TV One announces Dynamic Slate of New and Returning Series

April 15, 2015

*New York– Kicking off its first upfront season with new President Bradley J. Siegel at the helm, TV One unveiled its programming plans for the 2015-2016 television year.

In a presentation at the Helen Mills Event Space, Mr. Siegel announced the entertainment network for Black adults is planning more than 460 hours of original programming including 8 new series and specials and 16 movies, and forging production relationships with new partners including Suzanne de Passe (Sister, Sister, The Temptations, The Jacksons: An American Dream), Chris Stokes (You Got Served, Battlefield America), Charles Murray (Sons of Anarchy, Things Never Said), and Reuben Cannon (Madea’s Big Happy Family, Why Did I Get Married?, I Can Do Bad All By Myself ).

During the presentation, D’Angela Proctor, TV One’s Senior Vice President of original programming and production, outlined the new and returning series, specials and movies:

New Series

“Born Again Virgin” – This sexy and sassy half-hour romantic comedy explores today’s contemporary dating landscape through the eyes and experiences of three 30-something best friends. The series focuses on Jenna, a professional vlogger who decides to become celibate after a stream of unsuccessful dates and hook-ups leave her wanting more.

She decides to document her newly adapted sex-fast and share the hilarious ‘sexcapades’ of her girlfriends – Kelly and Tara. Each week, the ladies will comically work through their friendship, dating woes and career challenges while showcasing heartfelt moments. Produced by Swirl Films, the new comedy is scheduled to premiere in July 2015.

“For My Man” – According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 200,000 women in the United States are living behind bars. “For My Man” is a true crime series that features the shocking stories of women who have been arrested for crimes they committed in the name of love.

From a killing spree across the Midwest to an inside informant at the DEA, these women have no limits as to how far they will go to support their men. These are the stories of the obsessions and weaknesses that fueled their falls from grace. Produced by Sirens Productions, the series is scheduled to premiere in August 2015.

“Mitch N’ Max” – A TV One twist on the ‘Odd Couple,’ this contemporary comedy reveals what happens when hip hop grows up and life happens. Mitch, a stock broker who loses it all on Wall Street, has to move in with his estranged friend, a hip-hop artist looking to regain his place in the spotlight. Produced by Bentley Kyle Evans (Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show), the scripted comedy is slated to premiere in 3^rd quarter 2015.

“Unstoppable” – A rousing true crime series profiling heroic men and women who stopped at nothing to find justice for a murdered loved one. The show plunges viewers into the first-person account of these brave individuals as they launch their own investigations, immerse themselves in dangerous manhunts and meet face-to-face with suspected killers – all in the name of justice. This gripping series is scheduled to premiere in 4^thquarter 2015.

“The Next 15” – The Next 15 brings to life Andy Warhol’s infamous quip that, “in the future, everyone will be world-famous for fifteen minutes.” This new reality series unites a group of male and female former reality stars that crave another 15 minutes of fame. Through the series, the personalities confront the issues that continue to present personal challenges and block their chances for success to capture another 15 minutes of fame. Produced by Carlos King (Hollywood Divas, Real Housewives of Atlanta) and Eclipse TV, the series is slated to premiere in 4^th quarter 2015.

“The Weekly Show” – In the tradition of The Daily Show, The Weekly Show is a one hour-parody of a fledgling local news program. Featuring the comedy musings of a group of seasoned improv vets from The Groundlings, the week-in-review will cover the real news stories of the week, as well as issues important to the Black community. The series is slated to premiere in 1^st quarter 2016.

New and Origional World Premiere Movies

“For the Love of Ruth” – Based on the Biblical book of Ruth, “For The Love of Ruth” follows the journey of Ruth Sommerling, a young widow who chooses to take care of her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth soon realizes that her love for Naomi, the only family she’s ever known, leads to her knight in shining armor. Starring Denise Boutte (Meet The Browns, Why Did I Get Married?), Gary Dourdan (CSI, Being Mary Jane) and reuniting Loretta Devine (Grey’s Anatomy, Waiting to Exhale) and James Pickens Jr., (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice) for the first time on television since Grey’s Anatomy, the world premiere is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 8PM/ET.

