BET is getting back into the news game, but with a twist. The cable network announced Thursday (April 12) that they are adding a late-night satirical news program “Don’t Sleep With T.J. Holmes,” to their line-up.
While it is unclear as to what time the nightly show will air, it is scheduled to debut sometime this fall, and is an attempt to compete with the likes of Chelsea Lately over on E!, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, which airs on ABC. The big difference with the aforementioned programs is that they are all hosted by comedians, while BET has placed former CNN reporter T.J. Holmes at the helm of their late night telecast. Holmes left the news channel for a gig at BET late last year “because the timing was perfect,” and the network is throwing lots of faith behind the broadcaster, promising that the show will give viewers a “good reason to stay up late.”
The program will feature news commentary with a side of sarcasm, similar to what John Stewart, Steven Colbert, and Bill Maher have been doing for years. However, Holmes is said to speak through a “unique and smart African-American filter,” as he tackles current events, and social issues important to BET viewers.
This isn’t the first time that BET has tried its hand at late-night programming. In 2009 they premiered comedian Mo’Nique’s self-titled talk show, which started off doing well, but was canceled after only two seasons.
Here’s hoping “Don’t Sleep With T.J. Holmes” doesn’t meet the same fate.
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Photo: T.J. Holmes
