This month, the original cast of Martin will reunite for a new special on BET’s streaming service BET+. Featuring Martin Lawrence (“Martin”), Tisha Campbell (“Gina”), Tichina Arnold (“Pamela”), and Carl Anthony Payne II (“Cole”), Martin: The Reunion will showcase special musical performances, behind-the-scenes commentary, and surprise guest appearances. The special is hosted by comedian Affion Crockett, and you can get a sneak peek by watching the trailer below.
Martin is one of the most beloved sitcoms in our community, both because it is hugely entertaining and because it played a pivotal role in changing the narrative of Black voices in entertainment and in culture through the portrayal of young, ambitious Black leads and healthy Black relationships,” BET CEO Scott Mills said of the series in a statement when the reunion special was first announced. “Decades later, that representation is still just as important, which is why we’re so excited to honor a series that put Black culture front and center on our platform that embraces Black culture every day.”
Lawrence added, “To be able to sit here thirty years later with this amazing cast that has had such an impact on pop culture is truly a blessing. I am always humbled that the fans still want more of the show and its characters. I am looking forward to the reunion special.”
Martin: The Reunion is executive produced by Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, Rae Proctor, and Stacy Lyles via Run Tel Dat Entertainment. Jesse Collins and Dionne Harmon of Jesse Collins Entertainment also executive produced alongside showrunner Jeannae Rouzan-Clay and director Stan Lathan. Nile Evans and Bentley Kyle Evans wrote the special, and Evans co-executive produced while Brittany Brazil produced.
BET+ has announced its summer slate and it includes the Martin reunion, College Hill’s return and more.
The new slate of shows and films coming to the streaming service run the gamut from laugh-out-loud comedies like The Ms. Pat Show to pulpy soaps, dramas and docuseries like Carl Weber’s The Black Hamptons, The Queen’s Men, and American Gangster: Trap Queens. BET+ is also promoting its upcoming special, Martin: The Reunion. College Hill is also making a return with the new series College Hill: Celebrity Edition.
Here’s what you can expect this summer.
Bruh, season 3
Episodes 301-305 now streaming with new episodes weekly
In season 3 of Tyler Perry’s Bruh, the five friends encounter a host of new challenges as the consequences of past and present decisions manifest while they strive to maintain the brotherly bond between them.
I Love Us–New series
All episodes available at launch
Comedy duo Kym Whitley and Kountry Wayne take audiences on a hilarious trip through the funniest and most outrageous clips on the web. I Love Us flips the script on clip shows by offering a Black perspective and an elevated level of comedy that avoids the obvious. While the clips themselves will be funny, they are only part of the comedy equation.
Outsiders–-New film
A Black high school student finds himself under suspicion after his classmate’s mysterious disappearance. Starring Rutina Wesley, Taryn Manning, Shane West, Skylan Brooks and Clark Backo.
American Gangster: Trap Queens, season 3B
All episodes available at launch
Narrated by rap legend Lil’ Kim, the true-crime series returns with five all-new episodes featuring the stories of Sydia Bagley, Lonett “Cookie” Williams, Pam Driskel, Tracie Dickey, and Demi “Mimi” Harrison; whose crimes range from robbery and drug trafficking to real estate fraud. This season of TRAP QUEENS will continue to offer epic, tragic and significant cautionary tales of women seduced by the allure of the underworld to become ultimate crime bosses. Viewers will witness their rise to a fantasy world of riches built on crime before an inescapable fall when they’re forced to face the severe consequences of their actions. The series portrays each Queen’s compelling story through first-hand accounts interwoven with archival footage and subtle recreations giving viewers a resonant and visceral experience.
Martin: The Reunion–New special
90-minute special
This 90-minute reunion special takes fans back to the iconic Martin living room set and reunites the original cast – Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carly Anthony Payne II – for a once in a lifetime celebration of the show’s five season-long history. Hosted by Affion Crockett, the cast will look back on the show’s most hilarious moments, revisit the iconic characters Martin made famous and pay an emotional tribute to the late, great Tommy Ford. Complete with musical performances and drop-ins by celebrity super fans, MARTIN: THE REUNION brings back the wazzup wazzup wazzup passion fans have been waiting for.
Block Party–New film
The comedy centers on Keke McQueen (Antoinette Robertson), a recent Harvard grad who is eager to ditch her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan for her dream job in Atlanta. But when Keke discovers that her once-super-sharp Grandma Janice (Academy Award® nominee Margaret Avery) is showing early signs of dementia, Keke puts her career at stake in order to save her Grandma’s renowned Juneteenth block party. In the process, Keke falls back in love with her hometown.
