Follow us on Twitter: @BETDontSleep; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/HFjqzY
HOUSE HUSBANDS – An insanely funny sketch from the 2011 BET Awards (which quickly became a phenomenon) is coming to primetime. HOUSE HUSBANDS will be a semi-scripted, reality-TV satire sure to skewer all things “Housewives”-like. This half-hour comedy is executive produced by and stars Kevin Hart. Prepare for weekly hilarity. Follow us on Twitter: @BETHousHusbands; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/Iq1rkb.
THE MATHIS PROJECT – This powerful new crime investigative series aims to empower neighborhoods plagued by unsolved homicides. JUDGE GREG MATHIS unites local volunteers and law enforcement to gather information that has the potential to solve the case – and get community members to do what, for some, is unthinkable: reveal what they know. Mathis’ investigative skills will bring these cases to a close by exposing the truth that witnesses, anonymous tipsters and “word on the street” sources have kept hidden for years. The crime investigative series stars and is executive produced by Judge Greg Mathis and is produced by ITV Studios America. Follow us on Twitter: @BETMathisPrjct; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/Iq1rkb
SECOND GENERATION WAYANS is a hilarious new scripted comedy based on the lives of the members of the next generation of the Wayans family. However, as it turns out, being a Wayans isn’t all fun and games. Viewers see the good, the funny and the ugly as the young trio emerges from the long shadows of their uncles to carve out their own paths to stardom in Hollywood. Executive produced by Marlon Wayans, Rick Alvarez and Devon Shepard. The series stars Craig Wayans, Damien Dante Wayans and George O. Gore II, who also serve as executive producers, and also features Tatyana Ali. Follow us on Twitter: @BET2ndGenWayans; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/IIbkf5
BET NEW MOVIES FOR “BET PREMIERE CINEMA”:
BEING MARY JANE – From the producers of the award-winning, record breaking BET comedy THE GAME and #1 box-office romantic comedy “Jumping the Broom” comes an original movie starring the gorgeous and talented Gabrielle Union. This is a story to which millions of modern women will both relate and respond. Mary Jane Paul has it all: she’s a successful TV news anchor, entirely self-sufficient – an all-around powerhouse who remains devoted to a family that doesn’t share her motivation. As Mary Jane juggles her life, her work and her commitment to her family, we find out how far she’s willing to go to find the puzzle pieces that she, and society, insist are missing from her life as a single Black female. Starring Gabrielle Union, Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery, Lisa Vidal, Richard Brooks, Omari Hardwick, Tika Sumpter, Raven Goodwin, B.J. Britt, Aaron Spears, Latarsha Rose and Robinne Lee. Follow us on Twitter: @BETBeMaryJane; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/IjdkFa
GUN HILL –From the producers of NEW YORK UNDERCOVER, this high-powered cop drama is about identical twins on opposite sides of life: Trane, a cop, and Bird, a con. On one fateful night, Trane is killed. Bird assumes his identity and begins his own search for redemption. Set in the mean streets of New York, this smart, gritty two-hour movie event features an ensemble cast of characters operating on all sides of the law, where no one is quite what they seem. Executive produced by Reggie Rock Bythewood and Don Kurt. Written and directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood. Starring Larenz Tate, Emayatzy E. Corinealdi, Tawny Cypress, Aisha Hinds, Michael Aronov and Phyllis Yvonne Stickney. Follow us on Twitter: @BETGunHill; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/HDYQk8
LUV– Fresh from being critically acclaimed at Sundance 2012, BET presents the worldwide television premiere (after its theatrical run) of LUV, starring hip hop and Hollywood star Common. The distinguished Danny Glover and Charles S. Dutton and Dennis Haysbert also illuminate this future classic. A world of hope, violence and self-determination comes to life in this dramatic thriller. Woody Watson is a timid, orphaned eleven-year old boy from Baltimore who dreams of a better life. He sees his uncle Vincent — recently released from prison – as the father he never had. But Vincent’s former life and criminal past soon comes back to haunt them both. Coming of age, all too soon, Woody has to decide where he stands and who he wants to be. This film is written and directed by Sheldon Candis and produced by Jason Michael Berman, Joel Newton, Common, Derek Dudley, Datari Turner and Gordon Bijelonic; and co-written by Justin Wilson. Starring Common, Michael Rainey Jr., Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Dennis Haysbert, Lonette McKee and Meagan Good. Follow us on Twitter: @BET_Luv; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/Ije8dl
MIDDLE OF NOWHERE – BET is proud to present the worldwide premiere (after its theatrical run) of the historic Sundance 2012 award-winning film MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. In this elegant and emotional drama, a woman named Ruby changes her life during her husband’s incarceration. It follows Ruby’s journey to maintain both her marriage and her own identity. This hauntingly beautiful story is at once simple and infinitely complicated. Written and directed by Ava DuVernay. Starring Omari Hardwick and Emayatzy E. Corinealdi. Follow us on Twitter: @BETMidofNowhere; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/HFkrYY
