BET Calls for More Originals
Largest-Ever Slate Of Shows Includes Scripted Series
By R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 4/22/2007 8:00:00 PM
Black Entertainment Television will launch its first original scripted series as well as several animated series, part of an ambitious slate of original programming the network will roll out later this year.
BET chairman and CEO Debra Lee said the slate of 16 new shows, which also features reality programming and a sports-talk show, represents the biggest investment ever in terms of original programming for the network. While she would not reveal specific figures, Lee told Multichannel News that the network's programming budget has increased by more than 50% in order to develop original fare that its viewers have pined for.
The network has been criticized in the past for relying too heavily on music videos and not developing enough original programming. But since the 2005 arrival of BET president of Entertainment Reginald Hudlin, the network has developed more than 24 new original shows, including ratings hits American Gangster and Lil' Kim: Countdown to Lockdown, as well as the upcoming slate.
“Acquiring content just doesn't work anymore — our viewers have asked for more original programming and that's what does the best ratings,” Lee said.
Indeed, the network's April 17 episode of its original reality series College Hill set a network series ratings record with a 1.7 household rating, according to BET officials.
BET posted a 17% primetime household ratings increase in 2006 with a 0.7 rating, although its first-quarter 2007 ratings were down 14% to a 0.6 from a 0.7.
Lee said the network will also develop short-form original content for its BET on Blast broadband video channel, as well as for its mobile business. “It's a good testing ground to see what works, and you can do shorter programming blocks on mobile and broadband,” she said.
Among BET's new shows announced last week during its New York upfront presentation is Somebodies, the network's first scripted series about a group of 20-something “slackers” caught between graduating from college and finding a real career, according to network executives. A second scripted series, Wifey — a co production with VH1 — is also in development and could debut later this year.
“People have been asking for scripted programming from us for a long time, so I'm thrilled that we're at a point where we can do scripted programming,” said Lee.
On the animation front, the network will team up with comedian Orlando Jones to create BUFU, an animated sketch-comedy show in the tradition of Saturday Night Live that will premiere this fall.
BUFU will join the network's previously announced animation projects, Hannibal and Cipha, both set to premiere in 2008.
On the reality side, the network this July will debut Baldwin Hills, a reality docudrama that will explore the lives of 11 upper middle class black teens as they grow up in an upscale Los Angeles neighborhood. Also premiering in July is S.O.B., a hidden-camera series that takes a contemporary, comedic and somewhat outrageous look at stereotypes, racism, classism, religion and sexuality.
Also on the docket for fall is College Hill Interns, a spinoff of the network's successful College Hill reality series, which follows the interpersonal and business dynamics of eight college students living in a new city and working at summer jobs.
BET will jump into the combat-sports arena with Iron Ring, in which celebrities and sports personalities manage teams of mixed martial arts fighters. Another sports-related series, Ballers, a sports/celebrity talk show starring former National Basketball Association star John Salley.
Other new shows include The 5ive, a weekly series that will showcase the five hottest things happening in news and entertainment; Hell Date, a reality/game show that provides unsuspecting contestants what they say they want in a soul mate; Judge Mooney, starring comedian Paul Mooney as a celebrity judge who will rule on real cases; Sunday Best, an American Idol-esque show that will provide undiscovered gospel singers a chance at fame and Exalted!, a biography series spotlighting a different inspirational leader each week.
On the awards front, BET will team up with Black Enterprise to develop The Icon Awards, which will air in 2008 during Black History Month. The awards celebrate talented, ambitious, generous and crusading members of the African-American community. Also new to the schedule is Christmas Wish, a special concert of holiday favorites by one of music's biggest artists.
The Icon Awards and Christmas Wish will join such other award shows and specials as Celebration of Gospel, BET Awards, Hip-Hop Awards and Spring Bling.
Lee said the network's original programming lineup has something for all African-American demo groups. “We want to have balance and different types of shows,” she said. “We defined our sweet spot as 18-34 several years ago, but we're going to always have shows on for all ages.”
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