Michael Jai White &Tasha Smith will start in new show “For Better or Worse,”
Apr 28th, 2011 by Bilal Ali
Tyler Perry is bringing another television series to TBS.
As previously reported, the multi-hyphenate has signed his latest deal with the Turner-owned network for “For Better or Worse,” a dramedy series based on his successful “Why Did I Get Married?” movie franchise.
Michael Jai White (The Dark Knight) and Tasha Smith (Couples Retreat) are confirmed to reprise their roles as television anchor Marcus and salon owner Angela, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Like Perry’s past TBS projects, “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns,” the young adult-focused series will roll out with 10 episodes. If the latter reaches a certain ratings threshold during its initial run, the network will order 90 more.
“Tyler Perry’s series have been tremendously successful for TBS, helping establish the network as a prime destination for African-American viewers,” said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming, for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. “Given such a remarkable track record, we’re excited for the opportunity to expand our relationship with Tyler Perry and Debmar-Mercury with the new series For Better or Worse.”
The series, which like Perry’s other two will be syndicated by Debmar Mercury, will begin production this summer, just as Perry wraps production on “Payne” after a staggering 222 episodes.
“Even though it will be sad to say goodbye to ‘House of Payne,’ I’m really looking forward to exploring new territory with ‘For Better or Worse,’” said Perry. “Working on ‘House of Payne’ taught me a lot about what it takes to make a successful television series and I’m looking forward to applying that experience to ‘For Better or Worse.’”
For the first quarter of 2011, “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns” ranked among television’s top five primetime sitcoms with African-American adults 18-34 and 18-49.