TV One Acquires Rights from Sony Pictures Television To Air Classic Hit Comedy
Series Good Times and 227
LANHAM, Md., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ --
TV One, the new entertainment network for
African American adults, will include the classic hit comedy series GOOD TIMES
and 227 in its programming lineup when the network debuts in January 2004.
Airing for five highly-rated seasons (1974-1979), GOOD TIMES altered America's
cultural landscape by tackling topical, often controversial issues from a
uniquely African-American perspective, while delivering heart-warming laughs.
Focusing on a poor but proud family in the Chicago projects, the Evans clan --
headed by James (John Amos) and sharp-tongued mother Florida (Esther Rolle) --
struggled against adversity while keeping their heads held high. The
trailblazing show also made a star of comedian Jimmie Walker whose catchphrase
"DYN-O-MITE!" became part of '70s pop culture. The series also helped introduce
the world to superstar Janet Jackson, who, beginning at age 11, played neighbor
girl Penny Woods for several seasons.
The popular, award-winning series 227, which aired for five seasons (1985-
1990), features life in and around an urban apartment building and stars Marla
Gibbs (previously of The Jeffersons). Gibbs plays Mary Jenkins, who with her
family lives in the building, which is chock full of entertaining and memorable
characters, including the wise-cracking, scatter-brained Sandra Clark, played by
Jackee Harry. Harry won an Emmy Award and was nominated for a Golden Globe for
her role in the series. The series also features Regina King as the Jenkins'
teenage daughter Brenda.
TV One acquired the rights to the series from Sony Pictures Television.
"Many adult African Americans grew up with these two comedy series, and our
research shows that our target audience looks forward to seeing these classics
as part of the TV One lineup," said TV One President and CEO Johnathan Rodgers.
Scheduled to launch January 19, TV One will offer a broad range of
entertainment-oriented original programming, classic series, movies, fashion and
music that focus on African American themes, issues culture and politics. TV
One's investors include Radio One (NASDAQ:ROIANASDAQ:andNASDAQ:ROIAK), the
nation' s seventh largest radio broadcasting company (based on 2002 net
broadcast revenue) and the largest company that primarily targets
African-American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation
(NASDAQ:CMCSANASDAQ:andNASDAQ:CMCSK), the leading cable television company in
the country; Constellation Ventures; Syndicated Communications; Pacesetter
Capital Group; and Opportunity Capital Partners.
DATASOURCE: TV One
CONTACT: Lynn McReynolds, +1-410-268-0275, for TV One