News
OWN to Release New Programming Featuring Toni Braxton
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Reported by Marie S.
The most recent project of OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), “Lindsay,” which showcases Lindsay Lohan’s struggles in life as she battles her way to straighten her life, premiered March 9th of this year. Unfortunately. the show didn’t fare much in ratings.
But OWN may just be about to make its big turnaround. OWN President Erik Logan said, “Coming off our most watched quarter in network history, we are excited to get to work on these new scripted projects with Octavia [Spencer] and Toni [Braxton].” “By diversifying our programming, we are also growing our audience, and these new projects put us in a great position to take the network to the next level.” Logan was referring to the 2-night event, “Tulsa,” and the upcoming film, “My Name Is Love: The Darlene Love Story.”
“Tulsa,” involves a journalist named Mattie Clay (role played by Academy Award winner, Octavia Spencer for “The Help”) who after having worked awhile in Chicago, decided to go back to Tulsa where “she must face demons of the past and decide where her future lies.” The miniseries talks about the 1921 race riots in Oklahoma, where about 300 civilians were murdered, more than 8,000 were injured and over 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed during the World War I racial tensions concerning laws on segregation and the well-to-do black community of Greenwood (then called “the Negro Wall Street of America.”).
“My Name Is Love: The Darlene Love Story,” reveals details about the life story of Darlene Love, who began her singing career as the lead singer in the vocal trio the Blossoms in 1938, and later became famed for the hit song, ”He’s A Rebel.” Love’s role is played by the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards winner, Toni Braxton. Release of the film said, “Whether it was the wild parties Tom Jones used to throw, how Elvis came on to her backstage at his 1968 comeback special, or her love affair with Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers, Love holds nothing back as she recalls the exciting events that make up her life…This is the dishy and dramatic story of a woman who had it all, lost it all, but never, ever refused to give up.”
OWN also announced that they will be showing “Belief,” which is a seven-part documentary-series,” which they said delves on “exploring humankind’s ongoing search to connect with something greater than ourselves.
The networks also said they have Justin Timberlake featured in their new season of “ Oprah’s Master Class,” scheduled to kick off on May 11th, 2014. Other stars slated for the show are Whoopi Goldberg, Tim, McGraw, Robin Roberts, Lionel Richie, Barbara Walters, Vanessa Williams, and Sharon Stone, among others.
“Oprah, Erik, and I have big dreams for OWN and you are seeing them come true,” added Sheri Salata, president OWN. “With multiple scripted films and series in active development, Justin Timberlake headlining our brand new season of ‘Oprah’s Master Class’ and the addition of an epic worldwide event like ‘Belief,’ we are thrilled about what the future holds.”
