TV BUZZ: Tyler Perry Calls New Partnership with Oprah’s OWN Network “A Dream Realized”
Monday, October 1, 2012 at 2:52PM 
Tyler Perry to the rescue! OWN, the young Oprah Winfrey network, has been struggling to find its ratings sweet spot since its 2011 launch. But perhaps those days will be over after Mr. Perry comes aboard. The media mogul confirmed today that the two have “joined forces” for a multi-year deal to create new scripted TV shows for Oprah’s network.
In an email to his fans, Perry said, “Yes it's true, Oprah and I have joined forces. We've formed a partnership for OWN and I'm super excited about it.”
Though he didn’t disclose much about the new venture, Perry promised, “I'll fill you in more as we get closer to the airing of my shows” set for a mid-2013 premiere.
“I have been looking forward to the day when we would be in the position to enter the world of scripted television. That day has come,” Oprah Winfrey said in a statement. “We are all energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Tyler who has a proven track record for producing highly successful cable series. He has an incredible ability to illuminate life stories and characters in his unique voice and inspires and encourages people all over the world."
Both parties are excited.
In his official statement, Perry said, "It's a dream realized to partner with Oprah and bring scripted programming to OWN. She has accomplished so much with the network and I'm excited to work with her to be a part of its continued growth."
This is may very well be a smart move for OWN since Ms. Winfrey seems to be gaining momentum with black audiences with reality-based shows like Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s and Iyanla: Fix My Life.
It should be interesting to see what type programming Tyler Perry delivers for OWN.
Reader Comments (2)
I'm excited, however i hope and pray it will be quality and learning programs and a variety of programs that the family can learn and grow and enjoy. I hope it doesn't turn into reruns of MA Dear and Meet The Browns. I enjoy laughing and I'm sure someone has learned something from these shows. But I prefer something with real substance..K
I'm excited, however i hope and pray it will be quality and learning programs and a variety of programs that the family can learn and grow and enjoy. I hope it doesn't turn into reruns of MA Dear and Meet The Browns. I enjoy laughing and I'm sure someone has learned something from these shows. But I prefer something with real substance..K