Say what you want, but Tyler Perry is doing his thing/his latest film, “Medea’s Big Family Reunion” landed in the number two spot with an opening weekend of $25.1 million only bested by the very popular “Rio” at $26.3 million.
And now according to the Hollywood Reporter, Perry has just signed his latest deal with TBS bringing a very dysfunctional couple to the airwaves. The series is based on his “Why Did I Get Married? film franchise, with Michael Jai White (“The Dark Knight”) and Tasha Smith (“Couples Retreat”) set to reprise their roles as television anchor Marcus and salon owner Angela in the new sitcom “For Better or Worse” which follows the ups-and-downs of married life for Marcus and Angela. The rest of the cast is to be announced.
Granted, in the original film “Why Did I Get Married?,” Smith’s character Angela was funny, outrageous and down right charming, and very outspoken. In the second film, her character was a little over the top, and the film overall didn’t carry the punch the first one did, which is a common occurrence in Hollywood. It will be interesting to see how a television series starring these two will fair.
According to the 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.
It is a sure bet that this series will go over big, because the target markets well represent cities with the largest Black population. And if he truly develops the characters, Perry may have an even bigger television hit on his hands than ever before.
“Tyler Perry’s series have been tremendously successful for TBS, helping establish the network as a prime destination for African-American viewers,” Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming, for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies told the Hollywood Reporter.
“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.”
Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein commented, “The entertainment industry has never seen anyone like Tyler Perry–an extraordinarily talented film/television/stage producer, writer, director, actor and mogul who is capable of repeatedly turning out hit after hit for both TBS and broadcast syndication. We are thrilled to be associated with another of Tyler’s unique, remarkable and groundbreaking series.
After an astonishing 222 episodes of “House of Payne,” Perry’s first foray into television syndication, the entertainment mogul is saying good-bye to the show. For the record, “House of Payne” was a very successful venture, and held its audience to the end. “Even though it will be sad to say good-bye to “House of Payne,” I’m really looking forward to exploring new territory with “For Better or Worse,” Perry told the Hollywood Reporter.
“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.
It seems whatever Perry sets his mind to accomplish he does, in a big way. Unlike many Black Hollywood movers and shakers, Perry has managed to tap into the heart and soul of the Black community, whether his critics like it or not. Often shunned by some Black filmmakers, and ripped apart by a very critical press, Perry keeps moving forward.
Gail can be reached at hollywoodbychoice_gail@yahoo.com.
