Tyler Perry’s The Oval and Sistas will be among the first television shows to resume production since the coronavirus crisis halted work on film and TV projects in March.
In a press release Tuesday, BET announced it renewed the two original dramas, with production expected to start at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta on July 8.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Tyler Perry and for the renewals of our two Wednesday night programming staples, The Oval and Sistas,” BET President Scott Mills said in a statement. “BET is committed to investing in quality programming from top industry power players and giving viewers more of the content they love and expect from the brand across our platforms.”
The shows ranked as the #1 and #2 new scripted series on cable this season. Season 2 premiere dates for the series will be announced later, BET said.
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Perry is expected to take precautionary measures to protect the cast and crew members amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The multi-hyphenate writes, executive produces and directs both shows. Michelle Sneed also serves as an executive producer of the series for Tyler Perry Studios.
The Oval tells the story of a family placed in the White House by people of power while also highlighting the personal side and everyday lives of the staff who run the inner workings of the iconic residence. The series stars Ed Quinn, Kron Moore, Javon Johnson, Ptosha Storey, Vaughn Hebron, Teesha Renee, Paige Hurd, Daniel Croix Henderson, Lodric Collins, Ciera Payton, Walter Fauntleroy, Taja V. Simpson, Brad Benedict, Travis Cure, and Matthew Law.
Sistas centers on a group of single black women as they navigate their careers, relationships, and friendships through the ups-and-downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic expectations. The one-hour drama stars KJ Smith, Mignon Von, Ebony Obsidian, Novi Brown, DeVale Ellis, Chido Nwokocha, Anthony Dalton, Brian Jordan Jr., and Kevin Walton.
News that the two series would resume production in July came after Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp lifted the state’s stay-at-home order on April 30. Meanwhile in Los Angeles, county leaders and Mayor Eric Garcetti are expected to officially announce on Wednesday, May 13, that “Safer at Home” orders will be extended through August.