Bid for Love–New film
After being injured and doing a bid in prison due to Memphis (Blue Kimble), her former drug trafficking boyfriend, Sasha (Dawn Halfkenny) comes out into the arms of Malik (Adrian Lockett). Malik spoils her with gifts and gets her a job at his real estate office. However, Malik constantly uses his gifts and her past against her to keep her in his grasp. A love-struck Sasha falls head over heels for Malik who slowly attempts to alienate her from her friends and family and secretly plots against her. Her therapist, Dr. Simone (Tami Roman) and unexpected new friends open her eyes to her history of relationships and give her advice on how to deal with them and get her life back.
College Hill: Celebrity Edition–New series
Episodes 101-102 launch on June 27 followed by a new episode every Thursday starting June 30
College Hill is back! In the reimagined new season, celebrities will live together and join the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Texas Southern University as students. Nene Leakes, Ray J, Lamar Odom, Big Freedia, Stacey Dash, DreamDoll, India Love, and Slim Thug head back to class to expand their educational horizons. The eight-episode series will explore college life through a celebrity lens while showcasing the unique cultural and academic experience of HBCUs. Despite their respective fame and notoriety, each cast member is committed to focusing on their higher education as a personal challenge to prove it’s never too late. Enrolled alongside current Texas Southern University students, the cast will work towards completing a specialty certificate program to cross the graduation stage. Though to triumph, like any ordinary college student, they must complete their course work along with required internships, extra credit opportunities, group projects, and more. Who will take the lead on group projects? Who will pull an all-nighter? Who will graduate and who won’t?
The Black Hamptons–New series
All episodes available at launch
A family drama set in the quaint town of Sag Harbor known as The Black Hamptons follows the brewing feud between the Brittons and Johnsons where the difference between old money and new money is very apparent. THE BLACK HAMPTONS not only features the glitz and gloss of the Black elite, but also exposes the secrets of wealth and prestige. With a mix of legacy families, their friends, wannabes and thirsty developers, drama can never be too far behind. Based on a novel by The New York Times best-selling author Carl Weber, THE BLACK HAMPTONS stars Lamman Rucker, Vanessa Bell Calloway and Elise Neal.
All The Queen’s Men, season 2–New Season
All episodes available at launch
The one-hour drama will pick up on the life of “Marilyn ‘Madam’ DeVille,” played by Eva Marcille. In season one, viewers witnessed Madam’s swagger as a fierce businesswoman who rules all in the lucrative male exotic nightclub industry. She is surrounded by a band of trusted employees who are down to make sure that Madam and her empire is successful. As her journey continues in season two, she is hell bent on expanding her Queendom. However, she soon discovers that more money and more power mean more problems. Season two will pick up with her navigating this sexy yet dangerous world in an effort to stay alive and ahead of the game. Fans will also rejoin Madam’s loyal team as the following series regulars return: Skyh Alvester Black as “Amp ‘Addiction’ Anthony,” Candace Maxwell as “DJ Dime,” Racquel Palmer as “Blue,” Michael ‘Bolo’ Bolwaire as “Doc,” Keith Swift Jr. as “Babyface,” Dion Rome as “El Fuego,” and Jeremy ‘Masterpiece’ Williams as “Midnight.” Creator Christian Keyes will also reprise his intriguing role as “The Concierge.” Additionally, recurring cast member Carter the Body returns as “Trouble” solidifying her spot in Club Eden amongst a roster of hot male counterparts.
Ghost in the House of Truth–New film
Bola Ogun (Susan Wokoma) is a dedicated counselor, who facilitates reconciliation sessions between convicts and the victims of their crimes. When her own daughter goes missing, her belief in forgiveness is tested. Directed by Akin Omotoso and starring Susan Wokoma, Tope Tedela, Fabian Adeoye Lojede, and Kemi Lala Akindoju.
Family Business, season 4–New season
All episodes available at launch
Welcome to the world of the Duncan family. They appear to be upstanding citizens running one of New York’s most respected car dealerships, but in reality, they’re leaders of the black mafia who control most of the East Coast underworld. No matter which job is at hand, one thing is true about the Duncans: there is nothing they won’t do for family.
