BET will launch a new late-night talk series, starring former CNN anchor
T. J. Holmes, as well as several new scripted series as part of its
2012-13 original programming slate.
The new shows are expected to be discussed during the network's Wednesday night upfront presentation in New York.
The late-night talk series, Don't Sleep!, will tackle social issues and current events important to BET's audience, said network officials. The show is the first late night effort from BET since it cancelledThe Mo'Nique Show in 2011.
On the scripted front, the network will launch a new scripted comedy series Second Generation Wayans, starring Craig Wayans and Damien Dante Wayans as well as George O. Gore II and Tatyana Ali; and comedy House Husbands, based on a 2011 BET Awards comedy sketch, starring Kevin Hart, Nelly, Bobby Brown, Anthony Anderson and Nick Cannon, according to BET officials.
BET will also launch a new crime reality series The Mathis Project, featuring Judge Greg Mathis that aims to empower neighborhoods plagued by unsolved homicides.
BET will also launch a new movie franchise, BET Premiere Cinema, which will feature never-before-seen films on TV such The Mindless Behavior Project as well as original films such as Being Mary Jane, starring Gabrielle Union as a successful single TV News anchor living a challenging and complicated life; and and Gun Hill, a high-powered cop drama is about identical twins on opposite sides of life starring Larenz Tate, the network said.
BET sister network Centric will bring the Apollo Theater in Harlem, N.Y. back to television for a new competition series Apollo Live, hosted by comedian Tony Rock. The network will also expand its Soul Train Awards franchise to include a comedy showcase and a music concert, said network officials.
