Shortly after State Farm Insurance and Home Depot preemptively pulled their ads from the Charlie Murphy hostedshow “Hot Ghetto Mess,”BET has announced the launching of a series of new shows at July’s Television Critics Association meetings. “Hip-Hop vs. America,” and the comedy sketch show “BUFU” will lead what BET Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Debra Lee calls “an eclectic mix of programming that features a broad range of genres.”
Each of the shows were previewed and discussed by a panel at the TCA meetings. While BET still plans to premiere “Hot Ghetto Mess” on July 25, the panel shifted most of its focus to the other new programs. “Hip-Hop vs. America” features a recent Town Hall discussion including Chuck D. of Public Enemy, Al Sharpton, T.I. and Nelly, as well as journalists Diane Weathers and Stanley Crouch discussing a myriad of topics related to Hip-Hop music and culture. BET, has yet to announce an exact date and time for the multi-episode special.
“BUFU” will feature animated sketch comedy executive produced by Ali LeRoy of “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Pootie Tang” and Orlando Jones of “Drumline.” BET describes the comedy of the show as being in the tradition of Saturday Night Live. “BUFU” premieres Tuesday, November 13, at 10:00 p.m. EST.
“Sunday Best,”“College Hill Interns,”“American Gangster 2” and a studio set update for the 1-year anniversary of the popular countdown show “106 & Park” were also announced.