The Ms. Pat Show, season 2–New season
All episodes available at launch
Fresh off an explosive critically acclaimed first season that Decider declared “one of the year’s notable new comedies,” Pat and her loveable family return for a second season this August. The “grown folks sitcom,” complete with unfiltered language, is based on Pat’s incredible real-life story of a teen mom and former convicted felon from inner-city Atlanta turned suburban mom living in Indiana. Season 2 of the series, which has already taken on profound topics including non-binary pronouns, school shootings, drug addiction, racism, and child abuse, finds the Carson family moving from a period of adjusting to a white suburban neighborhood into a season of growth in these new surroundings. This modern, multi-generational African American family navigating life’s twists and turns against the backdrop of current cultural chaos will explore self-love and past traumas. Most importantly, Pat will confront her own demons, with plenty of laughs and even a few tears along the way, as only she can do.
Warner Bros. has dropped the first look images for the upcoming House Party reboot coming to HBO Max.
The reboot stars Tosin Cole, Jacob Latimore, Karen Obilom and DC Young Fly. Calmatic directs the screenplay by Jamal Olori and Stephen Glover.
The project is produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter through The SpringHill Company. Springhill’s Spencer Beighley and Jamal Henderson along with Reginald Hudlin, Warrington Hudlin and Gretel Twombly serve as executive producers.
Check out the photos below;
Ron Batzdorff
Photo: Ron Batzdorff
Photo: Ron Batzdorff
BET+ announced the 30th year anniversary special will take place on the show’s iconic living room set. The reunion is bringing back original cast members Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carl Anthony Payne the second to discuss the show’s five seasons.
Hosted by comedian Affion Crockett, the cast will look back on the show’s most hilarious moments, revisit the iconic characters Martin made famous and pay an emotional tribute to the late, great Tommy Ford. Thomas Mikal Ford passed away in 2016 at the age of 52.
Complete with musical performances and drop-ins by celebrity super fans, MARTIN: THE REUNION brings back the wazzup wazzup wazzup passion fans have been waiting for.
The reunion special is executive produced by Martin Lawrence, Robert Lawrence, Rae Proctor and Stacy Lyles through his company Run Tel Dat Entertainment.
“Martin: The Reunion” is set to debut on June 16 on BET+.
A&E Network will premiere the new two-part documentary event “Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution” exploring the progression of Black comedy and the comedians who have used pointed humor to expose, challenge and ridicule society’s injustices and to articulate the Black experience in America. Executive produced by Kevin Hart’s HARTBEAT and TIME Studios, the documentary explores Black comedy through a unique lens, tracing the evolution and social awakening of the courageous comedians who dared to push against the constraints of their time and spoke truth to power. “Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution” is co-directed by Mario Diaz and Jessica Sherif and premieres Wednesday, June 29 at 9pm ET/PT and Thursday, June 30 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E. “Right to Offend” will also be available on demand and to stream on the A&E app and aetv.com.
The documentary traces the history of Black comedy and its under-appreciated legacy of driving social change across the 20th and 21st centuries. From Redd Foxx, Moms Mabley and Dick Gregory during the civil rights movement, Richard Pryor in the 70s, Eddie Murphy and Whoopi Goldberg in the 80s, to the power of In Living Color and Def Comedy Jam in the 90s, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle in the 2000s and groundbreaking modern-day comedians and creators like Key & Peele, Issa Rae, Amber Ruffin and Tiffany Haddish. Across four hours, “Right to Offend” explores the rare position these artists and many more hold in our society as both entertainers and truth tellers that speak to audiences in ways no other performers can.
Featuring interviews with some of the greatest comedy minds of all time as well as a rich collection of archival material, the two-part event reveals the personal stories and tribulations faced by many Black performers in attaining greater acceptance and opening the doors for a true representation of the Black experience. The documentary also traces how each generation of comedians built upon the foundations created by their predecessors to help evolve and push the boundaries of comedy as a means for social change and fought for a greater definition and understanding of what it means to be Black in America.
Full list of interviewees:
W. Kamau Bell, Comedian
Alonzo Bodden, Comedian
Dr. Todd Boyd, Author and Academic
Wayne Brady, Comedian
Kevin “Dot Com” Brown, Comedian, Co-Founder “Uptown Comedy Club”
Michael Che, Comedian
Louis Chude-Sokei, Author and Academic
Tommy Davidson, Comedian
Michael Eric Dyson, Author and Academic; Author, “Is Bill Cosby Right?”
