BET to Bow Reality Series

Pasadena, Calif. -- Black Entertainment Television will take viewers back to school with the March debut of a new college-based reality series.

With the help of the Grambling State University marching band's drum corps, the network at the Television Critics Association winter press tour here announced Season of the Tiger, a docu-drama series exploring the school's football team and band, according to BET president of entertainment Reginald Hudlin.

The series will join the network's other academic-focused series, College Hill, which will return in 2006 for its junior year.

BET also announced that it has chronicled the last days of freedom of convicted hip-hop star Lil’ Kim in a miniseries also set to debut later this year. The now-incarcerated rapper was convicted of perjury last year after lying about her role in a shooting at a New York radio station.Also on the docket for the network is a new Sunday talk show, Meet the Faith, in which a roundtable of religious and political leaders tackle the hot-button issues of the day.And BET will look to commission at least one animated series to bow in 2007, according to recently named senior vice president of animation Denys Cowan.

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.