Bounce, the popular broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, will premiere its newest original series, “Finding Happy,” on Saturday, September 24, with the first two episodes airing back-to-back starting at 8 pm EDT.
Centering around the Black female experience through the eyes of protagonist Yaz Carter, “Finding Happy” is a dramedy about the unfulfilled life of Yaz, beginning with her unhappy thirty-sixth birthday. The 10-episode debut season features Yaz’s loving-but-complicated family, her stagnant career in the evolving landscape of radio, and a merry-go-round of unrequited love while dating in the love desert of Atlanta. “Finding Happy” reveals over time that true happiness can only be found within.
B. Simone (MTV’s “Wild ‘n Out”) stars as Yaz along with Kim Coles (“Living Single”), Marketta Patrice (“Black Jesus”), Angela Gibbs (“Hacks”), Stevie Baggs (“Ruthless”) and Mike Merrill (“A La Carte”).
Kendra Jo serves as the showrunner, writer, and co-creator of “Finding Happy” along with Yasmine Coleman and Angela Wells. Eric C. Rhone, Cedric The Entertainer, Coleman, Wells, Jo, and Reesha L. Archibald are the show’s executive producers.
“Finding Happy” comes from Eric C. Rhone and Cedric The Entertainer’s A Bird & A Bear Entertainment, which also produces the hit Bounce original series “Johnson.”
SILVER SPRING, MD. -All-new episodes of TV One’s original docu-series, “UNSUNG” and “UNCENSORED” debut Sunday, September 25. “UNSUNG” leads with R&B legend Tony Terry at 9 p.m. ET/8C followed by “UNCENSORED” featuring award-winning actor and entertainer Kadeem Hardison at 10 p.m. ET/9C.
Each episode will be published on TV One’s website TVOne.tv. “UNSUNG,” one of the network’s longest-running and seven-time NAACP Image Award-winning series, highlights the careers and explores the personal lives of some of the most talented and influential Black artists, performers, and musicians in history.
On this season’s premiere episode, singer Tony Terry shares the journey of his early success, experiencing longevity in the entertainment industry and clears the air in his own words.
The season also includes:
“Women Take The Mic” Sunday, October 2
Reggae Revolutions Sunday, October 9
Jean Carn Sunday, October 16
Warryn Campbell Sunday, October 23
Norman Conners Sunday, October 30
Solar Records Sunday, November 6
“UNSUNG” is narrated by actor Gary Anthony Williams and is executive produced by Frank Sinton and Arthur Smith of A. Smith & Co. Productions. Mark Rowland, Kysha Mounia and Jamecia Blount also serve as Executive Producers. For TV One, Austyn Biggers is the SVP of Programming and Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production. Directly following “UNSUNG” is the return of the hit, autobiographical series “UNCENSORED,” which explores the lives of popular celebrities and personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their successes and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. The premiere episode highlights award-winning actor Kadeem Hardison. While best known for his iconic role as Dwayne Wayne in the classic “A Different World,” Kadeem transparently and authentically shares the story of his nearly four-decade career.
This season also includes:
Keshia Knight Pulliam Sunday, October 2
Tyson Beckford Sunday, October 9
Garcelle Beauvais Sunday, October 16
KeKe Wyatt Sunday, October 23
Mario Van Peebles Sunday, October 30
Deon Cole Sunday, November 6
“UNCENSORED” is produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas, Keith Neal, and James Seppelfrick (Executive Producers), Jay Allen and Nikki Byles (Co-Executive Producers), and Rachel Valley (Producer) of Swirl Films. For TV One, Austyn Biggers is the SVP of Programming and Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production.
Eddie Murphy is reteaming with key original Beverly Hills Cop cast members for their long-awaited sequel for Netflix.
Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot have boarded Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley, reuniting with Eddie Murphy in his iconic role of officer Axel Foley. The storyline for Beverly Hills Cop 4, which has started production, remains under wraps.
