BET Sets Lineup: 'The Game' Renewal, 'The Book of Negroes' Miniseries & More

In presenting their forthcoming lineup of programs in New York on Thursday, BET has put together a slate that includes new and returning shows as well as the network’s first scripted miniseries.

Firstly, the network announced the return of the drama ‘Being Mary Jane’ for a second season as well as the comedy ‘The Game’ for Season 8. BET also ordered a third season of the fake reality show ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood.’

As far as new shows go, BET has welcomed another comedy from Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil of ‘The Game’ entitled ‘The Start Up,’ starring Diggy Simmons.  Additionally, the network will air a dating show, ‘Got Game,’ and music competition series ‘Gone Gospel,’ in which contestants share a house, compete in weekly challenges, and embark on a holistic journey to rebuild their career.  

Perhaps most notably will be the network's first foray into scripted miniseries, a genre of television that has experienced a resurgence in the last couple of years. BET has given the greenlight to ‘The Book of Negroes,’ a historical drama based on the Commonwealth Prize-winning novel by Lawrence Hill. The six-part series stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Louis Gosset Jr. and Aunjanue Ellis, and tells the story of Aminata’ Diallo capture in Africa, enslavement in America and emancipation in England.

BET also announced a pair of TV movies: ‘Let the Church Say Amen,’ an adaptation of a novel about a preacher’s daughter who attempts to reconnect with her father, and a Christmas tale ‘The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.’