Latest in BET

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…

BET’s forthcoming original series Sistas has added Chido Nwokocha, DeVale Ellis, Brian Jordan Jr., Kevin Walton, and Anthony Dalton as series regulars. They will join KJ Smith, Ebony Obsidian, Mignon Von and Novi Brown in the one-hour drama from BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios. Sistas, which is written, directed…

EXCLUSIVE: BET has added 11 series regulars to the cast of Tyler Perry’s White House drama series The Oval. Javon Johnson (The Hate U Give), Ptosha Storey (Empire), Vaughn Hebron (TiTi Do You Love Me), Teesha Renee (Yes, God, Yes), Lodric Collins (Grimm), Ciera Payton (She’s Gotta Have It), Taja V. Simpson (Boo 2: A Ma…

Lena Waithe’s forthcoming Twenties has set the cast for the BET comedy that focuses on those angsty adult formative years. Rapper Sean “Big Sean” Anderson will make his acting debut joining the previously announced cast that includes “JoJo” T. Gibbs (Good Trouble, The Neighborhood), Christina Elmore (The Last Ship, Ins…

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…

BET Networks said Devin Griffin is joining the company as General Manager of BET+, the network’s forthcoming subscription streaming offering. BET+, whose launch date and pricing has not yet been confirmed, will feature more than 1,000 hours of programming, including featured titles from Tyler Perry. New originals…

UPDATED with the official announcement. Viacom has made it official, announcing the fall launch of a new streaming service from BET and Tyler Perry, BET+. Two weeks ago, Deadline reported that the venture was in the offing. The formal press release offered a couple of new details, notably the first original series…

The 19th Annual BET Awards take place today at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The show, which celebrates African-American achievement in music, movies and sports, will be hosted by Girls Trip and Black Monday actress Regina Hall. Cardi B leads with seven nominations, including best female hip-hop…

The BET Awards have added more performers to the lineup for Sunday’s show. This week, BET Networks announced the addition of several popular hip-hop, R&B and gospel artists, including Meek Mill, Fantasia, DaBaby, Jeremih, Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, Kelly Price, Jonathan McReynolds and James Funk of Rare…

EXCLUSIVE: BET Networks has put into development Black Mambas a one-hour drama from Rebel creator Amani Walker. Black Mambas is the journey of four powerful women who are bikers and grow tired of the violent crimes and injustice in their hometown of New Orleans and decide to take justice into their own hands. Salli…

Tyler Perry has set his first series at BET as part of his multi-year content deal with Viacom. White House drama series The Oval, starring Ed Quinn, Kron Moore, Paige Hurd and Daniel Croix Henderson, will begin principal photography this summer at Tyler Perry Studios. Written, directed and executive produced by…