“Will To Love” – A workaholic bachelor who is set to inherit his terminally ill grandfather’s company, learns that in order to do so, he must first find a wife before his grandfather dies. As a man who doesn’t embrace marriage, his dilemma is clear. With some help from his rag tag group of friends, he has to find a way to avoid what he doesn’t want in order to get what he does. Produced by Chris Stokes (You Got Served, Battlefield America), the romantic comedy is slated to premiere in June 2015.

“The Summoning” – Starring the network’s own Hollywood Diva Paula Jai Parker (Hollywood Divas, True Blood) alongside Terrell Tilford(CSI, Single Ladies) and Darius McCrary (Family Matters), The Summoning is a thriller that explores what happens when a remarried widow and mother summons the return of her first husband to spend one more night with him. Problem is, when he returns, he’s not the same guy she remembers and he has no intention of leaving and wants his family back. Directed by Charles Murray (Sons of Anarchy, Things Never Said), the TV One world premiere movie is slated to premiere in June 2015.

“Ringside“ – An undefeated boxer prepares for a game-changing fight while being taunted by his outrageous belt-holding opponent and his corrupt former manager. In order to win the life-altering bout, he must zone out of the chaos of groupies, gambling, and other distractions, including his rhyme-stealing rapper brother, gambleholic manager and promiscuous sister. Written, produced and directed by Russ Parr (The Undershepherd, Hear No Evil), the film is slated to premiere in 3^rd quarter 2015.

“Runaway Island” – An uplifting original filled with the interwoven stories of a minister who loses his faith upon the death of his daughter, an estranged grandmother and grandson who are constantly at war and a media-hungry socialite hiding for once from the spotlight. They all find themselves running away to a remote island in an attempt to escape their troubles. Once on the island, each discovers that forgiveness and love conquers all. The 2014 American Black Film Festival award-winning movie and TV One world premiere is slated for 3^rd quarter 2015.

“Girlfriends Getaway 2” – This fabulous fun-filled film reunites actresses Garcelle Beauvais (Grimm, The Mentalist), Malinda Williams (Soul Food), Terri J. Vaughn (Steve Harvey Show), and Essence Atkins (Haunted House, Are We There Yet?) from the original film. The fearless foursome once again sets off for a relaxing tropical holiday only to find it tinged with a little suspense, a lot of humor and the power of friendship. Produced and Directed by Roger Bobb (House of Pain, The Rickey Smiley Show, It’s A Mann’s World ), the film is slated to premiere in 3^rdquarter 2015.

“Fear Files 3” – The next gripping installment of this horror franchise returns with three new stories reflecting the very best of iconic scary movie themes, including tales of love, revenge and murders. The film is slated to premiere in 4^th quarter 2015.

“A Royal Holiday and A Royal Christmas” – A two-part original film follows the Royal family during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. In “A Royal Holiday,” the happily married patriarch and matriarch, feeling neglected by their family, plot a fake break-up in order to get their overly-bickering, busy children to come home for Thanksgiving.

However, when the parents play their role a little too well and end up separating for real, their carefully planned family reunion becomes a Thanksgiving disaster. During “A Royal Christmas,” the bickering children join forces and scheme to reunite their parents in time for Christmas. However, the parents, having experienced a taste of the single life, may prove challenging for a happily ever after Christmas. The TV One originals are slated to premiere in November and December 2015.

“Ebeneza“ – In partnership with renowned producer Suzanne de Passe (de Passe Jones Entertainment Group), “Ebeneza“ is a contemporary musical version of the classic Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. This version features a female protagonist who is half of a successful comedy duo. After her comedy partner unexpectedly dies, our “Scrooge” loses her humor and makes everyone around her miserable; that is, until the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future show her a different path. The holiday tale is slated to premiere in December 2015.