Mark Molloy was earlier brought on board to direct the sequel, which Will Beall wrote. Jerry Bruckheimer, Chad Oman and Melissa Reid are producing for Jerry Bruckheimer Films, along with Murphy, while Charisse Hewitt-Webster and Ray Angelic will executive produce.
The new project is the result of a one-time licensing deal between Netflix and Paramount. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were on board to direct the long-awaited fourth installment of the series, but Molloy will replace them after the duo left to direct Warner Bros.’ Batgirl.
Murphy’s character of officer Axel Foley first appeared in the 1984 classic as a fish out of water Detroit police officer who goes to Beverly Hills to solve his best friend’s murder. Murphy went on to star in the hit 1987 sequel and the poorly received third film in 1994.
In 2016, Paramount took Beverly Hills Cop 4 off its release schedule. At the time, the studio had Jerry Bruckheimer set to produce the project, which was to bring Murphy back to star as Foley.
Molloy and Angelic are represented by UTA, while Beall is represented by UTA and Entertainment 360.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The home of veteran comedian Arsenio Hall appears to be a hotspot for burglars who visited not once but twice while the Hollywood star was still inside.
According to TMZ, which broke the news, the incident happened on Saturday, Sept. 17, around 11 am, when the “Coming to America” star reportedly heard noises coming from the downstairs of his Los Angeles home. Upon discovery, the 66-year-old noticed someone had broken the glass on his sliding door in an apparent attempt to get inside. It’s unclear if the entertainment legend caught a glimpse of the attempted intruder.
Even more alarming, the Los Angeles Police Department said a similar situation occurred last month when they claimed two suspects broke a window at the back of the home and entered the “Harlem Nights” actor’s house. Like before, the star was home, but luckily the intruder fled before taking anything. Cops responded to the call on both occasions but could not apprehend those involved.
An investigation has since been launched as detectives are examining surveillance footage from Hall’s home and the neighborhood to determine who is behind the break-ins, whether the “Martial Law” star faces any dangers, and if the two events are connected.
The actor has not yet spoken out about the incident. However, the news appeared to upset fans on social media and only further fuel their fears of the Los Angeles area, including one Twitter user who wrote, “LA is f–king trash… F–k LA it’s not safe… If you rich.. just get a house built somewhere else.. cause LA just ain’t worth it.”
Once again, the safety of the Los Angeles area has come under fire as robberies begin to see yet another uptick. Past victims have included the likes of Terrence J, Usher, Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and plenty more.
Police have also cautioned stars not to share their location, fearing they may be targeted for their possessions. Last week, rapper PnB Rock was shot and killed during an attempted robbery at an L.A. chicken and waffles restaurant. Authorities revealed that both the “Selfish” emcee and his girlfriend shared posts of the two of them at the restaurant and may have involuntarily made him a target.
The woman who sued Tiffany Haddish and Aries Spears for allegedly exploiting her and her brother in sexually charged video skits when they were children has dropped her lawsuit.
Jane Doe on Tuesday filed a notice of dismissal with prejudice. According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Doe issued this statement: “My family and I have known Tiffany Haddish for many years — and we now know that she would never harm me or my brother or help anyone else do anything that could harm us. We wish Tiffany the best and are glad that we can all put this behind us.”
Reps for Haddish and Spears have not yet responded to a request for comment.
Doe, representing herself, filed the lawsuit Aug. 30. She alleged that she and her younger brother were duped into participating in the comedians’ skits as kids. The video featuring the brother, who according to the complaint was 7 at the time and was filmed in his underwear, was called “Through a Pedophile’s Eyes.” The clip showed Spears’ character lusting after the boy to the soundtrack of R. Kelly’s “Bump and Grind,” while Haddish is featured as the mom who repeatedly leaves her son alone with Spears.
