Latest in BET Networks

BET Networks has given a green light to Uptown, a three-part original scripted miniseries that will chronicle the story of Andre Harrell's iconic New York City record label, Uptown Records, from Harrell (Honey, New York Undercover) and Jesse Collins Entertainment (The New Edition Story, The Bobby Brown Story). Uptown…

EXCLUSIVE: The 51st NAACP Image Awards will air on BET Networks for the first time ever. The NAACP and BET Networks today announced an exclusive broadcast partnership for the two-hour telecast, which air live from Pasadena, CA on February 22 at 8/7c. The NAACP Image Awards honors the accomplishments of people of color…

Connie Orlando, who has led BET Networks’ original programming strategy for the past three years, has been promoted to EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. In her new role she will be responsible for the development of an overarching BET Networks music strategy across linear and SVOD programming…

BET Networks has installed P. Sean Gupta as SVP, Strategy & Business Operations. He will lead network-wide strategy, business development and expansion initiatives for the Viacom-owned operation, reporting to BET Networks president Scott Mills. In his new role, Gupta will continue to oversee strategic development and…

Viacom’s BET Networks has gone outside the media business to hire its new EVP and chief marketing officer. Kimberly Paige, who is stepping into that role, has accumulated brand marketing experience at Coca-Cola, Coty and, most recently, skincare and haircare manufacturer Sundial Brands. In her new position, Paige will…

BET Networks has tapped former theGrio executive Amy DuBois Barnett as Senior Vice President and General Manager of BET Digital. In her role, Barnett will oversee all aspects of digital content of BET non-linear platforms, BET's digital and social strategy, content development, social programming, editorial, business…

Viacom’s BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios today announced a September 19 U.S. launch date for BET+, their joint venture and premier subscription video-on demand service. Priced at $9.99 per month, BET+ will feature more than 1,000 hours of content, including exclusive new original programming, series, movies, and…

BET+, BET Networks’ new streaming service is ramping up production on its original content. Paula Patton (Hitch, Precious) is set to star in Sacrifice, a new original movie set for premiere on BET+ in 2020. Written, executive produced and directed by Chris Stokes, Los Angeles-set Sacrifice stars Patton as Daniella…

EXCLUSIVE: We hear BET Networks is developing Sister Code, a one-hour family legal drama from writer Gregg McBride (A Heavenly Christmas) and Intrepid, the Emmy-winning banner of Blair Underwood (When They See Us, Quantico) and Tommy Morgan Jr.’s (Bridge to Nowhere). Created by McBride, Sister Code focuses on the…

BET Networks has given a series order to Sistas, a drama executive produced by Tyler Perry starring KJ Smith (The Fix), Ebony Obsidian (If Beale Street Could Talk), Mignon Von (42 Seconds) and Novi Brown (Spider). The series is the second to be greenlighted, joining The Oval, under Perry's exclusive, multi-year content…

BET Networks has set the cast for their forthcoming original comedy series Bigger from executive producer Will Packer. The scripted series will star Tanisha Long, Angell Conwell, Rasheda Crockett, Chase Anthony and Tristen Winger. Bigger recently wrapped production this summer in Atlanta. The 10 half-hour episodes…

Debra Lee, who last year stepped down as chairman and CEO of BET Networks after a three-decade career at the Viacom brand, has been added to the board of directors at AT&T. She becomes the first media-tied name to join the board as the company continues to evolve after its $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner and…