During its upfront presentation today, BET made a number of big programming announcements - including a renewal for The Quad, a series order for scripted miniseries The Bobby Brown Story and half-hour dramedy Divorce Saved My Marriage, and the additions of dramas The Breaks and Hit the Floor (both from VH1).
"Over the last 37 years, BET has cultivated a deep and lasting relationship with our viewers, as we remain the premiere destination for lovers of African-American culture," said Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks. "This year, we are saying yes to all things black, with more premium original programming and best-in-class tentpoles that reflect and invigorate our viewers."
The decision to move scripted dramas The Breaks and Hit the Floor from VH1 to BET is the latest programming shakeup at the Viacom networks. It also leaves VH1 with only one scripted project at the moment - the upcoming Daytime Divas starring Vanessa Williams. However, VH1 has confirmed that it has no plans to abandon scripted programming at this time.
The renewals for BET include: a second season of hit drama The Quad starring Anika Noni Rose, a fourth season of Hit the Floor (which has been off the air for over a year), and a second season of The Breaks.
BET has ordered 10 episodes of half-hour scripted dramedy Divorce Saved My Marriage based on the stand-up of David A. Arnold. When a couple realizes that divorce is the only thing they can agree on, their attorney recommends a financial plan instead of a court date - forcing them to work together so they can finally afford to be apart. Devon K. Shepard and David A. Arnold created the series, with Kevin Hart and Dave Becky as additional executive producers.
BET has also ordered a two-night, four hour miniseries titled The Bobby Brown Story, which is a sequel story of sorts to this year's wildly successful The New Edition Story. The new series spans Bobby Brown's career as a founding member of New Edition to a successful solo run. Written by Abdul Williams and executive produced by Jesse Collins.
