Friday, November 24, 2017

OWN HOSTS "CHECKED INN" LUNCHEONS IN NEW YORK AND ATLANTA AHEAD OF 
NOVEMBER 21, 10pm ET/PT PREMIERE

  
The Greenwood family (Glenn, Monique and Glynn) get ready for their Q&A in Brooklyn at the Akwaaba Mansion (left); Chef Shawn Osbey and Monique take a flick moments after their Atlanta press conference at the Wimbish House (right)

Download Photos: NYC lunch (credit: Bernard Smalls); ATL lunch (credit: Chris Mitchell)

(NEW YORK) - November 16, 2017 - In advance of the premiere of the new docu-series "Checked Inn" featuring entrepreneur Monique Greenwood and her family, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network hosted press events in New York and Atlanta.
 
In New York, Greenwood, along with her husband Glenn and daughter Glynn, welcomed press to their luxurious Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, where attendees enjoyed an elegant lunch and lively conversation on the new show and diversity in the hospitality industry.
 
Down in Atlanta, reporters gathered for lunch at the historic Wimbish House, where co-star Chef Shawn Osbey joined Greenwood for more engaging dialogue on generational wealth and the unique qualities of her bed & breakfast empire.
 
"Checked Inn" premieres Tuesday, November 21 at 10pm ET/PT on OWN.
 

NEW YORK
 
The stately Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn was a posh setting for the "Checked Inn" New York luncheon.

 
Press enjoyed a delightful meal prior to the Q&A.

 
There were plenty of laughs during the conversation. The Greenwoods are a lively bunch!
 
Just a preview of the cozy rooms that await you at the Akwaaba Mansion.

ATLANTA

The Wimbish House, a stunning oasis in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, was the location for the "Checked Inn" Atlanta luncheon.

A scrumptious spread, catered by Chef Shawn Osbey, awaited guests upon arrival.

Attendees wasted no time in digging into the food.

Chef Shawn Osbey and Monique Greenwood shared a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes on how the Akwaaba properties are run.

Comedian/entrepreneur Torrei Hart, Chef Shawn Osbey, Monique Greenwood and "Sister Circle Live" co-host Kiana Dancie shared a cute photo.

One-on-one interviews with press rounded out the afternoon.

"Checked Inn" premieres Tuesday, November 21 at 10pm ET/PT on OWN. 


ABOUT THE SHOW
In 1995, Monique Greenwood pursued a newfound love for hospitality by opening her first B&B in Brooklyn, NY while also working as a magazine editor. Then, five very busy years later, she landed a dream job at Essence Magazine, the leading publication for African American women. Monique quickly rose to become Editor-in-Chief - even as she continued to run the B&B. Much to everyone's shock, Monique eventually decided to walk away from her high-profile job at Essence. After juggling two professions for years, she wanted to focus on building the B&B business with her husband, Glenn, with the goal of creating a legacy they could pass on to their daughter, Glynn.
 
Today, Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns is the most successful B&B business on the east coast and Monique remains the hands-on force behind it. She runs her now four inns the only way she knows how-as the heart and soul, the everything planner and the innkeeper. Ever-helpful, Monique even finds herself offering advice to her guests when they confide in her.
 
Set at Akwaaba's Mansion at Noble Lane in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, this former Woolworth estate is where couples go to push back the world, re-ignite passion and celebrate life's most exciting events. Things may not always go smoothly, but Monique-with Glynn under her wing-and the hard-working staff, make sure their guests have an experience they'll never forget. Celebrity guests include two-time Grammy® Award-winning singer/songwriter Peabo Bryson, black hair care entrepreneur Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter and Pastor John Gray and his wife Aventer.
 
"Checked Inn" is executive produced by Dave Caplan ("Monica the Medium," "Holy Foley") from Trooper Entertainment in association with Lionsgate Television. The series is also executive produced by Rahel Tennione with Co-Executive Producer, Becca Guillon.

OWN RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR WITH THE SERIES PREMIERE OF TYLER PERRY'S COMEDY 
"THE PAYNES" JANUARY 16

Hit Perry Dramas "The Haves and the Have Nots" and 
"If Loving You is Wrong" Return January 9 & 10 

 
 
To download hi-res images and logos, click here: https://owncomm.box.com/s/4090z9ximqkozq88ksgx0p8uty0b24er

Los Angeles - OWN's new Tyler Perry comedy "The Paynes" will have its series premiere on Tuesday, January 16 with two back-to-back episodes at 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. "The Paynes," a spin-off of beloved Perry comedy "House of Payne," follows Ella and Curtis Payne (Cassi Davis and LaVan Davis) through the ups and downs of retirement. The series also stars Emmy-winning actress Jackée Harry ("227").
 
