To absolutely no surprise at all, BET had its presentations today known as the upfronts, and told the audience that they are renewing The Game and Let’s Stay Together and more!
Here is their official press release;
NEW YORK – April 20, 2011 – Coming off of the success of its best year ever in 2010 and best quarter ever for 1Q’11, BET Networks announced that it will unveil a brand new slate of programming for BET and CENTRIC at its 2011 Upfront presentation at the Best Buy Theater in New York. During the event, BET plans to announce that it will continue its focus on original scripted content with a new sitcom, REED BETWEEN THE LINES, starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. The Network will also unveil new scripted web originals, LENOX AVENUE and THE COME UP, and also its first ever sci-fi thriller web series, ODESSA and ASYLUM, all of which will run across all BET Digital platforms—BET.com, BET Mobile and BET On Demand. BET will also announce another season of THE GAME and a second season of LET’S STAY TOGETHER. In addition to scripted programming, BET will also introduce a new music docu-series, THE MESSAGE, which is a four part series about the music, the culture and the message of hip-hop. The Network will also bring back a number of its popular returning series and tent poles including BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, SUNDAY BEST and the BET AWARDS ‘11.
“This is the year that our audience, advertisers and partners have been waiting for. The incredible success of 2010 and 1Q’11 have truly put BET Networks in a brand new game and affirms our strategy to continue offering compelling content on air, online and in market,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO, BET Networks. “Our insights from African- Americans Revealed and our brand strategy served as a blueprint for our 2011 programming mix for BET and CENTRIC.”
In 2010, BET Networks posted a blockbuster year of ratings and 2011 is poised to deliver even bigger results for the Network due to the incredible performance of its scripted content, returning series and tent pole specials. According to the Nielsen Company, BET continues to be the #1 cable network among African-Americans and remains the #1 cable network among blacks 18-49 for six consecutive years. Additionally, CENTRIC continues its ratings stride and is growing a stronger connection to its audience. In 2010, CENTRIC became posted gains each consecutive month in 2010. CENTRIC will announce a lineup of returning series, music documentaries and classics.
“We’re in a category of one because no other network understands African-American consumers as deeply as BET Networks,” said Louis Carr, President of Advertising Sales at BET Networks. “Our insights, coupled with our compelling content, help our advertising partners engage with the consumers they want the most.”
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