In addition to ordering a weekly late night show produced by Chris Rock and hosted by Robin Thede, BET has added some more comedy selections to its lineup. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the network has ordered a Kevin Hart-produced comedy called Divorce Saved My Marriage, a late night show produced by Steve Harvey, a Wanda Sykes-produced game show hosted by Deon Cole, and a sketch/variety show hosted by 50 Cent, which was in development at A&E last year. Here’s a rundown of the new shows:
SCRIPTED Divorce Saved My Marriage: From exec producer Kevin Hart, the 30-minute scripted dramedy is based on the stand-up of David A. Arnold. When a couple realizes that divorce is the only thing they can agree on, their attorney recommends a financial plan instead of a court date — forcing them to work together so they can finally afford to be apart. Created/executive produced by Devon K. Shepard and David A. Arnold, with Hart and Dave Becky serving as executive producers. (10 episodes) BET’s Mancave: A no-holds-barred conversation among five men brave enough to be honest and vulnerable, as they laugh it up and get serious about hot-button topics. Hosted by journalist Jeff Johnson and featuring actors, athletes and comedians, among others, the topical weekly event series brings together African-American men with wildly diverse opinions to dissect current hot topics in entertainment, politics, news and beyond. Through humor, genuine emotion and heated debate, the panel will discuss their own opinions and experiences, while revealing what it’s really like to navigate the world as an African-American man. Created by Johnson and produced by Truly Original and East 112th Street Productions. Johnson exec produces alongside Truly Original’s Steven Weinstock, Glenda Hersh and Bryan Hale as well as Steve Harvey and Gerald Washington for 112th Street Productions. (12 episodes) Face Value: From Push It Productions and exec producer Wanda Sykes, the game show will answer the age-old question, “Can you judge a book by its cover?” The series flips 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. Hosted by Deon Cole (Black-ish), the series will 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’ Sykes and Page Hurwitz exec produce alongside Lance Crouther. (24 episodes) 50 Central: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson hosts BET’s first variety comedy showcase. The series will feature sketches, hidden-camera pranks, musical performances and A-list celebrity guests to create the ultimate late-night party — all handpicked and hosted by 50 Cent. Produced by G-Unit Film & Television in partnership with Back Roads Entertainment with Jackson, Stephen J. Savva, Colby Gaines and Riley Robbins serving as exec producers and Michael A. Blum serving as co-exec producer. (24 episodes)
