Last month, BET promised more original programming. They're delivering, and, thankfully, their newest show's not called College Hill: Jailhouse Rock. The network announced at their upfronts (when networks introduce their fall schedules) yesterday that it will air its first scripted series called Somebodies, about a group of "black slackers." Let's disregard for a moment that BET's first original scripted show has to be about slackers, and let's focus on the good, which is that it is based on a film that showed at the Sundance Film Festival and will be produced by the team from The Bernie Mac Show. It's also a single-camera sitcom, and will be filmed and set in Athens, Ga. Sigh. We have our fingers crossed. Check out the rest of BET's inspiring fall lineup — including shows called Hell Date and Judge Mooney — after the jump.

Animation
— BUFU - Two of the funniest guys in the business team up to create an
animated sketch comedy show for BET. Orlando Jones (MAD TV) and Ali
LeRoi (EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS) have teamed up to create BUFU, an
animated sketch comedy show in the tradition of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE and
SCTV. PREMIERING FALL 2007
— HANNIBAL - He was an African King that conquered the world — the
greatest military strategist in the history of warfare. Executive
produced by Vin Diesel and his One Race production partner Samantha
Vincent, this series will tell Hannibal's entire story, for the first
time — from his birth, to training to be a warrior and a king, to
crossing the Alps with a herd of elephants and a multi-national army to
fight against his greatest challenger, Rome. PREMIERING 2008
— CIPHA - CIPHA is a sci-fi series set in a future world where hip hop
is outlawed. But in the world of the CIPHA, you learn that whenever you
try to shut down the voices of youth, it comes back stronger than ever.
A new animated series from Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment and the
executive producer of DARK ANGEL and THE SHIELD. PREMIERING 2008

Reality & Biography
— BALDWIN HILLS - For 10 weeks, BET's reality docu-drama BALDWIN HILLS
will explore the lives of 11 upper middle class Black teens as they
grow up in BALDWIN HILLS - an upscale Black neighborhood in Los Angeles
where professional athletes, television and film stars, doctors,
lawyers and engineers live. This reality show will focus on kids who
split their time between school, the beach, pool parties, high-end
shopping and driving their daddy's or their own Benz. In other words,
kids who grow up living the glamorous lives of the young, black and
fabulous. PREMIERING JULY 2007
— S.O.B. - This series takes an outrageous, contemporary and comedic
look at stereotypes, racism, classism, religion, sexuality, clich??s,
politics, social mores, identity and cultures — all under the hidden
camera microscope. The ensemble cast of comedy actors will engage
unsuspecting, everyday people and challenge them to question their own
habits, value systems and preconceived notions about society's rules
and hidden agendas. PREMIERING JULY 2007
— COLLEGE HILL INTERNS - This exciting new spin-off will delve into the
interpersonal and business dynamics of eight college students living in
a new city, hanging out in their new digs, and most importantly working
at their new and exciting summer jobs. The cast will participate in an
8-10 week internship program at one sponsored parent company in one or
more departments, and be assigned tasks, interactive workshops, company
promotions, and various competitive challenges. PREMIERING FALL 2007

Sports
— BALLERS - Premiering Friday, April 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, BET will bring
the feel of a night out with the boys to your living room with this
fresh new series that talks about sports in a sexy club environment
hosted by four-time NBA World Champion John Salley, three-time NFL Pro
Bowler Hugh Douglas and comedian Guy Torry. The club's party vibe will
be enhanced each week with co-host, DEAL OR NO DEAL's gorgeous Claudia
Jordan along with DJ Rashida on the turntables.
— IRON RING - Combat sports just got tougher. From the creator of
ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHALLENGE, one of the most successful new sports
formats in entertainment, comes a new show that introduces new
celebrities from music, sports and Hollywood to the most dangerous
fighters in the world. An all-star line-up of celebrities will manage
teams of fighters in the best mixed martial arts match-ups on
television. PREMIERING JULY 2007

Strip
— THE 5IVE - Hosted by the lovely Alesha Renee; BET's newest show will
introduce viewers to the top 5ive things of the moment. Ever wondered
how to be one step ahead of everyone else — tune into the 5ive and
join the "in" crowd. Not only will the 5ive showcase the top people,
places and things in the country but it will give the viewer the latest
information on the must-have accessories of the moment. PREMIERING MAY
2007
— HELL DATE - Is it a dating show? Is it a comedy? Or is it … the
date from Hell? In HELL DATE, contestants are asked about the perfect
mate. With the help of an actor or actress that appears to be their
soul mate, contestants will have to figure out is this really a soul
mate or the absolute worst experience of their lives? PREMIERING JULY
2007
— JUDGE MOONEY - Comedian Paul Mooney is a legend. He's worked with
everyone from Richard Pryor to Dave Chappelle; now Mooney will host his
own daily court show as the outrageously funny judge who lays down the
law with his own brand of humor. Real people will bring their real
cases to Mooney's courtroom to receive a verdict that only Judge Paul
Mooney can deliver. ALL rise as JUDGE MOONEY'S court is now in session.
PREMIERING FALL 2007

Inspirational
— SUNDAY BEST - Gospel music is bigger than ever, with songs beloved by
generations and sung by arguably the best singers in the world. SUNDAY
BEST will undergo a nationwide search to storefront churches, parishes
and mega-churches across the country to find the best undiscovered
singers in America. The top contestants will be coached by great
performers from the gospel and secular worlds as they strive to win the
SUNDAY BEST title. Celebrity singers such as Patti LaBelle, Kirk
Franklin and Shirley Caesar will work with these up-and-comers as they
take their praise to the next level. PREMIERING FALL 2007
— EXALTED! - A biography series spotlighting a different inspirational
leader each week. BET will follow various ministers as they prepare for
their sermons, lead the church, perform their weekly ministerial duties
and lead their everyday lives. The minister will recount the moments in
his/her past that paved the way to accepting such a calling; via one-
on-one interviews with the family and friends. PREMIERING FALL 2007
— CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL - BET's popular CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL is back for
another round of soul stirring, hand clapping and inspiring gospel
music. BET showcases musical artists from both inspirational and
secular worlds in this uplifting special. The two-hour telecast
features moving performances and renditions by some of today's hottest
and most talented artists from the worlds of gospel and R&B. PREMIERING
JANUARY 2008

[Press Release]