BET Networks rolls out new programming and will launch a new network.

The network's new shows including "The Mo'Nique Show," which will be a late-night talk show hosted by Mo'Nique, "Changing Lanes," a reality show that will profile Black Nascar drivers and "Monica: Still Standing," singer Monica's reality show that we told you about in last month's Sister 2 Sister. Expect that show at the end of this year.

Mary J. will also get a spin on BET with "The Hollywood Treatment" which will give Hollywood makeovers to regular folk going through transitions. Terry Crews, star of "Everybody Hates Chris," let cameras into his home with "Crews Control." Viewers will get the chance to see Terry, his wife and five children try to "instill Christian values" into their kids, who range from ages 3 to 22. 

Noticeably absent from BET's programming schedule is anything from Keyshia Cole, or her family members. Where is that Neffe and Frankie spin-off we were promised?!

Centric is BET Networks next planned venture, according to a press release from the company. Centric will be aimed at middle-aged Black people and will premiere this October. The target audience for Centric is more sophisticated and wealthy, said BET execs at an event for potential advertisers last week. 

It's increasingly difficult to build new networks because the market is already so crowded with cable stations; but BET's parent company, Viacom, is confident that they can reach 45 millions homes in time for Centric's debut. That would be about half of the audience of BET, which is currently in 89 million homes. The future of BET J, the smaller, mostly music complementary network, might be in the air, as execs could not comment on how it would be affected at the event.

Centric's programming seems to be very reality-based and will include a show called "Keeping up with the Joneses," that will "follow the lives of Houston's high society." That sounds like an H-town version of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," huh? Other shows, "Leading Men" and "Real Life Divas," both profile prominent African-Americans, and will be moved from BET J to Centric.

Like everyone who wants to sell products to Black people, Scott Mills, president of BET, cited the Obamas as "a perfect example" of the network's target demographic, reports The New York Times.

-- Whitney Teal

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