Wayne Federman, Comedy Historian; Author, “The History of Stand-Up”
Andre Gaines, Filmmaker, “The One and Only Dick Gregory”
Nelson George, Filmmaker and Cultural Critic
Christian Gregory, Dick Gregory’s Son
David Alan Grier, Comedian
Tiffany Haddish, Comedian
Michael Harriot, Journalist and TV Writer; Author, “Black AF History”
Kevin Hart, Comedian, Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur
Steve Harvey, Comedian
Bambi Higgins, Academic, Author, “Laughing Mad”
Lil Rel Howery, Comedian
DL Hughley, Comedian
Norman Lear, Television Producer
Darryl Littleton, Comedian and Writer
Daryl Mooney, Paul Mooney’s Son
Dwayne Mooney, Paul Mooney’s Son
Garrett Morris, Comedian
Mark Anthony Neal, Author and Academic
Kliph Nesteroff, Comedy Historian; Author, “Comedians”
David Peisner, Entertainment Journalist; Author, “Homey Don’t Play That: The Story of In Living Color”
Russell Peters, Comedian
Elizabeth Pryor, Richard Pryor’s Daughter
Rain Pryor, Richard Pryor’s Daughter
Donnell Rawlings, Comedian
Tony Rock, Comedian
Amber Ruffin, Comedian
Allison Samuels, Entertainment Journalist
Scott Saul, Author, “Becoming Richard Pryor”
Amanda Seales, Comedian
Sherri Shepherd, Comedian
Bob Sumner, Co-Creator, “Def Comedy Jam”
Eddie Tafoya, Comedy Historian; Author, “Icons of African American Comedy”
Robin Thede, Comedian; Creator, “A Black Lady Sketch Show”
Kenan Thompson, Comedian
Joe Torry, Comedian
Aisha Tyler, Comedian
Jimmie Walker, Comedian; Cast Member, “Good Times”
George Wallace, Comedian
Marsha Warfield, Comedian; Cast Member, “The Richard Pryor Show”
Katt Williams, Comedian
Tony Woods, Comedian
“Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution” is produced by TIME Studios for A&E Network. Mario Diaz and Jessica Sherif are co-directors and executive producers. Ian Orefice, Loren Hammonds and Alexa Conway serve as executive producers for TIME Studios. Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, Pookey Wigington and Mike Stein serve as executive producers for HARTBEAT. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson serve as executive producers for A&E. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights for “Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution
Academy Award(R) winning actress and comedian Mo’Nique (Precious, Bessie) will join the lineup of strong female characters in the second season of STARZ’s hit drama “BMF” in a recurring role. The upcoming sophomore season will also feature previously announced Leslie Jones (“Our Flag Means Death,” Coming 2 America),La La Anthony (“The Chi,” The Perfect Find), who was recently upped to a series regular, and “BMF” newcomers Kelly Hu (The Scorpion King, X2: X-Men) and Christine Horn (“Snowfall,” “black-ish”). The first season of “BMF,” a story of two brothers who created “Black Mafia Family,” the most prominent drug distribution network in American history, debuted as the #1 premiere on the STARZ app last year and ranked as one of the most highly engaged series premieres ever.
Mo’Nique will star as the character “Goldie,” a sophisticated Atlanta strip club owner with swagger and street smarts. She forms an alliance with the Flenory brothers which will help fuel their migration from Detroit to Atlanta. A fierce protector of her dancers and the people in her world, Goldie isn’t afraid to take care of business, no matter what the cost.
Mo’Nique will join returning cast members Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr., the son of Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, Da’Vinchi (The Way Back, “grown-ish”), Russell Hornsby (Fences, The Hate U Give), Michole Briana White (“Dead to Me,” She Hate Me), Myles Truitt (“Black Lightning,” “The New Edition Story”) and Steve Harris (“The Practice,” Diary of a Mad Black Woman). Snoop Dogg (Dolemite Is My Name, Soul Plane, Training Day), Arkeisha “Kash Doll” Knight, and Serayah (“Empire,” Favorite Son) star in recurring roles.
“BMF” is executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (co-creator of the “Power” Universe, “For Life”), alongside showrunner, executive producer, writer and Detroit native Randy Huggins (“Star,” “Rebel,” “Power”). Heather Zuhlke, Anthony Wilson and Anne Clements also serve as executive producers on the sophomore season. “BMF” is produced through Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television in association with Lionsgate Television for STARZ.
After discovering a once-in-a-lifetime player with a rocky past abroad, a down on his luck basketball scout (Adam Sandler) takes it upon himself to bring the phenom to the States without his team’s approval. Against the odds, they have one final shot to prove they have what it takes to make it in the NBA.
