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 2
No. of episodes 20
Production
Executive producer(s) Mara Brock Akil
Salim Akil
Running time 61 mins (pilot only)
Approx. 42 mins
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 90 minute 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] The second season premiered on February 3, 2015, and on February 5 the series was renewed for a third season.[8]

Overview

The show was originally to be called Single Black Female.[9] The series centers on successful broadcast journalist Mary Jane Paul (played by Gabrielle Union) and 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.[10]

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.[10]

The series is produced by Mara Brock Akil, who produced BET's most successful series ever, The Game, and the 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.[11][12][13]

Cast

Main cast

Recurring cast

Guest stars

Series overview

Season Episodes Originally aired
First aired Last aired Network
1 8 January 7, 2014 February 25, 2014 BET
2 12 February 3, 2015 April 14, 2015

Episodes

Season 1 (2014)

No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers
(million)
0"Pilot"Salim AkilMara Brock AkilJuly 2, 20134.01[14]
The story and life of a black woman, her work, and her family as well as her popular talk show, which she hosts.
1"Storm Advisory"Salim AkilJessica MecklenburgJanuary 7, 20143.32[15]

While spending time with David, Andre surprises Mary Jane 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 AkilMara Brock AkilJanuary 14, 20142.77[16]

The affair between Mary Jane and Andre develops a strain on his marriage. Mary Jane ponders about her futureand 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

Absent: B.J. Britt
3"The Huxtables Have Fallen"Salim AkilDevon GreggoryJanuary 21, 20142.58[17]

Patrick learns of Mary Jane's affair with Andre. To help her sort through her dilemma, Patrick takes her to visit their voice-of-reason Aunt Toni. She is once again conflicted about her feelings for Andre and decides to once and for all give him an answer in regard to his marriage proposal. Meanwhile, a former business partner declines further partnership with Patrick, resulting in damaging effects to Patrick's sobriety.

Guest stars: Kelly Rutherford, Lorraine Toussaint, Darrin Dewitt Henson

Absent: Latarsha Rose
4"Mixed Messages"Salim AkilErica L. AndersonFebruary 4, 20142.69[18]

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 in an effort to get Patrick's girlfriend out of the house.

Guest stars: Wayne Brady
5"Exposed"Salim AKilErika GrahamFebruary 11, 20142.47[19]

Mary Jane and Andre have decided to settle in together at her home in domestic bliss. Meanwhile, Helen is disappointed with Paul Sr. for not receiving a platinum table at an exclusive gala, so he finds an unlikely source in hopes of obtaining one. While Andre declines his invitation to accompany Mary Jane at the gala, she unexpectedly runs into her ex, David. Also, Mary Jane is faced with a challenging decision at SNC involving a fellow journalist.

Guest star: Chris "Ludacris" Bridges
6"Hindsight is 20/40"Salim AkilErica L. AndersonFebruary 18, 20142.92[20]

Mary Jane and Andre argue over whether Mary Jane is still involved with David or not, once Andre reveals a picture of the two together. Meanwhile, Paul Sr. gives Patrick an ultimatum as his son decides that he will be moving out soon. Kara is faced with a custody issue involving her sons. Also, P.J. lands himself in trouble once again, and Niecy announces her plans following her delivery.

Guest star: Dorian Missick

Absent: Aaron D. Spears
7"Blindsided"Salim AkilJessica Mecklenburg and Erika GrahamFebruary 25, 20142.58[21]

Unsettling news of a fellow journalist's suicide unnerves Mary Jane, who lands in the middle of a scandal. Meanwhile, Niecy grows concerned that the father of her unborn child will not be present for the birth of their baby. Patrick is worried about Helen's well-being now that he has moved out of the house.

Guest stars: Ava DuVernay, Keith Boykin

Absent: Omari Hardwick
8"Uber Love"Salim AkilMara Brock AkilFebruary 25, 20143.23[21]

Mary Jane decides to right all the wrongs of the people she has hurt. Meanwhile, Lisa and Mary Jane's friendship is put to the test.

Absent: Aaron D. Spears, B. J. Britt, Richard Brooks, Margaret Avery, Raven Goodwin, Richard Roundtree

Season 2 (2015)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers
(million)
91""People In Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Fish""Salim AkilMara Brock AkilFebruary 3, 20152.37[22]

Mary Jane recommits herself to work, family and friends; David's new girlfriend is pregnant.

Guest Starring: Salli Richardson

Absent: Richard Roundtree
102"Freedom"Salim AkilLaurence AndriesFebruary 10, 20152.07[23]

Mary Jane vows to carve out an anxiety-free weekend, but plans go awry when Mark calls asking her to be his "beard" during the unexpected arrival of his parents. Revelations during their visit force Mark to make a change.

Guest Starring: Greg Alan Williams, S. Epatha Merkerson

Absent: Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avert, Latarsha Rose, B. J. Britt
113"Mary Jane Knows Best"Regina KingTeleplay by: Erica L. Anderson
Story by: Mara Brock Akil and Erica L. Anderson
February 17, 20152.46[24]
Mary Jane undergoes a "free" fertility treatment; Niecy becomes Mary Jane's new pet project.
124"Sleepless In Atlanta"Regina KingErika GrahamFebruary 24, 20152.41[25]

Kara protects Mary Jane; Niecy shields her and Treyvion from his father; Patrick struggles to find balance.

