Being Mary Jane
| Being Mary Jane | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Drama |
| Created by | Mara Brock Akil |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 4 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) |
Mara Brock Akil Salim Akil |
| Production company(s) | Akil Productions |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | BET |
| Picture format |
480i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV) |
| Original run | July 2, 2013 – present |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Being Mary Jane is an American drama television series created by Mara Brock Akil and starring Gabrielle Union,[1] that debuted January 7, 2014, on BET.[2] The pilot for the series aired on July 2, 2013.[3]
The pilot episode received positive reviews from critics,[4] and the series premiere on BET, had more than 4 million viewers.[5][6][7] On September 12, 2013, BET renewed Being Mary Jane for a second season, before the first season premiered.[5]
Overview
The show was originally to be called Single Black Female.[8] The series centers on successful talk show host Mary Jane Paul (played by Gabrielle Union), her professional and private family life, while searching for "Mr. Right":
Mary Jane Paul has it all: she’s a successful TV news anchor, entirely self-sufficient – an all-around powerhouse who remains devoted to a family that doesn’t share her motivation. As Mary Jane juggles her life, her work and her commitment to her family, we find out how far she’s willing to go to find the puzzle pieces that she, and society, insist are missing from her life as a single Black female.[9]
Omari Hardwick plays a potential Mr. Right. Other stars include Latarsha Rose, Lisa Vidal, Aaron D. Spears, Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery, Richard Brooks, Tika Sumpter, Raven Goodwin, B.J. Britt, and Robinne Lee.[9]
The series is produced by Mara Brock Akil, who produced BET's most successful series ever, The Game, and romantic comedy film Jumping the Broom. The pilot episode was filmed in April 2012 at 780 N. Highland Ave. in the Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta[10][11][12]
Cast
Main cast
- Gabrielle Union as Mary Jane Paul: a successful TV news anchor for Satellite News Channel (SNC) who remains devoted to a family that doesn't share her motivation as she juggles her life, her relationships, her work, and commitments.
- Lisa Vidal as Kara Lynch: a lead producer at SNC and Mary Jane's friend.
- Margaret Avery as Helen Patterson: Mary Jane's over protective mother whom is battling Lupus.
- Omari Hardwick as Andre Daniels: Mary Jane's married love interest.
- Latarsha Rose as Dr. Lisa Hudson: Mary Jane's best friend from college, a OB/GYN.
- Aaron D. Spears as Mark Bradley: an co-anchor at the newsroom and the openly gay friend of Mary Jane.
- Richard Brooks as Patrick Patterson: Mary Jane's older, less motivated brother.
- B.J. Britt as Paul Patterson, Jr.: Mary Jane's somewhat responsible younger brother.
- Raven Goodwin as Niecy Patterson: Patrick's teenage daughter.
- Richard Roundtree as Paul Patterson, Sr.: Mary Jane's compassionate father.
Recurring cast
- Stephen Bishop as David Paulk - Mary Jane's playboy love interest.
- Robinne Lee as Avery Daniels - Andre's wife whom learns of her husband's affair with Mary Jane.
- Tatom Pender as Tracy - Patrick's girlfriend and mother of their child.
- Brély Evans as Nichelle - Mary Jane's friend and publicist to the stars.
