Viacom signed a long-term deal with prolific producer Tyler Perry for TV, film and short-form video that includes 90 episodes annually of drama and comedy for BET. The TV/video side of the pact goes into effect in May 2019, when Perry’s deal with OWN expires. At the end of its exclusive relationship with Perry, said OWN, it has the option to work with the Have and the Have Nots creator on a non-exclusive basis, while noting the net has also had success with non-Perry original dramas Queen Sugar and Greenleaf. “The network will continue to aggressively expand its roster of premium original scripted series,” added OWN.
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