Disney+ has released the trailer, key art, and images for “Rise,” based on the triumphant real-life story about the remarkable family that gave the world the first trio of brothers to become NBA champions in the history of the league – Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Laker Kostas Antetokounmpo, and their younger brother Alex. The film will debut June 24 exclusively on Disney+.
Audiences have never seen a story like that of the Antetokounmpos. After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren’t selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers – Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada) – would play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world class athletes, along with brother, Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa). With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA Draft in 2013 in a long shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family. And last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Rise” stars Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Manish Dayal, Taylor Nichols, introducing Ral Agada and introducing Uche Agada. The film was directed by Akin Omotoso (“Vaya”), written by Arash Amel (“A Private War”) and produced by Bernie Goldmann (“300”). Giannis Antetokounmpo and Douglas S. Jones served as the executive producers.
Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival Wraps LA Run and Announces New Specials Coming Soon
VP, Stand-up and Comedy Formats
We just wrapped the biggest live, in-person event in Netflix history: our first, real-life Squid Game! Just kidding … that’s coming next year. But today, I’m excited to announce that in the weeks ahead, some of the incredible shows we taped at Netflix Is a Joke: The Festival will be available to watch:
· May 19 – The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up, an evening to celebrate some of the greatest stand-ups of all time who are no longer with us. John Mulaney honors Robin Williams, Dave Chappelle honors Richard Pryor, Chelsea Handler honors Joan Rivers and Jon Stewart honors George Carlin.
· June 6 – Bill Burr Presents: Friends Who Kill, a showcase featuring stand-ups curated by Burr.
· June 7 and 12 – That’s My Time with David Letterman, each of the six episodes spotlights one comedian, including a 5-minute stand-up set and conversation with Letterman.
· June 9 – Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration, the largest-ever gathering of LGBTQ+ comics.
· June 10 – A Tribute to Bob Saget, a celebration of Bob’s life in comedy with his friends and family.
· June 11 – Amy Schumer’s Parental Advisory, a showcase featuring stand-ups curated by Schumer.
· June 13 – Pete Davidson Presents: The Best Friends, a multi-comic special hosted and curated by Davidson.
· June 14 – Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin: Ladies Night Live, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda introduce an all-female lineup of comedians.
· June 16 – Snoop Dogg’s F*cn Around Comedy Special , original comedy from Snoop, along with sets from legendary black comedians performing at the festival.
· June 23 – Best of the Festival, highlights from throughout the 11-day event.
We’ll share more about these shows soon, along with additional specials coming to the service. Like our newest with Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, a history-making special filmed in front of our largest audience ever – a sold out Dodger Stadium! As a forlorn Montreal Expos fan, it was incredible to experience joy on a baseball diamond again. And we’re adding even more festival performances to our Sirius XM Netflix Is a Joke channel.
These shows represent some of the best work we’ve done at Netflix, with the best comedic talent on the planet. We’re so grateful to everyone who performed, helping to create the biggest comedy festival in US history. From Amy Poehler and Tina Fey in conversation, to John Mulaney performing at both the Forum and the Hollywood Bowl, and an unforgettable evening during Stand Out … this festival was a celebration of comedy and a true civic event.
There were so many special moments that are almost too numerous to mention – Bill Burr, Wanda Sykes and Kevin Hart headlining the biggest venues in town, Larry David charming everyone at the Greek, Seth Rogen leading hilarious table reads, free outdoor shows at the Palladium and Chris Rock surprising fans at the Hollywood Bowl. And, of course Dave Chappelle’s four sold out stand-up shows at the Bowl will go down as one of the biggest successes of the festival. Just look at what we were able to accomplish together:
· 295 shows;
· 336 comedians performing;
· 35+ venues across LA – from the Comedy Store and the Laugh Factory to the Dodgers Stadium, the Forum and the Hollywood Bowl, and many more in between;
· And 260,000+ tickets sold.
Thanks to the hundreds of thousands of people who came to support and enjoy these shows. It was a great reminder that comedy helps bring us together. There’s nothing quite like being in a crowded theater or outdoor arena with hundreds to thousands of other people laughing their heads off with their favorite comics on stage. For everyone who couldn’t make it to LA, check out highlights from the festival here. And sit tight. We’ll have plenty of great stand-up specials for you on Netflix very soon – it’ll almost feel like you were actually there.
By Robbie Praw