Guest stars
- Jasmine Dustin as Ana Hoem
- Lesley-Ann Brandt as Tamiko Roberts
- Sheila Frazier as Catherine Stafford
- Kelly Rutherford as Cynthia Phillips
- Darrin Dewitt Henson
- Lorraine Toussaint as Aunt Toni
- Wayne Brady as Sean Anders
- Ludacris as Terrence
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (million) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | "Pilot" | Salim Akil | Mara Brock Akil | July 2, 2013 | 4.01[13] |
| The story and life of a black woman, her work, her family as well as her popular talk show which she hosts. | |||||
| 1 | "Storm Advisory" | Salim Akil | Jessica Mecklenburg | January 7, 2014 | 3.32[14] |
|
While spending time with David, Andre surprises Mary Jane unannounced at her home. Meanwhile, an anchor at the station is fired, placing the careers of Mary Jane, Kara and Mark in jeopardy. Absent: Richard Brooks, Raven Goodwin, B.J. Britt, Richard Roundtree | |||||
| 2 | "Girls Night In" | Salim Akil | Mara Brock Akil | January 14, 2014 | 2.77[15] |
|
The affair between Mary Jane and Andre develops a strain on his marriage. Mary Jane ponders about her future -- and if it should include Andre. Meanwhile, Kara and Mary Jane are faced with creative differences when Kara decides to revamp Mark's show. A woman from Paul, Sr.'s past makes an attempt to move in on him after learning about Helen's health condition. Guest stars: Lesley-Ann Brandt, Sheila Frazier, Brely Evans | |||||
| 3 | "The Huxtables Have Fallen" | Salim Akil | Devon Greggory | January 21, 2014 | 2.58[16] |
|
Patrick learns of Mary Jane's affair with Andre. To help her sort through her dilemma, Patrick takes her to visit their voice of reasoning Aunt Toni. She is once again conflicted about her feelings for Andre and decides to once and for all give him an answer in regards to his marriage proposal. Meanwhile, a former business partner declines further partnership with Patrick, resulting in damaging affects to Patrick's sobriety. Guest stars: Kelly Rutherford, Lorraine Toussaint, Darrin Dewitt Henson | |||||
| 4 | "Mixed Messages" | Salim Akil | Erica L. Anderson | February 4, 2014 | 2.69[17] |
| Andre slips up and reveals that he is still being intimate with his wife Avery. To even the score, Mary Jane decides to go out on a date with a man she met online. Kara's changes at SNC prove to be over-the-top for Mark. Meanwhile, Helen misplaces her diamond bracelet. | |||||
| 5 | "Exposed"[18] | February 11, 2014 | TBA | ||
| 6 | "Hindsight is 20/40"[19] | February 18, 2014 | TBA | ||
| 7 | "Blindsided"[20] | February 18, 2014 | TBA | ||
| 8 | "Uber Love"[21] | February 25, 2014 | TBA | ||
References
- ↑ "BET Networks Announces New Programming at Annual Upfront Presentation". The Futon Critic. April 2, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
- ↑ "BET Networks' First Original Scripted Series "Being Mary Jane" Starring Gabrielle Union Premieres on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 10 P.M. ET/PT". The Futon Critic (Press release). October 24, 2013.
- ↑ Braxton, Greg (May 24, 2013). "Pilot for BET's 'Being Mary Jane' gets late start time on July 2". Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ "Being Mary Jane - Season 1 Reviews". Metacritic. July 9, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Andreeva, Nellie (September 11, 2013). "BET Preps Second Season Of 'Being Mary Jane', Cancels 'Reed Between The Lines'". Deadline.com. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
- ↑ O'Connell, Michael. "TV Ratings: BET's 'Being Mary Jane' Scores Huge Premiere". Hollywoodreporter.com. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
- ↑ "Solid Ratings Debut For BET's 'Being Mary Jane' - 4 Millions Viewers, Highest-Rating On Cable | Shadow and Act". Blogs.indiewire.com. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
- ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (February 13, 2012). "BET Greenlights ‘Single Black Female’ Pilot From Mara Brock Akil And Salim Akil". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "BET unveils new programming at Upfront". Radio & Television Business Report. April 18, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
- ↑ Hirsch, Jaclyn (April 23, 2012). "Photos: TV Pilot Filming in Virginia-Highland - 'Being Mary Jane' filming all day Monday on N. Highland Avenue". Virginia Highland-Druid Hills Patch. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
- ↑ "'BEING MARY JANE' TV PILOT FILMING 4/23 & 4/24". Virginia-Highland Civic Association. April 19, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
- ↑ "Being Mary Jane Production Department letter to residents" (PDF). Virginia-Highland Civic Association. April 17, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
- ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (July 3, 2013). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Wins Night + 'The Game', 'Deadliest Catch', 'Rizzoli & Isles', 'Catfish', 'Pretty Little Liars' & More". TV by the Numbers.
- ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 8, 2014). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Wins Night, 'Moonshiners', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Justified', 'Cougar Town' & More & More". TV by the Numbers.
- ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 15, 2014). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Wins Night + 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Moonshiners', 'Justified' & More". TV by the Numbers.
- ↑ Bibel, Sara (January 23, 2014). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Teen Mom 2' Wins Night, 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Being Mary Jane', 'Justified', 'Klondike' & More". TV by the Numbers.
- ↑ Bibel, Sara (February 5, 2014). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Teen Mom 2' Wins Night, 'Being Mary Jane', 'The Haves and the Have Nots', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Justified' & More". TV by the Numbers.
- ↑ "Being Mary Jane: Exposed". Zap2it. Retrieved December 22, 2013.
- ↑ "Being Mary Jane: Hindsight is 20/40". Zap2it. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ↑ "Being Mary Jane: Blindsided". Zap2it. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ↑ "Being Mary Jane: Uber Love". Zap2it. Retrieved January 4, 2014.