OWN Adds Four New Originals to 2013 Lineup

LOS ANGELES: This year OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is slated to debut the new original series Blackboard Wars, Golden Sisters, Raising Whitley (working title) and Dogfellas (working title).

Discovery Studios’ Blackboard Wars, which follows the transformation of an under-performing New Orleans high school, is set to premiere in March. Golden Sisters, from LMNO Productions, is a real-life comedy about a trio of elderly sisters. Produced by Pilgrim Studios, Raising Whitley is a humorous docuseries that watches as actress and comedienne Kim Whitley attempts to take care of a baby. NERD TV’s Dogfellas centers on a dog grooming parlor run by a former mobster.

The network will also begin airing Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots and Love Thy Neighbor, a one-hour drama and 30-minute comedy, respectively. Both shows are set to premiere on May 29. Returning original series slated for broadcast this year include Oprah’s Master Class, Oprah: Where Are They Now?, Oprah’s Next Chapter and Iyanla: Fix My Life.

OWN has also announced that it ended 2012 with double-digit year-over-year ratings gains across all key demos in prime time and total day.

"2012 has been a great year for OWN," said Erik Logan, the network’s co-president. "We’ve established a foundation of original programming, have seen solid ratings growth, and we are optimistic about our new slate of shows for 2013."

"All of these new programs reflect the best of the human spirit. From the funny to the dramatic, we are always shooting for to-the-bone real," added Sheri Salata, co-president of OWN. "Whether it’s Oprah’s in-depth conversations with celebrities and newsmakers, or our new scripted programming from Tyler Perry, the people and characters in these shows share experiences and life stories in relatable and authentic ways."