Get ready for a big slate of new comedies from BET: the network just greenlit a handful of series, including a game show produced by Chris Rock and a sketch series from noted comedy fan 50 Cent.
It seems BET is doubling down on comedy, buying up shows from some of comedy’s biggest names. There’s Face Value, yet another game show from producer Wanda Sykes (who also oversees Guy Branum’s Talk Show The Game Show), and Mancave, a panel show hosted by Steve Harvey. We’ll also be seeing more of Robin Thede, former Nightly Show with Larry Willmore correspondent, who’s getting her very own weekly talk show, The Rundown.
Here’s the full info on what you’ll be seeing on BET later this year:
DIVORCE SAVED MY MARRIAGE
From Executive Producer Kevin Hart comes DIVORCE SAVED MY MARRIAGE, a new 30-minute scripted dramedy, based on the stand up of David A. Arnold, that turns relationships and marriage inside out. 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.
THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE
BET joins forces with Executive Producer Chris Rock to bring the African American female voice to late night news satire: THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE. Comedian and former head writer and contributor for The Nightly Show, Robin Thede, gives her hilariously unique take on the week’s headlines in politics and pop culture in a fast-paced, no-holds-barred late night show featuring biting social commentary, sharp sketch comedy and in-your-face pop culture parody. From the team behind “em>Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE is produced by JAX MEDIA with Chris Rock and Robin Thede serving as Executive Producers.
BET’s MANCAVE
Executive Producer Steve Harvey and BET are opening the door to BET’s MANCAVE – a no-holds-barred conversation among five men brave enough to be honest and vulnerable, as they laugh it up and get serious about hot-button topics. Hosted by award-winning journalist Jeff Johnson – and featuring actors, athletes, and comedians, among others – this topical weekly event series brings together African American men with wildly diverse opinions to dissect current hot topics in entertainment, politics, news and beyond. Through humor, genuine emotion and heated debate, the panel will discuss their own opinions and experiences, while revealing what it’s really like to navigate the world as an African American man. With unfiltered honesty, BET’s MANCAVE is the ultimate ‘bro-out’ session that reflects how complex men’s thoughts actually are.
FACE VALUE
From Push It Productions and Executive Producer, Wanda Sykes, FACE VALUE is a groundbreaking new game show that will finally answer the age-old question, “Can you judge a book by its cover?” The veteran actress, comedienne and LGBT advocate knows what it’s like to be prejudged, so this series is flipping the script to award cash and prizes for correctly guessing facts about strangers from all walks of life – based solely on their appearance and a few personal details. Hosted by Deon Cole (black-ish, Barbershop), FACE VALUE will humorously break down stereotypes, expose prejudices, and celebrate the human spirit by highlighting the commonalities and differences among people of various backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs and life experiences.
50 CENTRAL
Award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer, the iconic Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, storms BET’s airwaves to take variety and sketch comedy to the next level with 50 CENTRAL. BET’s first variety comedy showcase will be unlike anything seen from the genre before. Along with unprecedented sketches, there will be hidden camera pranks, musical performances, and A-list celebrity guests to create the ultimate late night party – all handpicked and hosted by 50 Cent. Few artists have had as much crossover success as Jackson and he showcases his talents as an MC, actor and producer for a fresh take on the variety series.
LOVE ROOM
LOVE ROOM is a daring social experiment that brings together individuals who have almost given up on finding a relationship and falling in love. Much more than a single date, two sexy, single strangers will meet and live together for a week to see if a relationship blossoms. Having struck out with blind dates and dating apps, the couples will work through challenges that test their resolve and compatibility. This “full immersion” relationship will accelerate the dating process, challenging the couple to reveal their deepest secrets, face their own insecurities, overcome their fears and set aside their baggage to find true love.