“The Unsung Miki Howard Story” – Not many R&B artists have enjoyed a string of #1 hits like Grammy nominated artist, Miki Howard (Come Share My Love, Ain’t Nobody Like You, Love Under New Management, Baby Be Mine). Groomed to compete with Whitney Houston in the 80’s, Miki’s career was derailed by poor relationship choices and drug addiction. Miki’s story of survival ranges from being raised by neglectful gospel singers to being thrown out of the house at 16 years old and having love affairs with Gerald Levert and Easy E. The film is slated to premiere in 1^st quarter 2016.

“Definitely Divorcing” – A romantic comedy following the lives of co-workers who are all questioning their marriages for a variety of issues including anger management, a child-like spouse, and manipulative children. In a society where more than half of marriages end in divorce, this timely original film is scheduled to premiere in 1^stquarter 2016.

“Praise Dance” – This faith-inspired film highlights the contemporary struggles of a small church attempting to stay solvent and relevant. Unexpected circumstances provide the innovative pastor with the chance to organize local youth into a praise dance troupe that ultimately saves the church and its community. The film is slated to premiere in 2^nd quarter 2016.

“Welcome to the Family” – An internet host and her fiancée happily announce their engagement at her family reunion as part of a publicity stunt for her web series. However, the couple learns from the family elders that the two are in fact cousins, which throws their relationship into turmoil, but her website into a social media hit. The TV One original is scheduled to premiere in 2^nd quarter 2016.

“Home” – A family drama centered around recovering drug addict Sydney, who after being estranged from her family for 3 years is forced to return home. Her return reveals major changes, including her parents’ separation in the midst of her sister’s engagement. Initial steps to regain her life and trust of family indicate improving conditions and even the surprise of romance. However, the secrets of her past may ultimately prevent her attempt at a new life from coming true. The drama is slated to premiere in 2^nd quarter 2016.

“The Devil Is A Lie” – Based on ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s novel of the same name, the drama tells the tale of a successful real estate executive who wins the lottery and thinks she’s on top of the world. However, when she goes to claim her winnings, she’s met with the unpleasant reality that her divorce was never finalized and her husband is claiming half the fortune. The circumstances force her to question what’s most important to her. The film is slated to premiere in 3^rd quarter 2016.

“The Secret She Kept“ – A successful magazine executive marries a driven lawyer, who’s on the cusp of a major promotion, only to discover that his wife is severely bi-polar. The movie explores the meaning of love and the vow of “in sickness and in health.” Also based on ReShonda Tate Billingsley’s novel of the same name, the film is slated to premiere in 3^rd quarter 2016.

New Specials

“The Gospel Tradition: In Performance at the White House” – This musical special was created to showcase the rich fabric of gospel music in the setting of the nation’s most famous home. Since 1978, the program has embraced virtually every genre of American performance art.

Airing as part of a first-time partnership between PBS and TV One, Robin Roberts (Good Morning America) hosts the special that includes headliners: Bishop Rance Allen, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Rodney Crowell, Rhiannon Giddens, Emmylou Harris, Darlene Love, Lyle Lovett, Tamela Mann, The Morgan State University Choir and Michelle Williams. T Bone Burnett serves as the executive music director and Bill Maxwell serves as music director. A production of WETA Washington DC; TV One; CoMedia; Mark Karntz Productions; Cappy Productions; and Black and White TV, Inc., the special will premiere on Friday, June 26^th at 9PM/ET.

“The Triumph Awards (working title)“ – TV One and Reverend Al Sharpton, founder of the National Action Network, collaborate to honor those in arts, entertainment and sports, who have gone above and beyond to positively impact society. The two-hour special will celebrate five extraordinary individuals and will deliver a star-studded evening of great performances and luminaries. The special is slated to premiere in 3^rdquarter 2015.

In Development

“The Family Plot” – A scripted comedy about a former beauty queen who unexpectedly inherits a funeral home from her deceased husband. While her four adult children hope to snag a cash windfall from the sale of the business, the dysfunctional family ultimately sets out on a comical adventure to keep the business afloat and glean what they can from it.

“Brooklyn Faith” – Faith, corruption and the justice system collide in this entangling drama about a small community that encounters moral conflict in its attempt to balance professional ambition with its personal lives.

