BET Networks Presents New Programming Schedule

NEW YORK: BET Networks has unveiled the upcoming programming lineup for its two channels, BET and the music-focused Centric.

BET’s new content includes The Start Up, a scripted series starring hip-hop performer Diggy Simmons as the founder of a lifestyle blog; Gone Gospel, where musical artists look to rebuild their careers; and Got Game, which features singles dressing up in costumes and movie make-up before wooing a new prospect.

The network will also feature new movies and specials such as the six-part The Book of Negroes, BET’s first miniseries; Let the Church Say Amen, an adaptation of ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s best seller; and the Christmas-themed The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Returning series include a second season of Being Mary Jane, a third season of Real Husbands of Hollywood, an eighth season of The Game and an additional run of the video-countdown show 106 & Park, now on its 14th year. The channel’s schedule will also have a place for returning mega specials such as the BET Awards, the BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock! and the BET Honors.

Meanwhile, Centric is making way for a fourth season of the comedy Single Ladies and the debut of Arise Entertainment 360, along with the return of the documentary series Being and the relationship-focused According to Him & Her. Its own returning mega specials are the Soul Train Awards and Centric Comedy All-Stars.

“Our new shows and feature films, combined with our returning hits like Real Husbands of Hollywood and Being Mary Jane, make BET’s original slate stronger than ever,” said Debra L. Lee, the chairman and CEO of BET Networks. “We’re excited about our entire schedule, especially our original programming, our strong talk-show acquisitions and our exclusive co-production deal with Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Entertainment to produce new content for Centric.”

Louis Carr, the president of broadcast and advertising media sales at BET Networks, added: “The leading brands not only count the people they reach, they reach the people that count. The most innovative advertisers are connected to crucial brand builders, product advisors and social media buzz makers. That audience is our audience. To win with a Total Market approach, a brand must be in an environment that is relevant to audiences that drive attitudes, behaviors and lifestyles to influence what’s hot, what’s next and what matters. BET is where your total market begins.”