Guest starring: Kyle Massey
135"No Eggspectations"Salim AkilNjeri Brown and Melora RiveraMarch 3, 20152.09[26]

During a live installment of Talk Back, Mary Jane is not prepared for Dr. Marrs' news; Cameron and Niecy try to come to an agreement now that he has stepped back into her life; and PJ is offered a business opportunity.

Guest starring: Gayle King, Kyle Massey
146"Pulling The Trigger"Salim AkilAdam GiaudroneMarch 10, 20151.72[27]

Mary Jane desires to become pregnant; Mary Jane's friendship with Lisa is strained.

Guest starring: Salli Richardson, Gary Dourdan
157"Let's Go Crazy"Regina KingMara Brock AkilMarch 17, 20151.43[28]
Mary Jane decides to move forward with her life; Kara must make a decision to stay partners with Mary Jane.
168"One Is The Loneliest Number"Regina KingLaurence AndriesMarch 24, 20151.23[29]
A fatal Atlanta school shooting; Mary Jane and Sheldon's courtship advances.
179"Line In The Sand"Rob HardyErika GrahamMarch 31, 20151.59[30]

Mary Jane gets nominated for an Emmy; Patrick discovers what happened to Tracy.

Guest starring: Gary Dourdan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Mark Anthony Neal, India Arie, Bevy Smith, Michaela Angela Davis
1810"Primetime"April 7, 2015[31]1.36[32]
Mary Jane does some shop therapy; Paul Jr. decides about a job.
1911"Reading The Signs"April 14, 2015[31]1.30[33]
Mary Jane's rant goes viral; Sheldon struggles; Mark's perspective on dating.
2012"Signing Off"April 14, 2015[31]1.46[33]
Mary Jane moves into her primetime position at SNC.

References

  1. "BET Networks Announces New Programming at Annual Upfront Presentation". The Futon Critic. April 2, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  2. "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. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  3. Braxton, Greg (May 24, 2013). "Pilot for BET's 'Being Mary Jane' gets late start time on July 2". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  4. "Being Mary Jane - Season 1 Reviews". Metacritic. July 9, 2013. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  5. 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.
  6. O'Connell, Michael. "TV Ratings: BET's 'Being Mary Jane' Scores Huge Premiere". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 15, 2013.
  7. "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.
  8. Goldberg, Lesley (February 5, 2015). "BET's 'Being Mary Jane' Renewed for Third Season". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  9. Andreeva, Nellie (February 13, 2012). "BET Greenlights ‘Single Black Female’ Pilot From Mara Brock Akil And Salim Akil". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
  10. 10.0 10.1 "BET unveils new programming at Upfront". Radio & Television Business Report. April 18, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  11. 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.
  12. "“Being Mary Jane” TV Pilot filming 4/23 & 4/24". Virginia-Highland Civic Association. April 19, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  13. "Being Mary Jane Production Department letter to residents" (PDF). Virginia-Highland Civic Association. April 17, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2013.
  14. 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. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  15. 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. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  16. Kondolojy, Amanda (January 15, 2014). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Wins Night + 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Moonshiners', 'Justified' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  17. 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. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  18. 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. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  19. Kondolojy, Amanda (February 12, 2014). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Teen Mom II' Leads Night + 'Being Mary Jane', 'Dance Moms', 'The Haves and the Have Nots' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  20. Bibel, Sara (February 20, 2014). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Teen Mom 2' Wins Night, 'Being Mary Jane', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'The Haves & the Have Nots', 'Cougar Town' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
  21. 21.0 21.1 Kondolojy, Amanda (February 26, 2014). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Leads Night + 'Teen Mom II', 'Amish Mafia', 'Pretty Little Liars' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  22. Bibel, Sara (February 4, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Wins Night, 'Moonshiners', 'The Haves and the Have Nots', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Justified' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  23. Kondolojy, Amanda (February 11, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'The Haves and the Have Nots' Tops Night + 'Being Mary Jane', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
  24. Bibel, Sara (February 19, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: '19 Kids and Counting' Wins Night, 'Being Mary Jane', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Rizzoli & Isles', 'Cougar Town' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  25. Kondolojy, Amanda (February 25, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Being Mary Jane' Tops Night + 'The Haves and the Have Nots', '19 Kids and Counting', 'Pretty Little Liars' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
  26. Bibel, Sara (March 4, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: College Basketball & 'Being Mary Jane' Win NIght, 'The Haves & The Have Nots', 'Pretty Little Liars', 'Rizzoli & Isles' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  27. Kondolojy, Amanda (March 11, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'The Haves and the Have Nots', 'Pretty Little Liars' & 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Top Night". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  28. Bibel, Sara (March 18, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Pretty Little Liars', 'The Haves & The Have Nots' & 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Win Night, 'Being Mary Jane', 'Rizzoli & Isles' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  29. Kondolojy, Amanda (March 25, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Pretty Little Liars' Tops Night + 'The Haves and the Have Nots', 'If Loving You is Wrong' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  30. Bibel, Sara (April 1, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: '19 Kids and Counting' Wins Night, 'Real Housewives', 'Justified', 'Finding Carter', 'Cougar Town' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
  31. 31.0 31.1 31.2 "Shows A-Z — being mary jane". The Futon Critic. Retrieved April 16, 2015.
  32. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 8, 2015). "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Tops Night + '19 Kids and Counting', 'Tosh.0' & More". TV by the Numbers.
  33. 33.0 33.1 "Tuesday Cable Ratings: 'Deadliest Catch' Wins Night, 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills', 'Justified', 'Being Mary Jane' & More". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved 2015-04-17.

External links