“Debutantes” – This docu-reality series lifts the veil of the glittering ballrooms, white dresses, ballroom dancing, etiquette training, curtseying and white gloves of debutante balls and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rites and rituals and drama of preparing young ladies for womanhood and their society debut.

“Biker Girlz” – A group of sexy women compete for love, laughter and speed in this high stakes reality series that provides a rare insider’s look into the operations and drama of a female biker club.

“It’s Good To Be Me” – A contemporary documentary series that provides a first-person account and insider’s look at the lives of Black America’s most famous celebrities and well-known public figures.

“Strippers (working title)” – A provocative documentary series that reveals the sub-culture of women living dual lives of being a student, housewife or mother by day and a stripper by night. Throughout the series, viewers will have a chance to better understand the circumstances surrounding the women who choose to strip for a living.

Returning Series

“Fatal Attraction” – The series delves into real-life crime stories of love-gone wrong. This season, mysterious crimes added to the series’ repertoire include chilling accounts of suspicious disappearances; a vicious case of teenage angst; deadly love triangles; and a hate crime. Each episode consists of first-person interviews from loved ones; accounts from investigating officials; interrogation footage; and recreations of pivotal moments. The cinematography is haunting.

“Hollywood Divas” – The reality series continues to follow actresses Elise Neal (The Hughleys), Golden Brooks(Girlfriends; Second Chance Christmas), Paula Jai Parker (Hustle and Flow; The Summoning), Countess Vaughn (The Parkers) and Lisa Wu (Real Housewives of Atlanta) as they navigate life in Hollywood and attempt to stay relevant in the unpredictable entertainment industry. This season adds special guest star, Vivica A. Fox

“Unsung” – A perennial viewer favorite, TV One’s multi award-winning signature series reveals the untold stories of beloved R&B stars and the enduring impact they’ve had on the music industry. Upcoming artist profiles include: Ike Turner, Otis Redding, Chuck Brown, Kid N’ Play, DJ Quik, Xscape and Full Force.

“Unsung Hollywood” – From the producers of Unsung, this doc profiles groundbreaking artists and entertainers whose work has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Upcoming profiles include: Joe Morton, Bernie Mac, Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Dee Williams, and the movie Car Wash, among others.

“News One Now“ – Emanating from the heart of Washington D.C. in a state-of-the-art studio that offers a stunning view of the Capitol building, “News One Now” airs weekdays live on TV One from 9-10 a.m. “News One Now“ is hosted by Roland S. Martin, the 2013 National Association of Black Journalists’ Journalist of the Year.

Each morning, Martin sifts through the headlines of the day to spotlight matters that greatly impact the black community. Beyond radio and television, “News One Now” reaches audiences 24/7 with exclusive program content and extended editorial on NewsOne.com. “News One Now” is an evolution of Interactive One’s award-winning digital brand, NewsOne.com, which launched in 2008 and reaches millions each month.

“Verses and Flow“ – The NAACP Image Award-nominated variety show blends electrifying musical and soul-stirring spoken word performances from mega-watt music stars alongside more than 25 of the best up-and-coming poets in the U.S. Actor/personality Laz Alonso (The Mysteries of Laura) hosts. Previous performers have included Maxwell, Ledisi, and Jill Scott, among others.

Returning Specials

“The 47^th NAACP Image Awards”– The NAACP Image Awards celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

“The Trumpet Awards” – For over two decades, the Trumpet Foundation has celebrated the accomplishments of men and women who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others from business to science to entertainment.

“The Stellar Awards“ – Hailed as Gospel music’s biggest night, The Stellar Awards is the only televised gospel music awards show and annually recognizes the years’ most outstanding contributions in gospel music, the accomplishments of gospel music icons and honors individuals instrumental in advocating for Gospel music.

“Hello Beautiful Interludes Live” – The intimate performance and interview show featuring acclaimed artists such as Jennifer Hudson, NE-YO,Ledisi, John Legend and Alicia Keys continues as a co-production between TV One and its digital production partner, HelloBeautiful.com.