Devin Griffin: Last News

Jennifer Maas TV Business Writer After debuting eight new original holiday movies in 2021, BET+ is getting even more into the seasonal spirit this year with 10 more titles rolling out beginning Nov. 3, Variety has learned exclusively. The 2022 slate features films starring Ne-Yo, Sereyah, Romeo Miller, LeToya Luckett and LaLa Milan, as well as returning BET+ holiday movie staples like Jasmine Guy, Terrence Carson and Dorien Wilson. The titles come from directors and writers including Victoria Rowell (who also appears in “A Christmas Gift”), Robin Givens, Bree West and Patricia Cuffie Jones. “We’re committed to bringing quality Black stories to the screen and the holidays are no exception,” BET+ executive vice president and general manager Devin Griffin said. “Year after year, our members devour holiday programming; in fact, our original holiday films continue to out-perform, which is why we’re committed to growing our investment in this area of the service. But it’s not just about meeting demand, it’s also about authenticity. Our cast and crews are a powerhouse of Black excellence from creatives behind the camera like Victoria Rowell, Robin Givens and Patricia Cuffie Jones to the incredible performances of talent like Ne-Yo, Serayah, Romeo Miller, Dorien Wilson and Jasmine Guy, to name a few. With a weekly rollout of content come November, we’re excited to help our members celebrate and enjoy the holidays all season long.”

EXCLUSIVE: The BET+ Original film Brewster’s Millions: Christmas is set to premiere on December 5, it has been revealed as production wraps.

Actors Stephen Bishop, LeToya Luckett (Greenleaf), and Iyana Halley (This is Us) have signed on to lead the BET+ thriller One Night Stay from Worldwide Entertainment and Media in association with Choice Films. 

EXCLUSIVE: Here’s your first look at So Fly Christmas, the upcoming BET+ holiday movie starring Tichina Arnold (The Neighborhood, Martin), Tami Roman (The Ms. Pat Show, Truth Be Told), Robert Christopher Riley (The Pass, Greenleaf), and newcomer Laurissa Romain (Son of The South, Top Five).

Selome Hailu BET+ has set premiere dates for its fall slate of films and new and returning TV series. First on the list is “Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy,” a film series starring Taye Diggs. Part 1 debuts on Sept.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at Large BET will launch a new lower-priced ad-supported tier to its BET+ streaming service, which launched in September 2019. The “BET+ Essential” service will cost $5.99 a month, compared to $9.99 for the ad-free version, and will launch at 9 a.m. PT on June 25 — timed to the live 2023 BET Awards that night. BET president/CEO Scott Mills and BET+ exec VP/general manager Devin Griffin were set to announce the new tier on Thursday morning, as they and BET Media Group media sales president Louis Carr prepare to pitch it to advertisers. As part of that pitch, BET is revealing subscriber numbers for BET+ for the first time: More than 3 million. The company expects to grow that number, and although some users will migrate to the lower-cost tier, Mills said he expects to see a net gain.

EXCLUSIVE: Keesha Sharp (Power Book II: Ghost) is setas a lead opposite Taye Diggs in BET+ true crime film series Love & Murder: Atlanta Playboy, from Mona Scott-Young of Monami Productions and Eric Tomosunas of Swirl Films. It is set to debut on BET+ later this year.

The 2023 Independent Spirit Awards honored the best in television and film, and the winners have been revealed.

EXCLUSIVE: Shaquita Smith (Wicked City) will front a Valentine’s Day movie for Paramount Global’s BET+ opposite Travis Cure (The Oval) and Jeff Logan (Double Cross).

Melanie Lynskey and Juno Temple brighten up the navy blue carpet in lime green looks at the 2022 Paramount Emmy Party held at Catch LA on Saturday night (September 10) in West Hollywood, Calif.

Jussie Smollett has launched his directorial debut with BET+ "B-Boy Blues." The LGBTQ+ centered show will debut on the streaming network June 9, just in time for Pride Month. This project marks the first for Smollett since he was found guilty of making false reports on what he alleged to be a hate crime.

EXCLUSIVE: A group of young Atlanta tastemakers – from pop stars to influencers and entrepreneurs – are going under the microscope in a new docuseries for BET+.

Jussie Smollett will make his post-scandal directorial debut on BET+ with the upcoming film B-Boy Blues.It will be the first project for the 39-year-old actor since being found guilty in December 2021 of charges stemming from a fake hate crime against himself.Mona Scott-Young, 55, and her Monami Entertainment has joined the film as a producer and was a key figure in the BET+ deal, according to an article on Wednesday by Variety. Directorial debut:Jussie Smollett, shown in December 2018 in Beverly Hills, California, will make his post-scandal directorial debut on BET+ with the upcoming film B-Boy BluesSmollett was sentenced in March to 150 days in county jail after being convicted on felony charges over the January 2019 hate crime hoax.He served only six days in jail before he was released on bond pending the outcome of the appeal of his conviction.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeFormer “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s directing debut has finally found a home: BET+ has picked up “B-Boy Blues,” which will debut on the streamer on June 9 in time for Pride Month. As part of the pickup, Mona Scott-Young and her Monami Entertainment has joined the film as a producer and was instrumental in getting the deal done with BET+.“B-Boy Blues” reps the first project for Smollett since being found guilty of making false reports about what he alleged to be a hate crime.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeBET+’s “Martin: The Reunion” has been given a premiere date: The special, which reunites the cast of the iconic 1990s Fox sitcom, will debut June 16 on the streamer.That’s one of several summer premiere dates BET+ is set to announce on Wednesday, Variety has learned exclusively. According to BET+, the 90-minute reunion brings back original stars Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carl Anthony Payne II to reminisce about the show’s five seasons.The show even takes place on the iconic “Martin” living room set and is hosted by Affion Crockett.

EXCLUSIVE: Cop Out writer Robb Cullen is working on a dark comedy drama inspired by his own life for BET+.