Earlier this month Haddish posted a statement on social media about the lawsuit. “I know people have a bunch of questions. I get it. I’m right there with you. Unfortunately, because there is an ongoing legal case, there’s very little that I can say right now,” she wrote. “But, clearly, while this sketch was intended to be comedic, it wasn’t funny at all — and I deeply regret having agreed to act in it. I really look forward to being able to share a lot more about this situation as soon as I can.”
Spears, meanwhile, discussed the situation on his podcast. “It’s bothering me not to talk about the skit,” he said. “There’s some very valid things I feel like I have to say, or want to say, but just can’t at this time. And I’m no coward. I’m not running from anything and I’m not guilty of anything.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Fans of the comedy world are torn after news that two of its biggest acts are at odds. Recently, comedian Michael Blackson found out one-sided beefs after working alongside Katt Williams on the set of “Nick Cannon: Presents Wild ‘N Out.” Both comedians have appeared on the show on and off for over 15 years and returned for an upcoming episode.
In a series of tweets Wednesday, Sept. 14, Blackson revealed the two had beef over comments he made on “Drink Champs” last year.
“Life is too short to be beefing especially with people you love. I love every comedian like a brother, sometimes we say things about each other and it comes out the wrong way but we don’t mean no harm,” he tweeted. “Katt Williams is still mad about something I said on Drink Champs last summer.”
“I thought I made a compliment but most of my compliments comes with a little roast because that’s what I do,” wrote the 49-year-old. “Katt took it as insult and I had no idea he was still mad till we met on the taping of WildnOut7 yesterday. Non of the cast including Nick had no idea we were beefing.”
The “Couple’s Retreat” star claims Williams came for his jugular on the improv competition series, while he kept his jokes light and fun.
“We ended up on opposite teams and all his jokes towards me were insults on my career while I tried to keep my jokes towards him on his height and permed hair,” he said. “I tried to keep it fun so people won’t know we had problem with each other, but that midget N—- kept going hard lol smh,” he wrote.
Blackson wants to “squash” the matter and pointed out their history of working together on films, series and comedy tours. He said, “Since you only 4 ft 9 inch tall, Imma be the bigger person and try to squash this. We’ve known each other over 25 yrs. We go back from the Friday movies, then Repos to Meet the blacks not counting the few tours we’ve done together.”
Blackson concluded his rant by sharing that he’d settled the matter with an in-person comedic “Verzuz” battle “or you can just fight my 15 yr old son.”
Williams has yet to respond verbally other than re-sharing Blackson’s initial tweet on his Instagram story on Thursday, Sept. 15th.
After re-watching the interview and a moment of reflection, Blackson seemingly apologized for saying Williams “smoked crack” during the March 2021 interview.
After watching what I said on that interview, Katt had every right to be mad at me, it came out my mouth the wrong way,” he explained. “I’ve never heard or see him smoke crack what I meant to say was I don’t care if ya think he smokes crack he’s the most lovable comedian of our era.”
He continued his sentiments on Instagram, writing, “Today was the first time I watched that interview on ‘Drink Champs’ and after watching it I felt guilty. Me and Katt has been cool from day 1 so I’m sure he didn’t understand why I would say something like that. Since he’s only 4 feet tall I’ll keep this brief and short, my bad homie.”
About 42 minutes into the “Drinks Champs” interview, Blackson explains what it takes to be a “successful” comedian with a massive social media following. He used his “Friday” co-star as an example of a “likable” comedian, but it didn’t come out that way he intended.
“Look at Katt Williams. Katt done fought a 10-year-old kid, smoked crack, just everything,” said Blackson at the time. “Katt is so likable and so lovable.”
Fans in the comments accepted Blackson’s apology, and many are hopeful Williams will too. Most commended him for taking accountability for how his words impact others as a comedian.
“I figured it was the crack remark …”
“Call him and apologize, modasucka.”
That was awesome of you to apologize Michael! That’s why I rock with you! You’re a stand-up guy!”
