LOS ANGELES – August 3, 2017 – Get ready to clutch your pearls and laugh ‘til it hurts as BET Networks unveils its new Fall 2017 lineup! BET is pushing the comedy limits as it debuts series from some of the biggest names in the game including new showcase “50 CENTRAL” starring the legendary Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson; new boundary-pushing game show “FACE VALUE” from executive producer Wanda Sykes and starring Deon Cole and Tiffany Haddish; and new weekly satire series “THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE” from executive producer Chris Rock.
On the scripted side, “THE COMEDY GET DOWN” goes behind the scenes of a mega standup comedy tour with George Lopez, DL Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin and the late, much-beloved Charlie Murphy. Viewers will also get an all-access pass to the hip-hop wedding of the year as rapper Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir become one in “GUCCI MANE & KEYSHIA KA’OIR: THE MANE EVENT”.
Irv Gotti’s “TALES” also returns with new episodes, including “song stories” from Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” and Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen”. And fan favorite tentpole specials return including the biggest night in hip-hop with the “HIP HOP AWARDS”, and smoothest sounds in R&B with the “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS”. New programming kicks off Wednesday, September 27th, with brand new episodes premiering every week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays!
BET FALL SERIES LINEUP
Wednesday, September 27
10:00 PM ET/PT
FACE VALUE **NEW**
From Push It Productions and Executive Producer Wanda Sykes, “FACE VALUE” is an edgy new 30-minute game show that will finally answer the age-old question, “Can you judge a book by its cover?” Hosted by Deon Cole (“black-ish,” Barbershop) with outrageous woman-on-the-street segments from Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip, “Carmichael Show”), this series is flipping the script to award cash and prizes for correctly guessing facts about strangers from all walks of life – based solely on their appearance and a few personal details. “FACE VALUE” will humorously break down stereotypes, expose prejudices, and celebrate the human spirit by highlighting the commonalities and differences among people of various backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs and life experiences. Push It Productions’ Wanda Sykes and Page Hurwitz serve as Executive Producers along with Lance Crouther.
10:30 PM ET/PT
50 CENTRAL **NEW**
Award-winning rapper, entrepreneur, actor and producer, the iconic Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, storms BET’s airwaves to take variety and sketch comedy to the next level with “50 CENTRAL.” BET’s first variety comedy showcase will be unlike anything seen from the genre before. Along with unprecedented sketches, the 30-minute show will feature hidden camera pranks, musical performances, and A-list celebrity guests to create the ultimate late night party – all handpicked and hosted by 50 Cent. Few artists have had as much crossover success as Jackson and he showcases his talents as an MC, actor and producer for a fresh take on the variety series. “50 CENTRAL” is produced by G-Unit Film & Television in partnership with Back Roads Entertainment with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Stephen J. Savva, Colby Gaines and Riley Robbins serving as Executive Producers and Michael A. Blum serving as Co-Executive Producer.
Thursday, September 28
11:00 PM ET/PT
THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE **NEW**
BET joins forces with Executive Producer Chris Rock to bring the African American female voice to late night news satire: “THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE.” Comedian and former head writer and contributor for “The Nightly Show,” Robin Thede, gives her hilariously unique take on the week’s headlines in politics and pop culture in a fast-paced, no-holds-barred 30-minute late night show featuring biting social commentary, sharp sketch comedy and in-your-face pop culture parody. From the team behind “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” “THE RUNDOWN WITH ROBIN THEDE” is produced by JAX MEDIA with Chris Rock and Robin Thede serving as Executive Producers. Tony Hernandez, Lilly Burns, John Skidmore and Genevieve Anniello also executive produce.
Tuesday, October 10
10:00 PM ET/PT
TALES **RETURNING**
Executive Producer Irv “Gotti” Lorenzo returns with brand new episodes of “TALES” – a one-hour scripted anthology series of “song stories” weaving classic hip-hop songs into visually stunning 3-act narratives. Far beyond the music video or the live event, each song’s lyrics are imagined as cinematic adventures with a different director, screenwriter and celebrity cast per song story. Upcoming songs include Jay-Z’s “99 Problems”, Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen”, “Children’s Story” by Slick Rick, and “You’re All I Need” by Method Man and Mary J. Blige. Featured talent will include Lance Gross, Bre-Z, and Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight) to name a few. “TALES” is produced and created by Irv Gotti and his Visionary Ideas production company.
Special premiere night Tuesday, 10/10, at 10 PM ET/PT.
Thursday, October 12
11:30 PM ET/PT
THE COMEDY GET DOWN **NEW**
“THE COMEDY GET DOWN” is the first scripted comedy series about what really happens behind the scenes of a massive stand-up comedy tour featuring five legendary comics – George Lopez, DL Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin and Charlie Murphy. They’re hilarious, insane and unapologetic on stage, but the second they step off is when the real show begins. The storylines are based on actual events that have taken place not only on their wildly successful Comedy Get Down arena tour, but throughout the 25 plus years each has been a nationally headlining comedian. A workplace comedy at its core, the 30-minute, single-camera series explores the personal and professional relationships of these five comic titans as they navigate the challenges of life on the road: seedy venues, racist road managers, pushy wives, angry baby mamas, obsessive fans, demanding celebrities, shady politicians and more. Free 90 Media’s Tom Brunelle and Brad Wollack serve as Executive Producers along with 3 Arts’ Michael Rotenberg, Greg Walter and Kimberly Carver. Eric C. Rhone from A Bird and A Bear Entertainment also serves as an Executive Producer.
Tuesday, October 17
10:00 PM ET/PT
GUCCI MANE & KEYSHIA KA’OIR: THE MANE EVENT **NEW**
Premiering on 10/17/17 – the actual wedding day – the ten episode docuseries “GUCCI MANE & KEYSHIA KA’OIR: THE MANE EVENT” follows the twists and turns of hip-hop power couple, Gucci Mane and Keyshia Ka’oir, as they work to blend their families and defy the odds as they set to prepare for the most extravagant celebrity wedding of the year. Executive produced by Carlos King for Kingdom Reign Entertainment, David George and Jordanna Hochman for ITV Creative. Oji Singletary serves as showrunner.
