By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — BET+, the streaming end of BET, has plans for a full slate of summer shows as they battle to stay relevant in the increasingly competitive streaming world. A major item among these shows is the special “Martin: The Reunion,” as well as the return of another staple with “College Hill: Celebrity Edition.”
But leading off the summer programs Thursday will be the third season of Tyler Perry’s “Bru.” A program that follows the adventures of five friends, the new season will follow them through new challenges while they try to maintain the bonds of friendship that have sparked their associations for years. Another highly anticipated series will be “American Gangster: Trap Queens,” which begins its third year June 9. The program features narration from rapper Lil’ Kim and there will be five new episodes. These will spotlight the stories of Sydia Bagley, Lonett “Cookie” Williams, Pam Driskel, Tracie Dickey and Demi “Mimi” Harrison. While some may find the content problematic, each episode offers true stories and outcomes that depict the consequences of particular choices and actions.
Far more upbeat will be “Martin: The Reunion,” a 90-minute special coming June 16. It will reunite the original cast, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carly Anthony Payne II. The program will be hosted by Affion Crockett and celebrates the program’s five season, while revisiting key moments and also pay tribute to the late Tommy Ford.
“College Hill: The Celebrity Edition” debuts June 30. It again features celebrities living together and joining HBCUs as students. This time the list of participants includes Nene Leakes, Ray J, Lamar Odom, Big Freedia, Stacey Dash, DreamDoll, India Love, and Slim Thug. It will run for eight episodes. The eight-episode series will explore college life through a celebrity lens while showcasing the unique cultural and academic experience of HBCUs.
The second season of “All The Queen’s Men” begins July 14. The one-hour drama continues its exploration of the life of “Marilyn ‘Madam’ DeVille,” played by Eva Marcille. Series regulars Skyh Alvester Black as “Amp ‘Addiction’ Anthony,” Candace Maxwell as “DJ Dime,” Racquel Palmer as “Blue,” Michael ‘Bolo’ Bolwaire as “Doc,” Keith Swift Jr. as “Babyface,” Dion Rome as “El Fuego,” and Jeremy ‘Masterpiece’ Williams as “Midnight” all return. Series creator Christian Keyes will also reprise his role as “The Concierge.” Additionally, recurring cast member Carter the Body returns as “Trouble.”
The fourth season of “Family Business” returns July 28, while the second season of “The Mrs. Pat Show” starts August 11. Some series feature all episodes when they launch, while others feature new shows each week. A complete guide of BET + shows and upcoming films is available on their website or at Paramount +.
