BET has renewed freshmen scripted shows Boomerang and American Soul for season two.
“BET Networks is so proud to be the television home for the compelling scripted series, Boomerang and American Soul,” said BET president Scott Mills. “Our continued partnership demonstrates BET’s commitment to the elevation of creative and authentic storytelling that viewers expect from the brand.”
Though both Boomerang and American Soul are weaker ratings performers than recently cancelled Hit the Floor and The Quad, they’ve generated positive reviews for the buzz-starved cable network and resonated with their target demo. American Soul ranks as the top cable scripted drama among BET’s core audience of African-Americans 18-49 and total viewers, while Boomerang is cable’s No. 1 new scripted comedy among African-Americans in the key adults 18-49 demo and total viewers.
From Jonathan Prince (American Dreams) and Devon Greggory (Reckless), American Soul tells the story of legendary Soul Train host Don Cornelius (Sinqua Walls) and showcases the cutthroat nature of 1970’s Hollywood, how Soul Train influenced African-American culture, and the lives and careers of those who passed through its doors.
In additiont to Walls, the series stars Jason Dirden (Greenleaf), Christopher Jefferson (5th Ward), Kelly Price (Saints & Sinners), Iantha Richardson (Good Trouble), and newcomers Jelani Watson and Katlyn Nichol.
Based on the 1992 Eddie Murphy film and executive produced by Lena Waithe (The Chi) and Halle Berry (Monster’s Ball), Boomerang follows a successful executive who finds that his boss is a bigger deviant than he is. The series explores changing role of gender, office politics, relationships, and the conflicts between Generation X and millennials.
The series stars Tequan Richmond (Everybody Hates Chris), Tetona Jackson (All Night), Leland B. Martin (A Cinderella Christmas), and Lala Milan (Claws).
American Soul and Boomerang are part of a scripted slate for BET that includes Being Mary Jane, Tales, In Contempt, and The Family Business.
American Soul airs Tuesdays at 9:00 on BET, with Boomerang following at 10:00.
