Showing high confidence in its recent slate, both Boomerang and American Soul have been renewed for second seasons.
Boomerang, a “sequel” for sorts to the classic 90s film starring Eddie Murphy and Halle Berry, is produced by Berry and Lena Waithe. American Soul is a scripted period drama based on the early days of Soul Train and its creator, Don Cornelius.
“BET Networks is so proud to be the television home for the compelling scripted series, Boomerang and American Soul. Our continued partnership demonstrates BET’s commitment to the elevation of creative and authentic storytelling that viewers expect from the brand,” 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.
“The partnership and creative trust of Tony Cornelius and everyone at Jesse Collins Entertainment resonated with audiences in a significant way and ensured American Soul‘s success. BET Networks is invested in showcasing black excellence in our programming and we look forward to digging even deeper into the incredible legacy of Don Cornelius and Soul Train in season two,” said Connie Orlando, head of programming at BET.
Boomerang is a “half-hour serialized comedy, fueled by romance, friendship, gender politics, love and of course, sex. Based on the 1992 American romantic comedy film, this new series will follow the lives of Jacqueline Boyer’s son, Bryson (Tequan Richmond) and Marcus and Angela Graham’s daughter, Simone (Tetona Jackson) as they try to step out of their parents’ shadows and make a legacy of their own.” Brittany Inge, RJ Walker, Leland B. Martin and Lala Milan also star.
American Soul, inspired by the untold rise of iconic music and dance program Soul Train, “is a scripted drama blending fictional and real-life characters and moments; and chronicles the struggle to make the dream of Soul Train come true. Set in the early 70’s, filled with music, dance, fashion and glamour, the series reveals what it took to launch the first nationally-syndicated Black music show and what happened when the music stopped. Battles with record labels for top talent, off-camera drama as young dancers vie for the spotlight, stand in the way of a 30-something Don Cornelius who is sacrificing all that he loves to follow his dream. The journeys of these characters collide in a racially charged LA with the odds stacked against them. All they have is each other and the magic of Soul Train.” Sinqua Walls, Kelly Price, Jason Dirden, Iantha Richardson, Katlyn Nichol, Jelani Winston, and Christopher Jefferson star.