Additionally, Perry's hit drama series "The Haves and the Have Nots," starring Tika Sumpter and John Schneider, will return for a fifth season on Tuesday, January 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT and drama series "If Loving You is Wrong" will return with all-new episodes on a new day and time, Wednesday, January 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
 
To date, "The Haves and the Have Nots" is the #1 original series on all of cable for African-American women and the year's #1 original scripted series on all of cable for African-American total viewers. Additionally, "If Loving You is Wrong," is the #2 original scripted cable series for African-American women and total viewers.
 
"The Paynes," "The Haves and the Have Nots" and "If Loving You Is Wrong" are created, written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry and are co-produced forOWN by Tyler Perry Studios.
 
Please find additional information for each series below:
 
"The Paynes" (Series Premiere Tuesday, January 16 at 10 p.m. ET/PT; moves to regular timeslot Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on January 20)
In Tyler Perry's new comedy series, "The Paynes," Cassi Davis and LaVan Davis reprise their roles as Ella and Curtis Payne, from the hit series "House of Payne." As Curtis and Ella are enjoying their retirement, a death in the family takes them on the road to Florida, where Curtis is roped into a real estate deal that will tumble their lives like clothes in a dryer - with plenty of laughs and life lessons along the way. "The Paynes" also stars Emmy-winner Jackeé Harry, Stephanie Charles, Markice Moore, JD McCrary, Sanai Victoria and Anthony O. Dalton.
 
"The Haves and the Have Nots" (New episodes premiere Tuesday, January 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
"The Haves and the Have Nots," starring John Schneider and Tika Sumpter, portrays the ongoing drama between the wealthy Cryer and Harrington families and the poor Young family. The most explosive season yet, season five picks up with no one unscathed by scandal, destruction, life-threatening moments and even death. The series also stars Angela Robinson, Renée Lawless, Crystal Fox, Peter Parros, Aaron O'Connell, Tyler Lepley, Gavin Houston.
 
"If Loving You is Wrong" (New episodes premiere Wednesday, January 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
"If Loving You Is Wrong," delves into the lives of neighbors and friends-turned-frenemies Alex (Amanda Clayton), Kelly (Edwina Findley Dickerson), Marcie (Heather Hemmens), Esperanza (Zulay Henao) and Natalie (April Parker-Jones). Season three continues to unfold as the neighborhood that once was the perfect picture of suburban life is still dealing with the repercussions of the scandalous affair that tore apart two marriages, and jeopardized every friendship the couples held close. The series also stars Joel Rush, Eltony Williams, Aiden Turner, Charles Malik Whitfield, Denzel Wells and Jay Hunter.
 
About Tyler Perry Studios
Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) was formed by actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, and develops and produces motion picture films, in addition to drama and comedy television programming for the multi-platform U.S. television market. TPS' former studio lot was situated on a 200,000-square foot former Delta Airlines campus of over 60 acres in the Greenbriar area of southwest Atlanta. During the course of its operation, the space was home to production of 10 films and over 700 episodes of Mr. Perry's five television series. In 2015 TPS expanded operations with the acquisition of Fort McPherson, a former army base, which sits on over 330 acres minutes from downtown Atlanta. Mr. Perry and the studio's Georgia-based employees are in production of Perry's current television series and feature films, in addition to providing state of the art facilities and services to major feature films and television shows filming in Atlanta. Production is already underway at the new studio, which will contain twelve soundstages ranging in size between 10,000 and 60,000 square feet.
 
About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the channel. OWN is a leading destination for premium scripted and unscripted programming from today's most innovative storytellers. OWNconnects with its audience wherever they are, inspiring conversation among a global community of like-minded viewers on social media and beyond. Launched on January 1, 2011, OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. Access OWNanytime, anywhere on WatchOWN.tv or across mobile devices and connected TVs. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and https://press.discovery.com/us/own/
 
    

ONLY A FEW HOURS LEFT TO ENTER TV ONE's BEST SUPPORTING FAN SWEEPSTAKES FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A TRIP TO THE 
49TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS HOSTED BY ANTHONY ANDERSON


The 49th NAACP Image Awards airs LIVE January 15 at 9/8c on 
TV One!

Contest ends at midnight.

click image below to enter

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Win A Trip to the #ImageAwards from #TVONE

    

ARE YOU TV ONE'S BEST SUPPORTING FAN?