“Takes a man to suppress his ego and pride and do this. Katt should appreciate this. Salute to you bro. I gain more respect for you.”
“Takes a big man to apologize and admit fault, respect homie (Pun intended) lol #respect.”
Source: Article Originally appeared on Atlanta Black Star
Watch below a very funny sketch titled When You Catch Your Man Cheating by Trey Moe and his muppet Kiesha.
A father (Marlon Wayans) and his teenage daughter (Priah Ferguson) are forced to team up and save their town after an ancient and mischievous spirit causes Halloween decorations to come to life and wreak havoc.
Also starring Kelly Rowland, Rob Riggle, John Michael Higgins, and Lauren Lapkus.
Watch The Curse of Bridge Hollow, only on Netflix October 14th. See the trailer below:
“Saturday Night Live” adds four featured players to the cast for the upcoming 48th season:
· Marcello Hernandez
· Molly Kearney
· Michael Longfellow
· Devon Walker
· The season premiere episode of “SNL” airs Oct. 1 on NBC and streaming live on Peacock. “SNL” will continue with live shows on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15.
· “Saturday Night Live” won the 2022 Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series. “SNL” is the most Emmy nominated show in history and holds 93 Emmy wins (including awards for its specials and short form series).
· “Saturday Night Live” is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.
CAST BIOS
MARCELLO HERNANDEZ
Marcello Hernandez joins the cast of “Saturday Night Live” for his first season.
Hernandez is a comedian, writer and actor of Cuban/Dominican descent. He was selected as a Just for Laughs New Face of Comedy in 2022.
Hernandez is from Miami and his birthday is Aug. 19.
MOLLY KEARNEY
Molly Kearney (they/them) joins the cast of “Saturday Night Live” for their first season.
Kearney was selected for Comedy Central’s “Up Next” showcase in 2019. They can be seen in Amazon’s “A League of Their Own” and Disney+’s “The Mighty Ducks.”
Kearney is from Cleveland and their birthday is May 2.
MICHAEL LONGFELLOW
Michael Longfellow joins the cast of “Saturday Night Live” for his first season.
Longfellow has been featured on Netflix’s “Introducing …” showcase and NBC’s “Bring the Funny.” He was also selected as one of TBS’s “Comics to Watch” for the 2017 New York Comedy Festival.
Longfellow is from Phoenix and his birthday is Jan. 31.
DEVON WALKER
Devon Walker joins the cast of “Saturday Night Live” for his first season.
Walker was selected for Comedy Central’s “Up Next” showcase in 2017. He has written for Freeform’s “Everything’s Trash” and Netflix’s “Big Mouth.”
Walker is from Austin, Texas, and his birthday is Feb. 13.
New York, NY – September 15, 2022 – BET reveals its star-studded Fall slate of new original series, returning hits, dynamic mega-specials, original movies, social impact efforts, and more! BET will debut a new dating show “After Happily Ever After” hosted by Mr. 106 & Park, Bow Wow, and will celebrate the 100th episode of the #1 hit scripted series “Tyler Perry’s Sistas.” The hit drama reigns as the #1 scripted series on cable with Black viewers for 3 seasons straight.*
On September 16, BET will recognize National Black Voter Day, and will kick-off its #ReclaimYourVote social impact campaign in partnership with key national organizations, to educate, register and encourage the Black community to get out and go vote. The network keeps the celebration going with its star-studded tentpoles “BET Hip Hop Awards” and “Soul Train Awards” in October and November respectively, from music specials to sitcoms to movies, and more this Fall, BET is where Black culture lives.
