Viewers apparently couldn’t get enough of the potent comedic combo of Jill Scott, Michelle Buteau, and Ryan Michelle Bathe as the trio of ladies led the BET+ remake of the classic 1996 revenge comedy ‘First Wives Club‘ (which originally starred Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton).

After bringing some serious doses of funny for its inaugural season, the series – which famously sees ‘Girls Trip’ writer Tracy Oliver attached – has been renewed for a follow-up.

Details inside:

(more…)

Gabrielle Union has been at the center of quite the firestorm following her axe from ‘America’s Got Talent.’

The actress’ departure from the hit series was initially spun as being “amicable,” yet it quickly became apparent that was far from the case. Especially when accusations of the racially coded variety were seeded by sources and confirmed as a concern by her husband Dwayne Wade.

Seemingly key to the fall-out was a complaint Union is said to have lodged with NBC higher- about an ill-conceived joke made by guest Jay Leno; one that the new mother offended the audience at the taping.

Per Union sources, nothing was done (despite alleged promises to the contrary), the said segment was simply left on the cutting room floor, and she was “coincidentally” let go upon the climax of the season. A reality, which if read a certain way, tells a story in and of itself.

With pressure mounting and Union receiving ample support from her peers and the public alike, NBC and AGT have issued another joint statement. One which suggests they may have pivoted on their initial, fairly-firm stance that touted the show’s “diversity” and “inclusivity.”

Their words below…

(more…)

Dwyane Wade‘s made no secret of his support for son Zion, even making headlines earlier this year for accompanying the 12-year-old to Miami Pride Month.

Said stance was reinforced over the weekend when the former Miami Heat player took to Twitter (November 30) to speak out against the “hate” his family has been receiving in response to Thanksgiving photos his wife, Gabrielle Union, posted in celebration of the holiday (seen above).  After the actress shared the pic, commenters began weighing in on Zion’s pose, crop top, and gem-encrusted fingernails.

By Saturday, the basketball superstar had enough.  Look inside to see his classy clap back:

(more…)

Although it’s been over a year since Lifetime first announced its intent to bring the life stories of Gospel royals The Clark Sisters to TV screens (as we reported here), Thanksgiving weekend saw patient fans finally get their first taste of what the women’s network cooked up.

Produced by Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige, the film tells the tale of how the Clarks – comprised of Dorinda, Jacky, Twinkie, Denise, and Karen – went from humble Detroit beginnings to breaking music barriers with over five decades of Gospel classics and crossover hits including the likes of ‘You Brought the Sunshine,’ ‘Name It, Claim It,’ and more.

Starring Aunjanue Ellis as their mother, Mattie, singer Christina Bell stars as Twinkie, Kierra Sheard as her mother, Karen, Sheléa Frazier as Dorinda, Raven Goodwin as Denise, and Angela Birchett as Jacky.

Set for a Spring 2020 premiere, look inside for the long-awaited trailer:

(more…)

Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature carved out to celebrate some of TV and Film’s forgotten gems.

Only right then, days after Thanksgiving, that we give thanks for ‘Burning an Illusion’…a  movie many consider to be one of the greatest British movies ever created.

The release is the second British feature film to be made by a black director and is celebrated for its decision to place a black woman at the centre of its story. Groundbreaking for a movie launched in 1981.

Love ‘The Imitation of Life‘?

Have a great deal of respect for Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’?

‘Illusion’ awaits below…

(more…)

After starring in Lifetime’s critically acclaimed productions ‘Army Wives,’ ‘Christmas in the City,’ and more over the years, singer/songwriter/actress Ashanti is seeing her relationship with the network continue to prove itself lucrative.  Their latest joint effort comes in the form of ‘A Winter song’ (also known as ‘A Christmas Winter Song’) – one of the channel’s whopping 30 holiday films this season.

Playing double duty as producer and lead actress, the Grammy winner portrays “Clio” – a singer grappling with having to perform her first Christmas show without her father who recently passed away.  Also starring Stan Shaw, Sashani Nichole, and many other familiar faces, ‘Song’ will premiere on Lifetime on December 14.

Ahead of its arrival, see its lengthy trailer inside:

(more…)

As we reported here, singer Kelly Rowland is reminding fans her talents are certainly not limited to making chart-topping music – a truth reiterated by her leading role in the Lifetime holiday film, ‘Merry Liddle Christmas.’

Loosely based on a true story from one of the Grammy-winner’s past Christmas hosting experiences, the flick tells the story of “a successful single tech entrepreneur [portrayed by Rowland] who hosts her dysfunctional family in her new home over the holiday.”  According to the network:

“…the plot involves not only a glossy video shoot of the perfect Christmas, but a very good shot at romance with a neighbor, even though this breaks one of her dating rules. Rowland and her husband Tim Weatherspoon are among the movie’s executive producers.”

*****

Set for a November 30 premiere, fans are invited to take an extended peek at the movie ahead of its arrival.  See it inside:

(more…)

Hotly anticipated for months, ‘Blue Story’ blazed its way into UK cinemas last week and was immediately met with praise.

However, Rapman‘s gritty flick encountered quite the hurdle when an instance of violence involving youngsters in Birmingham, England was somehow linked to his film and resulted in a ban by leading UK cinema chain Vue. This, despite the teens involved reportedly being on the premises to watch ‘Frozen 2.’

The course of action drew critique on a national scale and saw many call for the film to be reinstated on Vue screens.

Now, after initially standing by their stance, the chain has reversed its decision.

Details below…

(more…)

Dwayne Wade isn’t happy with the way ‘America’s Got Talent’ is treating his wife Gabrielle Union….and he isn’t afraid to tell the world about it.

His problem with the NBC show below..

(more…)

The Real Housewives Of Atlanta is back and blazing for its 12th season. And despite over a decade on-air, the Bravo smash is losing none of its scorching steam.

Already delivering on its promise of shady twists and turns, the latest instalment of the ensemble title is proving a must-see.

Want to know what Nene, Kandi, Porsha Cynthia, Eva and the returning Kenya will be serving up on episode 5 / season 12?

Watch a sneak peek below to find out out below…

(more…)

Michael B. Jordan has his eye on the Superman movie empire.

Full story below…

(more…)

Porsha Williams, Kenya Moore, Cynthia Bailey and Eva Marceille of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ gave insight into the mechanics behind the hit show during their fun-filled appearance at Bravo’s BravoCon.

There, the ladies answered questions from an audience made up of Bravo loyalists and spoke openly about their respective journeys on the series, feelings towards NeNe Leakes and why they are more than happy with what Bravo pays them to share their lives with the general public.

Hit the play button to watch the ladies in tell-all action below…

(more…)