THE MINDLESS BEHAVIOR PROJECT – Making its premiere on BET after its theatrical run, this film chronicles the tribulations of blazing-hot boy band Mindless Behavior, following the tour life of four teens struggling to balance their personal lives and burgeoning careers. An homage to the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night,” these young men learn valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty and ultimately their places within the group. Mindless Behavior is a social media phenomenon, with more than 110 million collective hits on YouTube, 1.3 million “likes” on Facebook, 530,000 Twitter followers, and more than a half million subscribers to their official mobile hotline. THE MINDLESS BEHAVIOR PROJECT is a Reuben Cannon Entertainment (RCE) production in conjunction with BET. Produced by Reuben Cannon, Cory Tynan, Vincent Herbert, Walter Millsap, Kenneth Crear, Jason Essex with choreography by Dave Scott. Starring Princeton, Prodigy, Ray Ray and Roc Royal. Follow us on Twitter: @BETMBProject
RETURNING HITS ON BET:
106 & PARK - 106 & PARK is the #1 video countdown show anywhere on television. Now in its 12th year, BET’s flagship program is a destination for the A-list of music, film, television, style and sports, from Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber to Idris Elba and Nicki Minaj. With innovative inclusion of social media and social movements, 106 & PARK engages millions of audience members beyond TV via the 106 & PARK mobile app, winner of the Best App Ever Award 2011 for Best Big Brand App, the talent competition “Wild Out Wednesday” and the infamous newcomer rap battle “Freestyle Friday,” 106 & PARK continues to lead in delivering what’s hot and what’s next in pop culture. Hosted by Terrence and Rosci.
BOBBY JONES GOSPEL - GRAMMY® winner Dr. Bobby Jones, Jr., the "Ambassador of Gospel" and host of the longest continuously running original series on cable television, delivers his ministry and praise on the network's flagship gospel program and the longest-running gospel program on cable. This weekly standout features joyous performances and riveting interviews from gospel music's most talented entertainers, choirs, evangelists, and others.
LET’S STAY TOGETHER – When two independently minded sisters take the step toward marriage, life puts their love to the test. This sophisticated romantic comedy series keeps its sense of humor as it tackles the intricacies of sex, intimacy, and communication. Created and executive produced by Jacque Edmonds Cofer and executive produced by Flavor Unit Entertainment.
REED BETWEEN THE LINES - A new season of this refreshing family comedy series navigating the ups and downs of love, work and family. This contemporary blended Black family uses wit, warmth and humor to keep life’s challenges in perspective, remembering to always make room for love.
SUNDAY BEST - The NAACP Image Award-winning smash hit gospel competition show promises to inspire like never before! BET's search for the world's most faithful voices will deliver the most competitive season yet. Hosted by Kirk Franklin with celebrity judges Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams and Cece Winans, gospel hopefuls compete for a major recording contract and incredible prizes.
THE GAME – New episodes of THE GAME will be produced by and air exclusively on BET. After enjoying record ratings in syndication, THE GAME, created by Mara Brock Akil and executive produced by Kelsey Grammer, Salim Akil and Kenny Smith, will follow the lives of the fictitious San Diego Sabres – and the women who love them.
RETURNING MEGA-SPECIALS ON BET:
A VERY BET CHRISTMAS - This holiday music special is the ideal way to gather the family together and get them in the Christmas spirit. Viewers' favorite R&B and pop recording stars perform Yuletide classics. Santa may even make an appearance!
BET AWARDS - The BET AWARDS is the most watched awards program among African American viewers in cable history, and #1 with African American viewers 18-34 year after year. After an unparalleled 11 years of excitement and surprises, the BET AWARDS will continue to deliver unforgettable moments, tributes, and performances in 2012.
BET HIP HOP AWARDS - The BET HIP HOP AWARDS pays tribute to a culture that changed the world. With style, substance, and swagger like no other, the BET HIP HOP AWARDS 2011 was the #1 hip hop-themed telecast on television for the sixth consecutive year.
BLACK GIRLS ROCK – African American women are leading in the White House and the Fortune 500, dominating professional sports, driving political discourse, and winning Hollywood’s top awards. A celebration is in order. Expect one without equal from BET.
CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL - CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL rings in each new year with awe-inspiring power and anointed, electrifying performances. Always a star-studded gathering of gospel and R&B greats, CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL holds the crown as the highest-rated gospel program anywhere on television for eleven years running.
RIP THE RUNWAY - RIP THE RUNWAY sets the best of Black fashion to music. Electric performances, bold designers and sexy models melt the winter chill. No wonder it's the #1 fashion-themed telecast on television three years running!
THE BET HONORS - The BET HONORS celebrates our best and brightest: entrepreneurs, corporate citizens, educators, public servants and entertainers are lauded with moving musical tributes. Hailed by The Washington Post as an event that "favored achievement with honor over gaudy success," The BET HONORS is the bridge between generations.
