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BET Networks has unveiled the most ambitious slate of programming in its 26-year history. At its annual Upfront presentation, BET Chairman and CEO Debra Lee, along with President of Entertainment, Reginald Hudlin, announced the slate of 16 new original shows at presentations in New York, Chicago, Detroit on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 and in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 19, 2007..

“BET Networks is the number one media destination for African Americans and consumers of Black culture,” said Lee. “Through creativity, collaboration and innovation, the next 12 months will see an unprecedented amount of new content from BET Networks. We are making our biggest investment ever in original programming and digital entertainment, and key strategic additions to our strong executive team. We will not only extend our lead, but expand it.”


When Lee took over the CEO post two years ago, she ushered in a new era of original programming for the network. She kicked things off with the hiring of Hudlin, and together they have steadily increased its investment in developing innovative signature series and specials. Recently, Lee added three new executives to BET’s senior management team in marketing and communications to better meet the needs of its original programming and digital expansion strategy. Lee also created an integrated marketing department to develop high-impact, innovative cross-platform marketing solutions as well as integrate clients’ brands into BET Networks programming across all platforms.

Today, BET is recognized as the #1 provider of original Black programming. “We have taken BET to a new level in the past year, and it’s only the beginning,” said Hudlin, about BET’s new strategy. “With the incredible talent in front of and behind the camera that is flocking to BET, we are able to take chances, make hits, and strengthen our relevance and connection with the Black community.”

With six of BET’s top ten shows in history such as “Lil’ Kim: Countdown To Lockdown” and “American Gangster” firmly under his belt, Hudlin’s programming approach includes the development of 16 original series for primetime on the network, aimed at the widest possible demographic while remaining focused on the core audience of 18 – 34.

With each of its new hit shows setting a ratings record in 2006, the most-watched year in the network’s history, which now reaches approximately 85 million homes – BET has also aggressively expanded the way it connects audiences with the newly formed Digital Media Group. The cornerstone is BET.com, which allows the audience to “interact” with programming through exclusive video clips, photo galleries, discussion forums, polls, voting, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

“We have developed digital assets for every platform,” said Scott Mills, President of BET’s Digital Media Group. “From launching websites and broadband destinations, to creating mobile subscription services and expanding our VOD offerings and digital downloads, our digital assets represent the broadest array of targeted digital properties in the industry.”

BET’s 2007/2008 original productions premiering this summer and fall include:

“Somebodies” from the executive producers of “The Bernie Mac Show.” This is BET’s first original scripted series. This single-camera sitcom is based on the film of the same nature that was a hit at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. The show captures the voice of a generation as they navigate their way through life, love and careers. Premieres Fall 2007.

The animated sketch comedy series “Bufu” created by Orlando Jones (“Mad TV”) and Ali LeRoi (“Everybody Hates Chris”) Premieres Fall 2007.

Executive produced by Vin Diesel and his “One Race” production partner Samantha Vincent, “Hannibal” is about the African King that conquered the world - the greatest military strategist in the history of warfare. This series will tell Hannibal’s entire story, for the first time: from his birth, to training to be a warrior and a king, to his legendary crossing of the Alps with a herd of elephants and a multi-national army to fight against his greatest challenger, Rome. Premieres 2008.

“Cipha” is a sci-fi series set in a future world where hip hop is outlawed. But in the world of the “Cipha,” you learn that whenever you try to shut down the voice of youth, it comes back stronger than ever. A new animated series from Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment and the executive producer of “Dark Angel” and “The Shield.” Premieres 2008

For 10 weeks, BET’s reality docu-drama “Baldwin Hills” will explore the lives of 11 upper middle class Black teens as they grow up in Baldwin Hills – an upscale Black neighborhood in Los Angeles where professional athletes, television and film stars, doctors, lawyers and engineers live. This reality show will focus on kids who split their time between school, the beach, pool parties, high-end shopping and driving their daddy’s or their own Benz. In other words, kids who grow up living the glamorous lives of the young, black and fabulous. Premieres July 2007.

The reality series “S.O.B.” takes an outrageous, contemporary and comedic look at stereotypes, racism, classism, religion, sexuality, cliches, politics, social mores, identity and cultures - all under the hidden camera microscope. The ensemble cast of comedy actors engage unsuspecting, everyday people and challenge them to question their own habits, value systems and preconceived notions about society’s rules and hidden agendas. Premieres July 2007.

“College Hill Interns” is a new spin-off from the hit series “College Hill.” “College Hill Interns” delves into the interpersonal and business dynamics of eight college students living in a new city, hanging out in their new digs, and most importantly working at their new summer jobs. The cast will participate in an 8-10 week internship program at one sponsored parent company in one or more departments and be assigned tasks, interactive workshops, company promotions, and various competitive challenges. Premieres Fall 2007.

Among the three new strip series is “Judge Mooney,” which stars comedian Paul Mooney as the host of his own daily court show. As you can imagine, Mooney is the outrageously funny judge who lays down the law with his own brand of humor. Premieres Fall 2007.

“Exalted!” and “Sunday Best” highlight BET’s inspirational programming. Think “American Idol” with a gospel twist … “Sunday Best” is a national talent contest to find the best undiscovered gospel singers in America. The top contestants will be coached by great performers from the gospel and secular worlds as they strive to win the “Sunday Best” title. Premieres Fall 2007.

“Exalted!” is a biography series that spotlights a different inspirational leader each week. BET will follow various ministers as they prepare for their sermons, lead the church, perform their weekly ministerial duties and lead their everyday lives. The minister will recount the moments in his/her past that paved the way to accepting such a calling, via one-on-one interviews with the family and friends. Premieres Fall 2007.

The roll-out of BET’s new programming begins on April 20th with the premiere of the sports talker, “Ballers.”