Debut of "Somebodies" sitcom next week marks BET's move into scripted series

From Multichannel News
(August 24, 2008) BET will join the growing list of cable networks launching scripted series when it debuts the comedy series Somebodies Sept. 9.

The series is the first scripted project for the 28-year-old African-American-targeted network, which has been criticized for relying on music videos and reality programming.

BET hopes the show -- based on the Sundance Film Festival film of the same name by film producer Hadjii, which follows a group of college friends trying to find their way in the world -- will lay the groundwork for other original scripted shows to follow on the channel.

The show will join TBS's Tyler Perry's House of Payne and ABC Family's Lincoln Heights as the only scripted series on broadcast or cable television featuring a predominantly African-American cast.

"My goal is to make good shows, and I feel like Somebodies is something that's really smart, funny and different," said BET president of Entertainment Reggie Hudlin.

Hudlin said the show balances the quirky comedic intelligence of the long-running sitcom Seinfeld with "contemporary cultural authenticity."

Hudlin would not project a rating for Somebodies, but hopes the show will find its audience. BET's 0.5 household rating for the second quarter was down 17% from a 0.6 during the same period last year.

"As we've expanded the range of original programming on the network, we hope this becomes another franchise for us," he said.

As for BET's critics, Hudlin said the network will never please everyone, but he believes the network's programming provides something for all age groups and demos within the African-American community.

"There are some people who will always find something to criticize, so I can't predict what will ever make them say, 'You guys are making a lot of great changes,' " he said. "All I know is that we did a show here that I think is smart and different and when people see it, they like it."

Hudlin said the network is also in pre-production on several scripted animated shows and live-action projects, but would not disclose specifics.

"We're committed to launching more scripted series in addition to our reality and music shows and specials," he said. "I want Somebodies to be a success, but you can't judge an entire genre on the success and failures of one show."


Go to Target Market News homepage
 

  ORDER THE WORKBOOK!  

 

 SEE WHAT YOU MISSED



Review Presentations From:
Arbitron
GlobalHue
Hunter-Miller Group
Nia Enterprises
Radio One
R. L. Polk
Starcom MediaVest
U.S. Census Bureau
Yankelovich
...and others!

Click here to order the 2008
MAAX Summit Workbook

_________________________________________________________________________________________

The African-American
Book Publishing Authority

Now in its ninth year of publication, Black Issues Book Review is the only nationally distributed magazine devoted exclusively to covering the latest news and reviews on black books. BIBR also provides up-to-date news on forthcoming author signings, book fairs and book clubs.
Want this issue? Get it with your new subscription.
Click Here

A TARGET MARKET NEWS PUBLICATION
_________________________