TV Land’s ‘The Soul Man’ Renewed For Third Season

EXCLUSIVE: TV Land‘s The Soul Man will return for a third season. The network has given the 8-episode order more than three months after Season 2 of the show, starring Cedric “The Entertainer,” Niecy Nash and Wesley Jonathan, ended its run. Comedy veteran Ric Swartzlander (Cougar Town), who quietly joined the show at the beginning of Season 2, will be back as showrunner.

Like with the second season pickup, I hear a key renewal factor was the show’s strong showing among Black viewers. Over the first two seasons, The Soul Man averaged a potent 3.7 rating among African-American Women 25-54 and a 3.0 rating with African-American Adults 25-54. Season 2 of the series posted gains of +103% among A25-54 and +111% among W25-54 (L+7) versus channel prime average. “We’re so proud to have this show in our portfolio of sitcoms,” said TV Land president Larry W. Jones. “Fans of The Soul Man’ are the drivers behind the success of the series. Because of their passion, we are able to continuously bring new viewers to the channel.” The Soul Man, from Hazy Mills Prods., follows R&B superstar-turned-minister Reverend Boyce “The Voice” Ballentine (Cedric) after he relocated from Las Vegas to St. Louis with his wife Lolli (Nash). While learning to adjust to their new humble life, Boyce has to deal with his brother Stamps (Jonathan), who seems to have taken up permanent residence in their house – and that’s only made worse when Stamps sparks a new relationship with Lolli’s sister (Kellee Stewart). Cedric and series creator Suzanne Martin are executive producing with Swartzlander, Eric C. Rhone, Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner. TV Land’s next original series, comedy Kirstie, premieres tonight.