In The Black Network (ITBN) announced the premiere date for its flagship weekly series, CROWNED; a vibrant new talk show featuring the dynamic pairing of former Cocktails With Queens hosts Vivica A. Fox and Syleena Johnson, joined by the fresh perspectives of Chanel Nicole Scott and Kendra G. Each episode will include candid discussions surrounding various topics from pop culture to sports and personal growth, followed by live musical performances from special guests. The highly-anticipated series will debut October 2, coinciding with ITBN’s official launch.
Check out the interview and let us know what you think!
What’s more, ITBN is thrilled to announce two dynamic partnerships that will bring additional content to its extensive library, as well as introduce a “LIVETV” feature to the platform.
IN THE BLACK NETWORK (ITBN), a streaming service that highlights Black voices and original stories that are culturally significant and relatable for all audiences, announces the launch of an engaging new talk show, CROWNED. Starring dynamic hosts Vivica A. Fox, Syleena Johnson, Chanel Nicole Scott and Kendra G., CROWNED stands as the inaugural original series on ITBN and will premiere on October 2, the day of ITBN’s official launch. CROWNED will air weekly on Mondays exclusively on ITBN’s AVOD platform.
On Each episode, the four vivacious hosts promise dynamic discussions centered around lived personal experiences, where they offer unfiltered perspectives that will “straighten each other’s crowns,” followed by live musical performances from special guest artists. “At In The Black Network, we want to offer content that speaks directly to the community and provide programming that’s entertaining, inspiring and educational,” said In The Black Network’s CEO and Founder James DuBose. “I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to work with amazing talent like Vivica, Syleena, Chanel, and Kendra. Collaborating with first-rate talent as well as media platforms will help us evolve our programming as we aim to continue our efforts to uplift our community and culture.”
In addition to its flagship series, IN THE BLACK NETWORK is excited to unveil two dynamic partnerships that will further expand its content library and cater to a diverse audience. ITBN has joined forces with MERGETV, a faith-based entertainment platform, to introduce its own LiveTV Channel. The partnership will present original faith-based content from acclaimed executive producer Dr. Holly Carter. With MERGETV, ITBN’s Live TV programming will include episodes from some of MERGETV’s original content series, such as Finding My Romeo with Romeo Miller, Marriage Retreat with The Freemans, Preachers! Wedding Edition, and Unchurched Girls.
“I am super excited to finally be able to offer high quality, faith inspired and entertaining content to an audience that has long been overlooked,” said Dr. Holly Carter, founder of MERGETV. “I am also grateful that James is pioneering the vision to provide a platform that amplifies our voices. Timing is everything, but God’s timing is Purpose!”
IN THE BLACK NETWORK has also partnered with Homestead Entertainment, a global distribution company focused on highlighting people of color, to bring over 800+ film titles and scripted series to the AVOD platform. Homestead Entertainment will power ITBN’s film and scripted offerings at launch with a variety of titles including Asbury Park (2021), Meeting Boone (2022), Regrets (2021), In a Sentimental Mood (2021),Paper Heart (2021), and more.
Powered by Brightcove, the world’s most trusted streaming technology company, IN THE BLACK NETWORK officially debuts on October 2, 2023. Bringing a wide array of free entertainment content that amplifies Black storytellers and culture – from feature films and scripted series to talk shows, sports, music and family-friendly programs – ITBN promises a diverse range of multi-genre content on a global scale.
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ABOUT IN THE BLACK NETWORK
IN THE BLACK NETWORK (ITBN) is an AVOD streaming service that highlights Black voices and original stories that are culturally significant and relatable for all audiences. With an expansive collection of Black-focused entertainment, viewers can access multi-genre content from Black creators, including sports, music, scripted, drama, talk, kids/family, feature films and more. The platform’s media library contains an extended list of fan-favorites from established studios and distributors, as well as a selection of content from the vault of Fox Television Stations: Brutally Honest with Jasmine Brand, CheMinistry, The Score, Worth a Conversation with Jeezy, Kitchen Talk with Maino, and Crockett’s Corner with Ray Crockett. In addition, ITBN produces original entertainment that further uplifts Black culture and pride. The premiere-free network streams on a dedicated app that is available for download on iOS, Android devices, Apple TV, YouTube ROKU, LG and Samsung media players.
ABOUT MERGETV
Founded by Dr. Holly Carter, a 25-year entertainment industry vet, MERGETVis an extension of a dream to engage audiences through inspirational, family-focused, lifestyle, redemptive and entertaining programming. Showcasing a robust array of content from faith to family to talk to lifestyle, relationships, health and beauty, MERGE will offer an emphasis on uplifting our audience. MERGETV endeavors to platform some of the most engaging, emerging and energizing talent in entertainment.
As a producer, Dr. Carter developed, executive produced and recently wrapped season two of her hit scripted series Kingdom Business on BET+, as well as wrapping her latest unscripted series for HULU. She is currently developing a hair competition series for NBC Universal.. Along with producing partners Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot and Mary J. Blige—Dr. Carter developed and executive produced The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel, the Lifetime original movie that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The film premiered as the highest rated original movie of 2020, on both broadcast and cable nets, with an audience of 3+ million and an additional 18+ million streams in its debut week. Additional producer credits include OWN Network’s Our Own Christmas & Easter Music Specials and Chad Loves Michelle, VH1’s Love & Listings, BET’s The Next Big Thing, and Lifetime’s My Father’s Daughter. Carter also created Oxygen’s breakout franchise Preachers of LA, -Detroit, and -Atlanta.
ABOUT HOMESTEAD ENTERTAINMENT
The 100% black-owned and operated distribution and production company was founded in 2020 with the mission of producing and distributing content from traditionally underrepresented creators in an equitable way. With a focus on stories from people of color, co-founders Leonard Burnett Jr., Sean Armstrong, Rob Johnson and Dennis Reed II are dedicated to empowering creators who have historically lacked access to filmmaking and distribution opportunities.
Homestead enables independent filmmakers to bring their vision to life and deliver projects to international audiences without relinquishing full financial control of their IP. With equitable deal structures, Homestead prioritizes the filmmaker’s ability to reap deserved financial compensation for their creative work.
Homestead’s catalog contains over 200 titles that have been distributed through relationships with Tubi Fox, Comcast, Black Experience on XFinity, Amazon Prime, Amazon Freevee, Peacock, XUMO, Redbox, Vudu, and more.
To learn more about Homestead Entertainment: https://homesteadentertainment.com
Related Links: https://www.blackfilm.com/read/kendra-g-talks-social-society/
