News: Brandy Set to Join the Cast of ‘The Game’

Brandy fans will be happy to hear that the R&B superstar is making a comeback to scripted television. The former Moesha star is set to join the cast of The Game as Jason’s (Coby Bell) sassy, bar-tending love interest, Chardonnay, when the new season premieres in January.

The new season of The Game begins Tuesday, January 10, at 10pm ET/PT.

Looks like there’s even more reason to watch the top-rated series!

Will you be tuning into The Game when it returns to BET next month?

Fall TV is Back!

It’s that time again – the new fall TV lineup is headed for a flat screen near you. Although it’s still not clear whether or not The Game will be picked up by BET, the rumblings on various internet outlets have given us who loved the show hope.

While we wait to find out if our beloved characters, Derwin and Melanie (The Game) will return, here are three new shows that will be worth watching!


Brothers

Synopsis: A comedy about a former NFL hot shot who learns that even though you can always go home again, doing so might be more difficult than you think.

Starring: Michael Strahan, Darryl “Chill” Mitchell, Carl Weathers, and CCH Pounder

Air Date: Fridays beginning Sept. 25th 8:30 (EST), Fox


The Cleveland Show

Synopsis: A new animated series that follows everyone’s favorite soft-spoken neighbor, Cleveland Brown (Mike Henry), to his hometown in Virginia as he settles down with his high school sweetheart, her unruly kids and his own 14-year-old son, Cleveland Jr. (Kevin Michael Richardson).

Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Reagan Gomez-Preston, and Kevin Michael Richardson

Air Date: Sundays begining Sept. 23rd (8:30pm EST), Fox


The Brian McKnight Show

Synopsis: A syndicated weekly one-hour entertainment showcase. Brian will play host to celebrity interviews, round table discussions and musical performances. Shot at various locations in and around Los Angeles, the series will allow audiences to enjoy a view of the entertainment capital of the world.

Air Date: Debuting the week of September 21st (Check local listings for stations and times), Litton Entertainment

For those reality TV buffs like me, the return of America’s Next Top Model and So You Think You Can Dance will also return this month.

America’s Next Top Model

Synopsis: This season all of the aspiring models are between 5’3” and 5’7” – not exactly runway height, but we’ll see how these shorties stack up.

Air Date: Wednesdays beginning September 9th (8 EST), The CW

What shows are you looking forward to watching this season? Are you a reality TV, comedy or drama fan?

Must-See TV: CNN’s Black in America 2

Ever since CNN aired the super controversial Black in America two-part series last year, I have anxiously awaited a new installment of the documentary. Many people were not pleased with the topics that were covered in the original series, which resulted in a lot of heated discussions and debates surrounding the show and how we as African-Americans were being portrayed.

This time around, CNN host Soledad O’Brien promises that it will provide a balanced and truthful overview of the state of African-Americans this time around.

Here is an exclusive clip from the show featuring comedian Steve Harvery. Check it out here.

Part 1 airs tonight on CNN 9pm, EST. Will you be tuning in? What were you thoughts on the last one?

The Wiz Returns!

Last night, I was invited to take a stroll down the yellow brick road to see The Wiz starring pop/R&B songstress Ashanti. I have always been a huge fan of the 1978 film version with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson so I was excited to see the live production. If you’re wondering if Ashanti was able to hold her own with powerhouse cast mates such as LaChanze (she won a Tony for her role in the Broadway production of The Color Purple), Tichina Arnold and Dawnn Lewis, you’d be pleasantly surprised to learn that Ms. “Aw Baby” herself did a wonderful job! The male cast was excellent too, but for me the Tin Man played by Joshua Henry stole the show with his unbelievable vocals.

Overall, the show is a must-see for those who love the spin on the classic L. Frank Baum tale. Although, the costumes seemed a bit lack-luster, it was still a feel-good production that’s great for the entire family. If you’re in the New York City area and would like to see the play, it will be showing until July 5th at The New York City Center located 131 W. 55th Street.

Are you a fan of The Wiz?

Harlem Heights

Now that I’ve finally caught up on my DVR recordings, I’ve had the chance to watch BET’s Harlem Heights, which premiered on March 2nd. Being that I am a reality TV fanatic, I knew that I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to see young, educated professional BGs and guys living in the culturally rich, legendary neighborhood of Harlem.

I’ve never been impressed by BET’s programming or lack thereof, but after watching the first 3 episodes, to my surprise I actually like it. The show doesn’t seem to stray from the recipe of dating/love, friendships, and drama that typically make a “reality” TV show successful. Although there seems to be a bit of cattiness brewing on the show, it’s still refreshing to see BGs and guys being primarily portrayed positively on TV.


You can catch full episodes on BET.com.

Now that it’s been on the air for 3 weeks, what do you guys think? Have you seen it or do you avoid BET at all costs? Share your thoughts!

Romantic Reel Picks

In case you don’t want to go out and brave the love-filled crowds on Valentine’s Day, why not curl up on the couch with your cutie and watch an oldie, but goodie love story? I’m a huge fan of nostalgia so popping in one of my favorite romantic DVDs is always a treat. The only problem is trying to convince my hubby to turn off ESPN and join me!

What’s your favorite big screen love story? Here are a few of my favorites starring us BGs and guys:


Love & Basketball (2000) starring Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan.


Brown Sugar (2002) starring Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan.


Boomerang (1992) starring Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens and Halle Berry.


Love Jones (1997) starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long.

BTW, the winner of the Wei East Natural Beauty Perfector Hand & Body Treatment is Wes! Congrats! Please email me your mailing address.

Manifest Hope Recap!


As promised, here are a few shots that I took while visiting the Manifest Hope: DC Gallery on Monday. The exhibit showcased photographs, sculptures, paintings and other original pieces created by incredibly talented visual artists across the United States who used their craft to motivate the grassroots movement that ultimately carried President Obama to victory.

Although the exhibit was only open to the public for two days and is now officially closed, I just wanted to share some of these breathtakingly brilliant artistic creations.

Which one is your favorite? **Unfortunately, I didn’t think to get the artists’ names or the names of the creations.