BET Networks Announces New Programming At Annual Upfront Presentation

BET Networks Announces New Programming At Annual Upfront Presentation

NEW YORK, April 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks announced the following programming at its annual Upfront presentation:

NEW PROGRAMMING ON BET:


-- BEING MARY JANE - From the producers of the award-winning, record
breaking BET comedy THE GAME, GIRLFRIENDS and box-office hits JUMPING
THE BROOM and SPARKLE comes an original series starring the gorgeous and
talented Gabrielle Union. The series is a follow up to the release of
the BEING MARY JANE movie of the week slated to launch on BET this
summer. This is a story to which millions of modern women will both
relate and respond. Mary Jane Paul is a one-woman-show: a successful TV
news anchor, and an entirely self-sufficient powerhouse who remains
devoted to a family that doesn't share her motivation. Intense drama and
unforgettable moments unfold as Mary Jane juggles her life, her
relationships, her work, and commitments to her family. Starring:
Gabrielle Union, Omari Hardwick, Lisa Vidal, Richard Roundtree, Richard
Brooks and Margaret Avery. Executive Producers: Mara Brock Akil (also
Creator) and Salim Akil. Follow us on Twitter: @BeingMaryJane; like us
on Facebook: Facebook.com/BeingMaryJane. PREMIERE: 1Q/14
-- BURNS BBQ - Being a small business doesn't mean thinking small. This new
unscripted reality series takes viewers into the daily operation of a
long-standing family barbecue business changing hands from one
generation to the next. But do the young self-involved entrepreneurs
have what it takes to carry the torch and the family legacy? Production
Co: A. Smith and Co. Productions. Follow us on Twitter: @BurnsBBQBET;
like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BurnsBBQBET. PREMIERE: 2Q/14
-- COMIC VIEW - Some of our biggest names in comedy got their big break on
the COMIC VIEW stage. The beloved original comedy series is back,
reimagined for a new season on BET. Showcasing the best and brightest in
stand-up, COMIC VIEW takes funny to a new level in 2014. Executive
Producer: James Dubose. Follow us on Twitter: @BETComicView; like us on
Facebook: Facebook.com/BETComicView. PREMIERE: 4Q/13
-- T.D. JAKES PRESENTS: MIND, BODY & SOUL - BET brings better talk with
spiritual leader, educator and humanitarian Bishop T.D. Jakes as host of
a brand new talk show. Covering a wide range of topics including health
and wellness, finance and relationships, Bishop Jakes unearths deeper
conversations and insight on the topics that matter count on Bishop T.D.
Jakes to take talk to another level every Sunday. Executive Producer:
Marilyn H. Gill. Follow us on Twitter: @BETGospel; like us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/BETGospel. PREMIERE: 4Q/13
RETURNING HITS ON BET:


-- 106 & PARK- 106 & PARK is the #1 video countdown show anywhere on
television. Now in its 13th year, our flagship program has been remixed
and is bigger and bolder than ever. With four charismatic new hosts, a
state of the art set surrounded by digital walls, and a brand new look,
the new 106 & PARK is the ultimate destination for the A-list of music,
film, television, style, and sports. 106 & PARK rules the social media
space, engaging millions of audience members beyond TV via the
award-winning 106 & PARK mobile app. Every weeknight, the show
celebrates and reflects real youth culture as the home of the "livest
audience," delivering what's hot and what's next in pop culture. Hosted
by energetic and dynamic young talents Bow Wow, Paigion, Shorty and Miss
Mykie. http://bet.com/106andPark Follow us on Twitter & Instagram:
@106andPark; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BET106andPark. PREMIERE:
4Q/13
-- APOLLO LIVE - America's original amateur competition show got the
ultimate makeover in 2012: a new host--the hilarious Tony Rock, the
addition of three respected music experts, and a world premiere on BET.
The classic variety show at Harlem's iconic Apollo Theater delivers the
original interactive talent showcase, evaluated by Michael Bivins, Doug
E. Fresh and Gladys Knight. Apollo Live also boasts a bevy of special
guest appearances and performances--and of course, stars the electric
and wildly opinionated Apollo Theater live audience.
http://bet.com/ApolloLive Follow us on Twitter: @ApolloLiveTV; like us
on Facebook: Facebook.com/ApolloLive. Executive Producers: Jamie Foxx,
Marcus King, Don Weiner and Jonelle Procope PREMIERE: 4Q/13
-- 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. http://bet.com/bobbyjonesgospel Follow
us on Twitter: @BETGospel; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BETGospel.
PREMIERE: 4Q/13
-- LET'S STAY TOGETHER - In 2011 the premiere of LET'S STAY TOGETHER
debuted at #2 right behind THE GAME, making it a certified smash hit.
This fun, flirtatious comedy about two couples and one sexy single is
back for a fourth season of laughs and love lessons. Audiences adore and
relate to this cast. Averaging nearly 3 million viewers in its first
season, the series debut ranks among the top 3 Tuesday sitcom premieres
over the past 10 years. Making relationships work is easier said than
done, but Season 4 is sure to be filled with juicy new plot twists that
will continue to keep LET'S STAY TOGETHER on viewers' must-watch list.
http://bet.com/LST Follow us on Twitter: @LetsStay2gether; like us on
Facebook: Facebook.com/LetsStayTogether. Executive Producers: Jacque
Edmonds Cofer (also Creator), Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere.
PREMIERE: 1Q/14
-- REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD - The fakest reality show ever is a real-life
runaway smash. Taking the #1 spot on the Entertainment Weekly must-see
list and acclaimed by both the Los Angeles and New York Times, REAL
HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD is the #1 sitcom on Cable Television among all
adults 18-49. Led by comic genius Kevin Hart with an all-star cast
(Boris Kodjoe, Nick Cannon, JB Smoove, and Duane Martin), Season 2 will
provide more appointment television full of new rivalries, special
guests and laugh-out-loud cliffhangers. http://bet.com/RHOH Follow us on
Twitter: @BETRealHusbands; like us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/BETRealHusbands. PREMIERE: 4Q/13
-- SUNDAY BEST - The NAACP Image Award-winning gospel competition show is
poised for another smash hit season. Proving to be a franchise player,
this top-rated cable music competition series always uplifts and
inspires in its mission to identify the next great gospel star. Hosted
by Kirk Franklin with celebrity judges Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin
and CeCe Winans, aspiring gospel singers compete for America's vote--and
a major recording contract. SUNDAY BEST puts emerging talent on the path
to greatness. Season 4 winner Le'Andria Johnson won the 2012 Best Gospel
Performance GRAMMY®. http://bet.com/SundayBest Executive Producer:
Marilyn H. Gill Follow us on Twitter: @BETSundayBest; like us on
Facebook: Facebook.com/BETSundayBest. PREMIERE: 3Q/14
-- THE GAME - THE GAME on BET is a record-breaking, history-making
phenomenon, with 7.7 million viewers on premiere night in 2011, making
BET the home of the #1 sitcom debut in the history of cable TV. In 2013,
players come and go but THE GAME goes on, with Lauren London and Jay
Ellis joining the cast. Brandy returns in her expanded role as
Chardonnay, aka Mrs. Jason Pitts along with series favorites Hosea
Chanchez, Coby Bell and Wendy Raquel Robinson. Season 7 promises to
deliver more sexy dramedy as the cast negotiates the ups and downs of
love and football. Executive Producers: Mara Brock Aki (also Creator),
Salim Akil, Kenny Smith and Erica Montolfo-Bura http://bet.com/TheGame
Follow us on Twitter: @TheGameBET; like us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/TheGameBET. PREMIERE: 1Q/14
-- THE SHEARDS - It takes faith and family to find your voice. The first
season of this unscripted reality series brought viewers into a world
characterized by equal parts praise and pressure for Kierra and J. Drew,
the children of gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard and Bishop Drew Sheard.
This season, as they pursue dreams of success beyond what their parents
envision for them, the siblings lean on their spiritual foundation--and
one another--more than ever. Production Company: Entertainment One
http://bet.com/TheSheards Follow us on Twitter: @BETGospel; like us on
Facebook: Facebook.com/BETGospel. PREMIERE: 3Q/14
RETURNING MEGA-SPECIALS ON BET:


-- BET AWARDS - The BET AWARDS franchise is the #1 Program in Cable
Television History among the Black audience, and is still a top 10
awards show on television (Broadcast & Cable) among total viewers. It
continues to hold the leadership position because it gathers the biggest
stars in music, sports, Hollywood, and philanthropy all on one stage for
one incredible night. Now in its 14(th) year and better than ever, The
BET AWARDS delivers electrifying performances, moving tributes and the
most unforgettable moments on TV. http://bet.com/betawards Follow us on
Twitter: @BETAwards; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/TheBETAwards.
PREMIERE: 2Q/14
-- BET HIP HOP AWARDS - The BET HIP HOP AWARDS returns for its eighth smash
year to highlight who did it better in hip hop music, with bold
performances and breakthrough freestyle cyphers that set social media on
fire. This is the one show where the hottest rap stars of today share
the stage with the hip-hop icons of tomorrow. This show serves millions
of people who love hip hop culture, which continues to define a
generation and defy convention. http://bet.com/hiphopawards Follow us on
Twitter: @HipHopAwards; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/HipHopAwards.
PREMIERE: 4Q/13
-- BLACK GIRLS ROCK - BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is the tribute show that became a
movement. This NAACP Image Award-nominated special is both timely and
timeless, saluting dynamic leaders in entertainment, business,
philanthropy and beyond. Past award winners include Ruby Dee, Susan L.
Taylor, Missy Elliott, Janelle Monae, and Taraji P. Henson. 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 women of color who shape our
world and uplift our girls. http://bet.com/BGR Follow the conversation:
#BlackGirlsRock; PREMIERE: 4Q/13
-- CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL - The biggest night that celebrates gospel music,
America's truly original and internationally loved art form, only
happens on BET. Hosted by Steve Harvey, one of the most popular
personalities in media, the 14(th) annual CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL is a
star-studded gathering of some of the best voices in Gospel and R&B.
Impossible to duplicate, this is the only awards show that literally
moves your spirit. http://bet.com/COG Follow us on Twitter: @BETGospel;
like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BETGospel. PREMIERE: 2Q/14
-- THE BET HONORS - The Washington Post says, "the annual BET HONORS have
just about perfected the ideal mix of glamour, inspiration, humor and
sex appeal." We could not have said it better! The BET HONORS shows the
world "what extraordinary looks like" by saluting luminaries whose lives
and revolutionary work contribute to and elevate our culture. Airing
during Black History Month, The BET HONORS is a shimmering night of
dynamic performances and tributes that cross genres and generations. In
2012, First Lady Michelle Obama presented Dr. Maya Angelou with her
honor. In 2013, Phylicia Rashad conferred the honor upon Halle Berry and
Ledisi sang "Everlasting Love" for Chaka Khan. Now that's extraordinary
viewing for the whole family. http://bet.com/honors Follow us on
Twitter: @BET; like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/BET. PREMIERE: 1Q/14
NEW PROGRAMMING ON CENTRIC:


-- THE FIRST FAMILY - In a humorous twist of art imitating life at 1600
Pennsylvania Avenue, Centric premieres a star-studded scripted comedy
about a presidential African American family residing in the White
House. Christopher B. Duncan is President William Johnson and Kellita
Smith stars as his wife, First Lady Katherine Johnson. Together, they
run the free world and raise four children. Co-stars Gladys Knight,
Jackee Harry, John Witherspoon, and Marla Gibbs round out their dynamic
extended family. PREMIERE: 2Q/13
-- MR. BOX OFFICE - One of Hollywood's most bankable stars got himself into
trouble with the law, and is ordered to give back by fulfilling an
unlikely sentence: community service as a high school English teacher in
South Central Los Angeles. Bill Bellamy leads an all-star cast in this
scripted comedy that looks at the human side of stardom. Also stars
Vivica A. Fox, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Gary Busey, and Jon Lovitz.
PREMIERE: 2Q/13
RETURNING HITS ON CENTRIC:


-- AS WRITTEN - Through candid interviews featuring intimate stories about
what drove the creative process for current album releases, AS WRITTEN
unlocks the door to the creative process and exposes the inspiration
behind the work of some of your favorite R&B and soul artists. PREMIERE:
4Q/13
-- BEING - The new season of BEING takes viewers into the lives of some of
the music industry's most legendary artists, including Chaka Khan and
Stevie Wonder. Their struggles and triumphs have helped to shape the
careers of so many; without them, the music scene would be vastly
different. This docu-series shares firsthand accounts from the artists
and those who recall what it was like for these entertainers as they
ascended to stardom and how they've managed to stay on top. PREMIERE:
1Q/14
-- CENTRIC CERTIFIED - CENTRIC CERTIFIED is Centric's emerging artist
campaign designed to expose Centric's audience to the next generation of
R&B/Soul stars. CENTRIC CERTIFIED will highlight the best in new music
with promos that bring the viewer into the world of the artist. CENTRIC
CERTIFIED artists also receive prominent placement on CentricTV.com with
photo galleries, live-streamed music, and unique video content. CENTRIC
CERTIFIED will highlight the best in new music. PREMIERE: 4Q/13
-- CENTRIC COMEDY ALL-STARS - Featuring some of today's hottest comedians,
CENTRIC COMEDY ALL-STARS will be one of the hottest tickets in Vegas
during "Centric Soul Weekend." This two hour special promises to deliver
some side splitting, family friendly humor and keep viewers on the edge
of their seats. PREMIERE: 1Q/14
-- CULTURE LIST - Busy adults need an easy way to get the scoop on what's
cool and happening right now. CULTURE LIST delivers the latest for our
discerning, well-heeled audience. Our returning music-based lifestyle
series covers the worlds of film, fashion, beauty, fitness and
entertainment with lifestyle segments each week. From books and movies
to celebrity news and music, it's all here on CULTURE LIST--complete
with viewer calls to action for social and digital extensions. PREMIERE:
1Q/14
RETURNING MEGA-SPECIALS ON CENTRIC:


-- SOUL TRAIN AWARDS - The Hippest Trip In America keeps grooving forward.
The iconic brand that defined a generation returns for 2014 with its
signature awards show. Featuring never before-seen musical
collaborations and powerful tributes from world-class performers, the
Soul Train Awards brings you the most revered and promising voices in
soul and R&B. And since airing on both our networks is always better,
The Soul Train Awards is simulcast on Centric and BET. PREMIERE: 4Q/13
-- CENTRIC SOUL WEEKEND - "Centric Soul Weekend" will be an amazing on the
ground experience shared by viewers, artists and clients alike, as Las
Vegas comes alive with a celebration and showcase of the best of
African-American culture. PREMIERE: 4Q/13
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

About CENTRIC
Centric is a 24-hour music and entertainment channel that reflects the lifestyle and sophistication of today's African-American and multicultural adult viewer. With a finger on the pulse of an ever-changing beat, its compelling music content fuses Soul, R&B, Neo-Soul, Hip Hop, Reggae, Gospel, Jazz, Old School, New School and everything in between with today's hottest artists. It is a unique mix of music, culture and lifestyle programming that embodies the lives, tastes and aspirations of the CENTRIC viewer: All you. All day. All night.

Follow us on Twitter: @BET_PR

SOURCE BET Networks

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BET Networks

CONTACT: Sheikina A. Liverpool, BET Networks, +1-212-205-3073, sheikina.liverpool@bet.net

Web Site: http://www.bet.com


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