The BET audience has certainly matured – even on the reality TV front.
Five years ago, TV and film producer Tracey Edmonds introduced the groundbreaking series, 'College Hill,' which chronicled the ups and downs of students at a historically black college in the south. Two years ago, the network launched, 'Baldwin Hills,' a younger spin on the drama – this time revolving around the lives of black teenagers in and around a tony section of Los Angeles.
In 2009, real adulthood sets in with 'Harlem Heights,' premiering March 2 at 10:00 p.m.
No student loans, campus confusion, prom date dilemmas or parental advisory on deck for this show, created by MTV industry insiders Randolph Sturrup and Kurt Williamson.
For the new show, it's all grown and sexy business for and by young, black, urban professionals setting out to make their way in the world. Each person joins the series at a defining moment in his or her life
And it all takes place in Harlem USA.
The series features a diverse cast of eight young adults from various backgrounds. BlackVoices.com has an exclusive sneak peek at the Facebook-friendly cast members from BET's most-buzzed about new show. Take a look.
Mel B Pictures
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **
AP
In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**
AP
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )
Getty Images
Comments: (46)
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By: alicia on 1/12/2009 6:14PM
FAMU represents always...good luck Randolph.
Alicia
Class of 1998
http://todaystyle.today.com/
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By: BIGGSHAAD on 1/13/2009 11:06AM
Represent the 206. Make it happen Briana
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By: c.m on 1/13/2009 11:32AM
Congrats Randolph to what looks like will be a fantastic show that is badly needed for BET. Hopefully this type of show will help raise the quality and standard for BET programming. As the "world holds on" to Obama and America's every word now, this is great timing. Best of luck.
C.
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By: Sara-Marie on 1/13/2009 2:59PM
It is about time that the rest of America gets to see African Americans in the full spectrum. I am tired of the rest of America and the world seeing only a partial view of our reality, just like other ethnic groups, we have our poor, middle and upper class. I get tired of getting hearing others say and think that Obama is an exception. As if our folks cannot work hard to put our children thru college and we don't manage our money and careers. Each one of the participants in this show, will help open some close minded person view of African Americans and how varied we truly are. It is about time BET....its about time you redeem yourself after years of adding to that negative campaign against our people.
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By: gyolie52 on 1/13/2009 6:55PM
positive fresh beautiful black people. I love it.
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By: Morning Bobby on 1/14/2009 7:18AM
good luck, and best wishes
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By: stephenmiami3365 on 1/14/2009 7:22AM
It's about time. I so sick and tired of these ghetto fabulous shows like Flavor of love
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By: mshoneyluv05 on 1/14/2009 9:39AM
Yea im happy they are making a change from the ghetto-fabulous style but who knows what will happen with this one. They might make us all sick with their uppity-look down their nose at people-snobby catfight attitudes. Why do we care about OTHER peoples lives. Reality is, i have more important things to do in my own reality life.
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By: Donna and Kids on 1/14/2009 11:19AM
Much success and prosperity, Be Blessed,
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By: Daria E.Bermudez on 1/14/2009 11:44AM
I think this is Great 4 Young Black America and Harlem USA/NYC;)
Peace, Love, and Hairgrease!
Cheers,
Daria E.
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