Two of television’s biggest powerhouses are joining forces. Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry have entered a multi-year partnership to produce new series and projects for the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Perry is set to executive produce, write and direct two original scripted shows for OWN that are scheduled to premiere in mid 2013, along with other new content.
“I have been looking forward to the day when we would be in the position to enter the world of scripted television. That day has come,” Winfery said in a press release. “We are all energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Tyler who has a proven track record for producing highly successful cable series. He has an incredible ability to illuminate life stories and characters in his unique voice and inspires and encourages people all over the world.”
Perry has also expressed his excitement to work with the CEO and former daytime talk-show queen. “It’s a dream realized to partner with Oprah and bring scripted programming to OWN,” he said. “She has accomplished so much with the network and I’m excited to work with her to be a part of its continued growth.”
Winfrey launched OWN in January 2011 and she’s since been working to grow the network’s ratings. The recent fall premiere of Iyanla: Fix My Life gave the the network it’s highest rated series debut, and with a little help from Perry, the network could continue to set new records in 2013.