Enter today at BestSupportingFanSweepstakes.com for a chance to win a trip to the 49th NAACP Image Awards hosted by 
Anthony Anderson!

click image below to enter
  

Saturday, November 11, 2017

Monday, November 6, 2017

   

LARENZ TATE ("POWER") AND ERICA ASH ("SURVIVOR'S REMORSE") TO HOST 
2018 BOUNCE TRUMPET AWARDS


26 
th Annual Event Takes Place Sat. Jan. 20 in Atlanta,
World Premieres on Bounce Sun. Feb. 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET

 

ATLANTA (Nov. 6, 2017) -- Larenz Tate and Erica Ash will host the 2018 Bounce Trumpet Awards, an exciting night of inspiration, history and crowd-rousing performances celebrating African-American achievements and contributions.
The gala black-tie ceremony will be held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on Sat. Jan. 20, 2018 and will world premiere nationwide on Bounce on Sun. Feb. 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Bounce, the fastest-growing African-American network on television, now exclusively owns, produces and telecasts the star-studded event, rebranded this year as the Bounce Trumpet Awards. Honorees, performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit www.trumpetawards.com for more information.
Tate is a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award-winner and currently stars on the hit series "Power" on STARZ. He has also appeared on the popular shows "Rescue Me," "Game of Silence" and "House of Lies." On the big screen, Tate most recently appeared in "Girls Trip," with previous roles in "Ray," "Menace II Society," "Love Jones," "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" and more.
Ash is an NAACP Award-winning Broadway, film and television actress currently starring on the hit series "Survivor's Remorse" on STARZ, as well as playing Brigette Hart (ex-wife of Kevin Hart) on "The Real Husbands of Hollywood." She will star in the new legal drama series "In Contempt" and will appear in the new theatrical motion picture "Uncle Drew" from Lionsgate's Summit Entertainment.
The Trumpet Awards were conceived to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. Founded in 1992 by American Civil Rights leader Xernona Clayton, The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016. The list of prestigious honorees over its 26-year history includes Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, The African-American Women of the United States Congress, Steve Harvey, Martin Luther King, III, Janelle Monáe and Spike Lee. 
Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage, and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports, and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 99 million homes across the United States and 95% of all African-American (AA) television homes, including all the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Ambassador Andrew Young and Martin Luther King, III

Saturday, November 4, 2017

NEW SEASON OF "WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIE'S" RETURNS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25 ON OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

   

NEW SEASON OF 
"WELCOME TO SWEETIE PIE'S" RETURNS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25 ON 
OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

Hi-res link for additional photos:

LOS ANGELES OWN's long-running, NAACP Image Award-winning docu-series "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" featuring soul food entrepreneur Miss Robbie Montgomery her son Tim Norman and their exuberant family returns to OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network on OWN Saturday, November 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT for its fifth season. Produced by Craig Piligian's Pilgrim Media Group, the series follows the fun-loving, musical Montgomery family through their highs and lows as they work to expand their soul food empire.  

On an all-new season full of equal parts family fun and jaw-dropping drama, Miss Robbie and Tim attempt to mend their mother/son relationship by dividing the family business. Tim heads to Houston to rebound by opening up a new, full-service restaurant, while continuing his relationship with reality star Jennifer Williams - who puts on the pressure to get engaged. Charles and Chloe leave Los Angeles and strap on their cowboy boots to follow Tim to the Lone Star State, while he also brings Monique down from St. Louis to manage the bar and live entertainment. Just as the Houston restaurant seems to find its groove, Hurricane Harvey hits, shutting its doors and scattering this work family across the country.

Not to be outdone, Miss Robbie thinks she's keeping it simple by pursuing her dream of owning a classic burger joint while continuing to run Upper Crust, perform for her fans and spend time with her growing grandson, TJ. But as her 77th birthday approaches, the Montgomery family's matriarch contemplates her legacy as she seriously considers retirement.

"Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" is produced by Pilgrim Media Group.  Executive producers are Craig Piligian, Melodie Calvert, Robbie Montgomery, Tim Norman, Jeff Keane, Tim Breitbach and Steve Luebbert.

Click to watch trailer

For photography and additional information, please visit the OWN press site:

 About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in original scripted and unscripted programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable.  Depth with edge.  Heart. Star power. Connection.  And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications.  The network debuted on January 1, 2011.  The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com.  Access OWN anytime, anywhere on WatchOWN.tv or across mobile devices and connected TVs. For more information, please visit 

About Pilgrim Media Group
Pilgrim Media Group produces a wide variety of unscripted and scripted content for TV, film and digital platforms. Among the company's hit series are two-time NAACP Award-winner 
Welcome to Sweetie Pie's for OWN; Fast N' Loud, Street Outlaws, Misfit Garage and Garage Rehab for Discovery; The Ultimate Fighter for FS1; My Big Fat Fabulous Life and Ghost Brothers for TLC; Wicked Tuna and Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks for National Geographic; Bring It! for Lifetime; David Tutera's CELEBrations for WE tv; and Zombie House Flipping for FYI. Pilgrim also produced the scripted series Recovery Road for Freeform and multiple original movies for Lifetime, and is in development on numerous other scripted projects for TV, film and streaming outlets. Pilgrim's feature documentary Soufra (Arabic for "feast"), which won two awards at Egypt's El Gouna Film Festival, will soon premiere in the U.S. at DOC NYC.