Mary J. Blige has signed a first-look deal with BET, in partnership with her production company Blue Butterfly, to create non-scripted programming.
The Emmy winner also inks a second-look deal centered around scripted content.
Blige says, “BET has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my career. Being able to now create together, for them to be so supportive of my vision for the type of content I will create, is something I am grateful and excited for. We already have multiple projects in the works and there is much more to come.”
“As we strive to provide our audience with the best in biopics and documentaries, we are poised to remain at the forefront in offering high-quality, authentic on-screen portrayals of the lives of the culture’s most significant Black talent; and we are proud to supercharge the portfolio of content through our collaboration with Mary J. Blige’s production company, Blue Butterfly,” shares Connie Orlando, BET‘s executive vice president of specials, music programming & music strategy.
“Throughout her legendary career, Mary has blazed trails to become a global superstar. With Blue Butterfly, Mary develops awe-inspiring stories of the Black experience while uniquely using music to set the foundation. Mary has been a vital part of the BET family and we are eager to see our partnership flourish through this partnership.”
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Of the non-scripted programs coming down the pike, The Wine Down is up first. The upcoming series will feature Blige as host, conversing with in-demand voices from various sectors, including entertainment, sports, social media and politics, among others.
A series title like The Wine Down could mean Blige will involve her premium wine company Sun Goddess.
Taraji P. Henson and Yung Miami of City Girls have been teased as the first of many guests on The Wine Down. More guests will be announced in soon.
No further details regarding The Wine Down or the second-look deal, which focuses on scripted content, have yet to be announced.
Blige’s Blue Butterfly already caught steam earlier this year, partnering with Lifetime to develop an original film titled Real Love, inspired by her gold-selling 1992 single “Real Love.”
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Another film, Strength of a Woman, will also premiere on the network in 2023. The second movie is titled after a 2017 album and song from Blige.
Most recently, Blige earned six nominations at the 2023 Grammys, including Album of the Year and Best R&B Album for Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe).
The album’s empowering title track got three nods, while the Anderson Paak-featured “Here With Me” is up for Best R&B Performance.
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Speaking of Good Morning Gorgeous, the album was among Rated R&B’s Best R&B Albums of 2022.
Rated R&B’s Antwane Folk said this about the album: “Now, 30 years into her music tenure, a new Mary J. Blige has awakened on Good Morning Gorgeous, triumphantly coming out of the ashes after many years of complicated exes.”
As 2022 comes to a close, Blige has a few concert obligations to fulfill. First, she’s set to perform at the pre-New Year’s Event show on Dec. 29 in Jacksonville, Florida. K. Michelle and Queen Naija will support.
Afterward, on Dec. 30, she’ll hit the stage for Miami Funk Fest. Carl Thomas, Anthony Hamilton and Jeezy are also on the bill.
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