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 3
No. of episodes 30
Production
Executive producer(s) Mara Brock Akil
Salim Akil
Running time 61 mins (pilot only)
Approx. 42 mins
Production company(s) Akil Productions
Release
Original network BET
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Original release July 2, 2013 (2013-07-02) – present (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 series follows professional and personal life of successful TV news anchor Máry Jane Paul who lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Being Mary Jane has received positive reviews from critics,[4][5] and the series premiere on BET had more than 4 million viewers.[6][7][8] On September 12, 2013, BET renewed Being Mary Jane for a second season, before the first season premiered.[6] The second season premiered on February 3, 2015, and on February 5 the series was renewed for a third season,[9] which premiered October 20, 2015. The second and third seasons received critical acclaim, specifically praising Gabrielle Union's leading performance, Mara Brock Akil's writing, and directing work by Regina King.[10][11][12][13] On January 6, 2016, the series was renewed for a fourth season.[14]

At the 45th NAACP Image Awards, the pilot movie won award for Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, and Union for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special.[15] The series later received nine another NAACP Image Awards nominations, include two for Outstanding Drama Series.

Production

The show was originally to be called Single Black Female.[16] 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.[17]

Omari Hardwick plays a potential Mr. Right. Other cast members include Latarsha Rose, Lisa Vidal, Aaron D. Spears, Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery, Richard Brooks, Tika Sumpter, Raven Goodwin, B. J. Britt, and Robinne Lee.[17]

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.[18][19][20]

Cast and characters

Regular cast

Recurring cast

Guest stars

Series overview

Season Episodes Originally aired
First aired Last aired
1 8 January 7, 2014 February 25, 2014
2 12 February 3, 2015 April 14, 2015
3 10 October 20, 2015 December 15, 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, 2013 (2013-07-02)4.01[21]
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, 2014 (2014-01-07)3.32[22]

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, 2014 (2014-01-14)2.77[23]

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, 2014 (2014-01-21)2.58[24]

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, 2014 (2014-02-04)2.69[25]

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, 2014 (2014-02-11)2.47[26]

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, 2014 (2014-02-18)2.92[27]

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, 2014 (2014-02-25)2.58[28]

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, 2014 (2014-02-25)3.23[28]

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, 2015 (2015-02-03)2.37[29]

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, 2015 (2015-02-10)2.07[30]

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, 2015 (2015-02-17)2.46[31]
Mary Jane undergoes a "free" fertility treatment; Niecy becomes Mary Jane's new pet project.
124"Sleepless In Atlanta"Regina KingErika GrahamFebruary 24, 2015 (2015-02-24)2.41[32]

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, 2015 (2015-03-03)2.09[33]

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, 2015 (2015-03-10)1.72[34]

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, 2015 (2015-03-17)1.43[35]
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, 2015 (2015-03-24)1.23[36]
A fatal Atlanta school shooting; Mary Jane and Sheldon's courtship advances.
179"Line In The Sand"Rob HardyErika GrahamMarch 31, 2015 (2015-03-31)1.59[37]

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"Rob HardyTeleplay by: Erika Graham
Story by: Erika Graham and Craig Quinn
April 7, 2015 (2015-04-07)[38]1.36[39]
Mary Jane does some shop therapy; Paul Jr. decides about a job.
1911"Reading The Signs"Salim AkilAdam GiaudroneApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)[38]1.30[40]

Mary Jane's rant goes viral; Sheldon struggles; Mark's perspective on dating.

Guest starring: Gary Dourdan, Kelly Rutherford, Christina Vidal, Don Lemon
2012"Signing Off"Salim AkilMara Brock AkilApril 14, 2015 (2015-04-14)[38]1.46[40]
Mary Jane moves into her primetime position at SNC.

Season 3 (2015)

No. in
series
No. in
season
Title Directed by Written by Original air date U.S. viewers
(million)
211"Facing Fears"Salim AkilMara Brock AkilOctober 20, 2015 (2015-10-20)2.23[41]
222"Louie Louie"Mario Van PeeblesDevon ShepardOctober 20, 2015 (2015-10-20)2.24[41]
233"Sparrow"Salim AkilKeli GoffOctober 27, 2015 (2015-10-27)1.79[42]
244"Being Kara"Mario Van PeeblesAdam GiaudroneNovember 3, 2015 (2015-11-03)1.45[43]
255"Hot Seat"Neema BarnetteErika GrahamNovember 10, 2015 (2015-11-10)1.78[44]
266"Don't Call It A Comeback"Neema BarnetteMelora RiveraNovember 17, 2015 (2015-11-17)1.38[45]
277"If the Shoe Fits…"Regina KingDevon ShepardNovember 24, 2015 (2015-11-24)1.38[46]
288"Wake Up Call"Regina KingErika GrahamDecember 1, 2015 (2015-12-01)1.39[47]
299"Purging and Cleansing"Oz ScottAdam GiaudroneDecember 8, 2015 (2015-12-08)1.08[48]
3010"Some Things Are Black and White"Oz ScottMara Brock AkilDecember 15, 2015 (2015-12-15)1.66[49]

References

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External links

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