See the full 2022 Fall programming below (in chronological order):
Friday, September 16
BET will kick off the 2022 #ReclaimYourVote midterm election initiative with its third annual National Black Voter Day campaign on Friday, September 16. Working in partnership with key civil rights partners including The National Urban League, When We all Vote, Black Futures Lab, Win With Black Women, and ColorComm, National Black Voter Day on BET will highlight voter registration, educate on the civic engagement process and provide resources for voting rights restoration. The 2022 midterm election season comes at a critical time in the nation’s history. BET pioneered its nonpartisan #ReclaimYourVote campaign to encourage full voter participation among Black Americans at every level of government and on all political policy. In keeping with this year’s theme, “Election Season Is Our Season”, #ReclaimYourVote aims to mobilize Black voters to make their voices heard and to help make the voting process more accessible. For more information, please visit BET.com/vote.
ON BET:
OCTOBER 2022
Tuesday, October 4
“BET Hip Hop Awards” 2022 at 9 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her
Hosted by Grammy(R)-nominated recording artist, actor, entrepreneur, and media personality Fat Joe the “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2022 will return to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, September 30, with the broadcast premiere airing Tuesday, October 4, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. The annual celebration will bring together the hottest names in hip hop to pay homage to the year’s best in hip hop culture. The official “BET Hip Hop Awards” 2022 nominations, selected by a voting academy of esteemed music industry insiders. The trailblazing “BET Hip Hop Awards” reigns as one of the top three cable awards shows for Black viewers of 2021 (BET Awards (#1), Soul Train Awards (#2) and BET Hip Hop Awards (#3)* and ranks in the Top 10 for most social cable awards show in the past 12 Months. Performers, and presenters are to be announced at a later date.
Tuesday, October 11:
“Tyler Perry’s The Oval” at 9 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her
The season four of riveting drama “Tyler Perry’s The Oval” jumps right back into the action with an unexpected standoff. Premiering Tuesday, October 11, at 9 PM ET/PT “Tyler Perry’s The Oval,” lifts the veil of what can happen when the leader of the free world, his wife and family are crazed maniacs. The series also highlights the personal, everyday lives of the staff who run the inner workings of the nation’s most iconic residence. Ed Quinn, Kron Moore, Javon Johnson, Ptosha Storey, Vaughn Hebron, Teesha Renee, Daniel Croix Henderson, Lodric D. Collins, Ciera Payton, Walter Fauntleroy, Taja V. Simpson, Brad Benedict, Travis Cure, Matthew Law, Bill Barrett, Derek A. Dixon, Nick Barrotta, Nelson Estevez, Kaye Singleton, and Russell Thomas star in the one-hour drama. “Tyler Perry’s The Oval” is executive produced, directed, and written by Tyler Perry. In episode #401,” The Package,” Victoria receives disturbing news from the White House doctor concerning Jason. Donald learns Grip is not the indestructible man he thought he was. Official hashtag: #TheOvalOnBET
Wednesday, October 12:
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her
The midseason premiere of “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” premieres Tuesday, October 12, at 8 PM ET/PT. The hilarious smash hit comedy features retired fire chief Curtis Payne and his lovely wife Ella. Together the loving couple navigates the problems of life with their quirky modern-day family. Starring LaVan Davis as “Curtis Payne,” Cassi Davis Patton as “Ella Payne,” Allen Payne as “C.J. Payne,” Lance Gross as “Calvin Payne,” Larramie “Doc” Shaw as “Malik Payne,” and Keshia Knight Pulliam as “Miranda Payne.” Ahmarie Holmes as “Lisa” and Quin Walters as “Laura” join as recurring characters. In episode #911 “Payneful Plan,” after noticing he has been taking Ella for granted, Curtis is determined to show her she is still the love of his life. With their 40th wedding anniversary approaching he recruits Calvin and CJ to make his perfect plan come to life. But as the night soon turns disastrous Curtis fears he has lost Ella for good. Meanwhile Calvin and Laura ‘s relationship hit a speed bump. Official hashtag: #HouseOfPayne
“Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living” at 8:30 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her
The midseason premiere of “Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living” premieres Tuesday, October 12, at 8:30 PM ET/PT- In Tyler Perry’s comedy series “Assisted Living,” Mr. Brown, Cora, and the gang open their assisted living facility and a hilarious variety of personalities come to live in the home, bringing with them a ton of laughs and experiences. David Mann as ‘Mr. Brown,’ Tamela Mann as ‘Cora,’ J. Anthony Brown as ‘Vinny,’ Na’im Lynn as ‘Jeremy,’ Courtney Nichole as ‘Leah,’ Alex Henderson as ‘Philip,’ and Tayler Buck as ‘Sandra.’ In episode #311 “Don’t Chi Away,” with the facility not proving very profitable and Sandra about preparing to go off to college, Jeremy is re-assessing the family’s financial future. It’s not looking very promising. But as timing would have it, he receives a call from his old boss offering him his old job in Chicago, with a generous raise. When he finally announces it to the crew, they begin doing everything they can to stop the move from happening. Official hashtag: #AssistedLivingBET
“Tyler Perry’s Sistas” airs at 9 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her
Season five of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” finds each character jumping back into the world of dating. Each of the ladies fights their personal battles while attempting to still be there for one another. Premiering Wednesday, October 12, at 9 PM ET/PT this season will usher in the series 100th episode, which is set to air at a later date. The one-hour drama follows a group of dynamic single Black women as they navigate their complicated relationships, careers and friendship through the ups and downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals. Tyler Perry takes viewers on an exhilarating ride of emotions and jaw-dropping gut-busting predicaments that will test the ladies’ long-standing friendship. This thirtysomething band of women, intertwined with their newfound relationships, must navigate today’s dating scene as they continue to search for love. The talented ensemble cast of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” includes KJ Smith, Mignon, Ebony Obsidian, Novi Brown, Crystal Renee’ Hayslett, DeVale Ellis, Chido Nwokocha, Anthony Dalton II, Brian Jordan Jr., Kevin A. Walton, and Trinity Whiteside. In episode #501, “Pain and Suffering,” Andi confronts Gary about his intention to lawyer up against her. Karen’s health is at risk as she comes to terms with her depth of love for Zac. Official hashtag: #SistasOnBET
Wednesday, October 19:
“After Happily Ever After” at 10 P ET/PT on BET & BET Her
Hosted by Mr. 106 & Park himself, Bow Wow, and filmed in Kentucky, this one-of-a-kind dating series will asks the question: can your ex help you find true love? Featuring people in long-term relationships that ended in divorce or separation, their exes will play matchmaker for their former partners in hopes of helping them let go, move on, and find love once again. Official hashtag: #AHEAonBET
November 2022
“Soul Train Awards” on BET & BET Her
The annual celebration inspired by an iconic American television brand returns to Las Vegas to recognize the best in Soul, R&B and Hip Hop from both established industry legends and the next generation of promising artists. Official hashtag: #SoulTrainAwards
On BET Her
October 2022
Saturday, October 8
“The Waiting Room” starting at 10 PM ET/PT on BET Her
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the fourth season of “The Waiting Room” features two new short films about Black women battling breast cancer and following them on their journey from diagnosis and coping to healing.
Ep #401 – “Oh Baby Baby!” premieres October 8 at 10 PM ET/PT on BET Her- Directed by Tichina Arnold and co-written by Maggy Francois and Maimah Karmo, “Oh Baby Baby!” focuses on a high fashion entrepreneur trying to conceive a child when she is blindsided by developing breast cancer from IVF estrogen treatment.
Ep #402 – “The Pink Fight” premieres October 8 at 10:30 PM ET/PT on BET Her- “The Pink Fight,” directed by LisaRaye McCoy and written by K. Senay, revolves around a boxer who is diagnosed with breast cancer. The film follows her battle as she and her wife fight for survival both in and out of the ring.
ON BET+:
For more information on upcoming BET+ Series and Films, please visit https://www.bet.com/topic/bet-plus