BET is striking while the iron is hot.
With a focus on “investing in new in partnerships with leading Black content creators with unique creative voices,” the network announced Tuesday that it will pick up second seasons of American Soul and Boomerang.
“BET Networks is so proud to be the television home for the compelling scripted series, Boomerang and American Soul,” said newly installed network president Scott Mills in a statement. “Our continued partnership demonstrates BET’s commitment to the elevation of creative and authentic storytelling that viewers expect from the brand.”
Executive produced by Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe and Academy Award winner Halle Berry, Boomerang picks up 25 years where the iconic 1992 romantic comedy of the same name left off — centering on the trials and tribulations of the millennial-aged offspring of characters originally portrayed by Eddie Murphy, Halle Berry and Robin Givens.
“Making Boomerang has been one of the highlights of my career and the positive feedback we’ve gotten from fans and critics has been so validating. I’m beyond excited to dive even deeper into these characters’ lives in season two,” said Waithe in a statement.
American Soul, which concludes its first season tonight, is a one-hour drama, chronicling the rags to riches story of Don Cornelius, the founder, producer and host of Soul Train, which became of one of the most prominent and groundbreaking television shows for African-American culture.
Starring Sinqua Walls as Don Cornelius, the series’ cast also includes Kelly Price, Jason Dirden, Iantha Richardson, Christopher Jefferson, Katlyn Nichol, and Jelani Winston. Featuring guest appearances by Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Bobby Brown and K. Michelle, the period drama also features music produced by Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.
According to the network, both series are the top scripted comedy and drama, respectively.