OWN To Launch Tyler Perry Shows In May

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will debut the first two scripted series from actor/producer Tyler Perry over two nights in May.

The one-hour ensemble drama The Haves and the Have Nots is set to premiere May 28, while the comedy sitcom Love Thy Neighbor will premiere May 29 with two back-to-back half-hour episodes, the network announced Thursday in advance of its upfront presentation in New York.

Perry will also be profiled May 26 on OWN as part of a special episode of Oprah’s Next Chapter as well as another special Tyler Perry Comes To OWN: Behind the Scenes, which provides an exclusive look at the making of the two series.

“We are delighted to celebrate Tyler coming to OWN with these new specials as we ramp up to the debut of our first scripted series, said OWN president Sheri Salata. “Tyler’s fans, like Oprah’s fans, are incredibly connected and passionate. We can’t wait for them to see these shows.”

In addition, the network announced the new unscripted series: Millionaire Mama’s Boy, about the  relationship between WNBA star Pamela McGee and her NBA star son JaVale; and Houston Beauty, about a Texas beauty school. 

“We are energized by our growing slate of original programming coming to OWN,”
said Erik Logan, president, OWN.  “With 12 returning series and 13 new shows on the way including the launch of Tyler Perry’s shows in May, we’re positioned for a strong season.”

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.