TCA Summer 2012: TV One’s Rickey Smiley Show, R&B Divas, Save Our Son

Rickey Smiley

*TV One took its turn at the TCA press tour Wednesday to present three new shows: a scripted sitcom, a reality series about R&B singers and a docu-series that follows attempts to save young black men headed down the wrong path.

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Premiering in September is the original comedy series “The Rickey Smiley Show.” The comedian and syndicated radio host plays himself as he tries to balance single fatherhood, his radio career and his personal life. Ray-J co-stars as Smiley’s radio producer Kenny, a character inspired by his real radio show regular, HeadKrack. Below, Smiley talks about some of the characters from his standup act that make it into the series.

(L-R) Monifah Carter, Nicci Gilbert, Faith Evans, Syleena Johnson, Keke Wyatt of “R&B Divas”

Monifah Carter, Nicci Gilbert, Faith Evans, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt were on hand to discuss their reality show “R&B Divas.” Premiering Aug. 20, the series follows their respective family lives, careers and collective recording of a charity album in honor of Whitney Houston, who ironically passed away four floors above the ballroom where the panel was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Below, Faith, who referred to Whitney as her homegirl, talks about pitching the late singer several years ago on recording an all-star, all-female R&B album.

Dr. Steve Perry of “Save My Son”

The most engaging panel presented by TV One was for “Save My Son,” an unscripted series that follows African American families trying to save their troubled teen boys from making poor choices. Each episode features an intervention on the teen by loved ones, a therapist and guidance from the show’s host Dr. Steve Perry, a Harlem principal who has gained notoriety for his successful efforts in mentoring young black men. Below, he talks about using boxing to connect with wayward teen Barry Hill, Jr., a.k.a. Bubb, after his desperate mother gave up all hope.