Tyler Perry Offered His own TV Network?

In August, The New York Times reported that Lionsgate and Tyler Perry are currently working on forming an all-Tyler network. Does this mean more shows than those already on TBS? TBS currently airs Perry's ‘House of Payne,' and  ‘Meet the Browns,' and will also run a new series, ‘For Better or Worse' starting sometime this month.

The potential network will consist of re-runs of Perry's shows such as ‘Meet the Browns' and ‘House of Payne' as well as third-party content that meshes with what the Times calls "Mr. Perry's Christianity-tinged brand."

"Personally, I only like the TV show ‘House of Payne,' which they have cancelled," said Michael Adams Jr., a freshman business finance major.  "I am not pleased with ‘Meet the Browns'. His movies are OK, but they are considerably getting worse and worse.  So, if they maintain the older shows' quality, opposed to making a multitude of unfunny shows, then it's fine, but otherwise it's not necessary."

Many see Tyler Perry as a great actor/director. Others, such as director/producer Spike Lee, see him and his work as "coonery," or inappropriately representing the African-American community.

"Personally, I love Tyler Perry's work, but there seems to be a great divide between those who like him and those who do not," said junior mathematics major Courtney Coates. " I understand the reason why people such as Touré and Spike Lee are coming out to speak against his work, but no one can argue that he is not giving Black actors/actresses opportunities that they would not have if he did not have his empire."

The New York Times reports that many of Perry's stage performances sell out in minutes and his TBS series have generated soaring ratings. His movies are no different, as they have grossed over $522 million in tickets, and  make an average of $22 million during the opening weekend.

"I think Tyler Perry getting his own network will be very interesting because I know a lot of people have mixed feelings on his comedies," said junior journalism major Erin Durkin. "I usually appreciate his comedies, and I really appreciate his adaptation of the play ‘For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.'  I'm glad Perry brought attention to this performance and took on the challenge of adapting it to film.  I'm just hoping Perry will keep a balance of comedy and emotionally charged shows instead of all comedies on his network."