TV One Announces 2012 & 2013 Programming Schedule

Kicking off its first upfront season with President and CEO Wonya Lucas at the helm, TV One today unveiled ambitious plans to double the amount of original content during the 2012-2013 television year. In astar-studded presentation to advertisers at Cipriani, Ms. Lucas said the entertainment network for black adults planned to add 14 new series and specials during the upfront season, including three original sitcoms, two bio doc series that build on the legacy of its award-winning series Unsung, and nine non-fiction entertainment series.

During the presentation, Toni Judkins, TV One's EVP of original programming, outlined some of the new and returning series, including:

New series

Save My Son - is a powerful unscripted series that profiles the struggles of African American families to save their sons who have fallen victim to bad influences and bad choices. With the help of strong black male role models, these families, many of them led by single parents, will attempt to save these sons from leading a life estranged from their families and/orwith heightened chances of their becoming another black male statistic in the criminal justice system. This groundbreaking series will go to communities to rescue young men from a range of dangerous activities. While many troubled youth come from the country'smost challenged urban neighborhoods, not all sons in need of help were reared in traditionally at-risk homes. The series looks to help a diverse group of individuals from different socio-economic groups and backgrounds. Each program features an intervention staged by loved ones, a therapist and the series host, Dr. Steve Perry, renowned educator, author and TV commentator. They work together to design the best possible plan of action to get the young man in crisis back on track. The series is produced for TV One by Powerhouse Productions. Save My Son is slated to premiere in 3rd quarter 2012.

Unresolved: Celebrity Cases - This investigative series delves into controversial and sensational cases involving some of the most prominent entertainment figures of our time. Unresolved: Celebrity Cases seeks to uncover the truth behind headline-making events, such as celebrity homicides like the fatal hotel shooting of Sam Cooke or the murder of once up-and-coming R&B singer LaLa Brown; or unexplained mysteries, like the disappearance of basketball star BrIan Williams aka Bison Dele and many more. Each episode introduces the case of a celebrated figure then it takes the audience through the rise of the celebrity's life to an intimate exploration of their publicized tragedy or downfall. Through dramatic recreations surrounding the events, eyewitness accounts, culture experts, family, friends and/or colleagues, a clear picture emerges of the days leading up to the fateful moment and thereafter. Created and produced by K2 Pictures. Slated to premiere in 4th quarter 2012.

The Ladies of R&B -- is an hour long series that follows the current lives of R&B singers Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert, Keke Wyatt, Monifah Carter and Syleena Johnson. They share their pain, suffering and joy as they work hard and lean on each other to put their lives back together. The series will follow them solo, together and in different combinations as they not only fight to get their lives on track but also to pay their good fortune forward. Divorce, parenting, drugs and alcohol, physical abuse and more - these ladies have survived it all and continue to deal with life's battles each day. It is their personal mission to help other women in need. If women can learn from their mistakes, it was all worth it. They will love each other, fight with each other and celebrate with each other because there is one constant in their lives -- their friendship. This sisterhood cannot be stopped.Produced by ThinkFactory Media. Slated to premiere in 3rd quarter 2012.

In Development

Bernie Mac: A Tribute To A Comedy King -TV One has signed a development deal withUltrawave Vision to present an elegant tribute to one of the great Kings of Comedy, Bernie Mac. Plans for the special presentation include bringing together top entertainers who will revisit the comedy, the films, and the life of one of the world's greatest humorist. Family, friends, and colleagues will gather, dine and toast Bernie's most memorable film clips, comedy routines, and special appearances. Comedians old and new will perform in his honor and his favorite bands and musical performers will sing to his memory.

The Rickey Smiley Show - a sitcom starring comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley, who plays on the show a character loosely based on his own life - a popular, local DJ based in Atlanta, who is the single father to four adopted children. The show's stories are derived from Rickey's attempt to raise his children by himself and still have a personal life, as well as the situations that occur at the radio station, which is a hot bed of office politics, back stabbing, sexual innuendo, social issues, celebrity appearances, music and, of course, humor. Produced Bobcat Films.

Destined - is a new bio-series that picks up on the popularity of TV One's Unsung series, and takes a nostalgic look back at the best, brightest and most beloved African American actors who have touched our lives in film and television. We know their names, we know their faces, and we are mesmerized by their talent. A relentless focus, drive and love for their craft set them on a journey to stardom. Through struggles and triumphs, these gifted individuals were determined to make their dreams come true by any means necessary, simply put...they were DESTINED. Witness the rise, fall and the determination of those who were Destined for stardom.

Belles-a new sitcom centered around an upscale soul food restaurant owned and operated by the widowed patriarch Big Bill Cooper. Belle, Bill's wife, passed several years ago, leaving him with his hands full: a restaurant to run and three daughters to raise.Produced bylegendary producer Ed Weinberger and Miguel Nunez.

Church Folk - a new sitcom produced in conjunction with Code Black Entertainment about The Hunters, a prestigious First Family, who are forced to leave their newly built mega-church in Los Angeles and start over back home in their native South, determined to rebuild their empire there. The last thing they would have wanted turns out to be exactly what they need, because sometimes having it all starts with having less.

Returning Series

Unsung - TV One returns with eight new episodes of its widely acclaimed and NAACP Image Award-nominated bio series Unsung in 4th quarter 2012 and 16 new episodes beginning in 1st quarter 2013.This NAACP Image Award-winning series of one-hour biography specials celebrates the lives and careers of successful artists or groups who, despite great talent, over the years have been under-recognized or under-appreciated. Unsung reveals the multiple factors that have kept these artists from achieving the iconic commercial status they deserved. And, in the process, these specials "sing" the praises and celebrate the artistry that has kept fellow artists and fans talking about them for years. TV One just completed its highest-rated season ever of Unsung on March 12, and, prior to 4th quarter, will debut eight new episodes beginning in June 2012, including Sly Stone, Gerald Levert, the Marvelettes, Kool Moe Dee, Angela Bofil, Arrested Development and Confunkshun. A. Smith & Co. produces Unsung for TV One.