New All-Black Female Driven Series ‘Finding Happy’ Highlights Bounce’s Upcoming Originals Slate
E.W. Scripps-owned Bounce, the broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, unveiled its upcoming original programming schedule. The lineup features an all-new original series about Black women that is written, produced, directed by and starring Black women, Finding Happy.
Overview:
New original scripted series: Finding Happy (fall 2022)
Returning series: Johnson (July 10)
New original movie: Faith Heist 2 (Holidays 2022)
Special events
BRAND CONNECTIONS
- Scripps National Spelling Bee (June 1-2)
- Bounce Trumpet Awards (Juneteenth, June 19)
Original series
Finding Happy is a dramedy following the Black female experience through the unfulfilled life of Yaz Carter, beginning with her unhappy 36th birthday. The 10-episode debut season features Yaz’s loving-but-complicated family, her stagnant career in the evolving landscape of radio and a merry-go-round of unrequited love while dating in the love desert of Atlanta. “Finding Happy” reveals over time that true happiness can only be found within.
B. Simone (MTV’s “Wild ‘n Out”) stars as Yaz along with Kim Coles (“Living Single”), Marketta Patrice (“Black Jesus”), Angela Gibbs (“Hacks”), Stevie Baggs (“Ruthless”) and Mike Merrill (“A La Carte”). Kendra Jo is showrunner/writer and co-creator along with Yasmine Coleman and Angela Wells. Eric C. Rhone, Cedric the Entertainer, Yasmine Coleman, Angela Wells, Kendra Jo and Reesha L. Archibald are the show’s executive producers.
Finding Happy is being developed as a companion show to Bounce’s male-centric breakout hit Johnson. The Deji LaRay-created dramedy returns for season two July 10, and Terri J. Vaughn has joined the ensemble cast alongside LaRay, Thomas Q. Jones, D.L. Hughley, Derrex Brady and Philip A. Smithey.
Both “Johnson” and “Finding Happy” come from Cedric The Entertainer & Eric C. Rhone’s production company A Bird & A Bird Entertainment and the pair serve as co-executive producers.
Original movies
Faith Heist 2 – In time for the holidays comes Faith Heist 2 as Bounce premieres a sequel to last year’s popular movie Faith Heist, which was nominated for multiple Gemini Awards, Canada’s version of the Emmys. The original cast members, including Jonathan Langdon, Dalmar Abuzeid and Safine Semajuste, reprise their roles as Pastor Benjamin (Langdon) and his motley crew of congregants. This time, they find themselves locked in the local mall just as a fearsome team of armed thieves attempt a jewel robbery. Unable to flee or signal for help, the pastor & his friends realize it’s up to them to battle the crooks and save the mall – all before Christmas morning. “Faith Heist 2” is being produced by JB Sugar and No Equal Entertainment.
Other Bounce original programming highlights include the iconic Scripps National Spelling Bee, which will be airing on sister network Ion and several other Scripps networks June 1-2, and the Bounce Trumpet Awards, returning to television for a special 30th anniversary telecast on Juneteenth. The gala event celebrates the best in African American excellence and achievement. A beacon to inspire, enlighten and raise the human spirit to its highest potential, the program recognizes Black humanitarians who have succeeded against immense odds and augment the richness of society by striving for the justice and equality of all.
The program will air on the Juneteenth holiday, June 19, a date that serves as the perfect fit for what this event stands for, and offers a significant way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the show. This year’s honorees include Courtney B. Vance, Stan Lathan, Zaila Avant-garde, Princess Sarah Culberson and Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.
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