BET renews two Atlanta-based shows: 'The Game,' 'Being Mary Jane'
BET announced renewals of two shows shot in Atlanta: an eighth season of "The Game" and a second season of "Being Mary Jane" starring Gabrielle Union.
The parody reality show "Real Husbands of Hollywood," shot in L.A. featuring Kevin Hart also gets a third season.
These are three of BET's biggest shows, so nobody should be surprised by their renewals.
The BET press release had no reference to two other Atlanta-based-shows "Let's Stay Together" or "Sunday's Best," but they are still on the schedule.
BET's "ComicView," taped last summer in Atlanta, returns May 6.
The network also announced a a few new projects but there's no word on whether any will be based here. Given how much they've committed to Atlanta, it's fair to say at least a couple will be. BET has committed nearly all recent fully scripted shows to Atlanta thanks to tax credits. Here are the details provided via press release:
- THE START UP – In The Start Up, hip-hop prince Diggy Simmons makes his scripted series debut as Blake Monroe, founder of TheJetsetters.com, an entertainment and lifestyle blog. The Start Up hones in on what it means to be young, gifted and digital, as Blake and his friends strategize for fame and financing while they navigate the freedoms and pressures of adulthood. Also stars Teyana Taylor, Bria Murphy, Allen Maldonado, Chris Brew, and Stephanie Charles. From Executive Producers Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil, Kenya Barris, James DuBose, Kevin Liles and Laurie Dobbins.
- GONE GOSPEL – Music artists outside of the gospel genre in search of their next chapter and verse share a house, compete in weekly challenges and embark on a holistic journey to rebuild their careers. Under the mentorship of star-making songwriters, producers and life coaches, the artists will write an inspirational anthem on their road to transforming their lives. There will be egos. There will be tribulations. And there will be a dramatic, victorious conclusion like nothing seen before on BET. Hosted by Kirk Franklin (Sunday Best); Executive Producers: Marilyn Gill and Kirk Franklin.
- GOT GAME – When eligible men and women have to woo a new prospect without relying on their great looks, killer body or fashion sense, it all comes down to whether they've Got Game? BET gives the dating show a cliffhanger with each episode as singles undergo wild transformations, complete with costumes and movie make-up before their big dates. Will their charm shine through? Or will it be game over? Hosted by Donnivin Jordan.
About the Author
Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.
