Aspire Acquires ‘The Hughleys,’ ‘In Living Color’ Rights

Aspire has acquired the rights to two 1990s comedy series, The Hughleys and In Living Color, as part of an agreement between the African-American targeted network and Fox Studios.

The Hughleys, which starred comedian D.L. Hughley and ran on ABC from 1998 to 2000 and UPN from 2000 to 2002, will debut on Aspire Aug. 5 with a 13-hour marathon before settling into its Monday – Friday 6 -8 pm timeslot. The series will also have additional airings on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 pm to 1 am, said network officials.

Aspire will debut the variety/sketch series In Living Color – which aired on Fox from 1990 to 1994 -- with a 13-hour Labor Day marathon on Sept. 4 before assuming The Hughleys' Monday – Friday 6 to 8 pm timeslot, said the network. The Hughleys will then air from 4 to 6 pm during the week, said network officials.

"We are thrilled to have The Hughleys and In Living Color join the Aspire line-up," said Melissa Ingram, vice president and channel manager in a statement. "Both series were ahead of their time when they originally premiered and include themes and storylines that are still relevant today. Aspire is excited to introduce a new generation to these timeless comedies as well as satisfy fans of the series who want to experience some of their favorite characters again."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.