Tyler Perry may not need his own cable network anymore after striking an exclusive multi-year content deal with Oprah Winfrey’s network OWN.
According to the Entertainment Weekly, OWN has announced that the media mogul—known for his three TBS shows “House of Payne,” “Meet the Browns” and “For Better or Worse”—has agreed to create two original scripted series for the network to debut in 2013. Perry was previously in talks with Lionsgate and One Equity Partners (the co-owners of the TV Guide Channel) to create his own platform — Tyler TV.
Though Winfrey and Perry co-executive produced the 2009 film “Precious,” this would be their first television collaboration. “I have been looking forward to the day when we would be in the position to enter the world of scripted television. That day has come,” Winfrey, said in a statement. “We are all energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Tyler who has a proven track record for producing highly successful cable series. He has an incredible ability to illuminate life stories and characters in his unique voice and inspires and encourages people all over the world.”
The network has been struggling since its launch in January 2011, but the partnership may prove beneficial in boosting its ratings. “It’s a dream realized to partner with Oprah and bring scripted programming to OWN,” Perry added. “She has accomplished so much with the network and I’m excited to work with her to be a part of its continued growth.”