Continuing its successful partnership with prolific producer Tyler Perry, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today a 38-episode order for a new comedy series from Perry, titled “The Paynes,” a spinoff of his popular series “House of Payne.”
Also, the network has also ordered 44 additional episodes of Perry’s hit OWN drama series “The Haves and the Have Nots” and 18 episodes of “If Loving You is Wrong.”
Written, directed and produced by Tyler Perry, “The Paynes” meets back up with Curtis and Ella Payne (stars LaVan Davis and Cassi Davis reprising their roles) who are trying to enjoy their retirement in Florida only to get roped into a real estate deal that will tumble their lives like clothes in a dryer. The comedy has begun production at the new Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta and will premiere on OWN in 2018.
Additionally, the network announced the final seasons of Perry’s popular comedy series “Love Thy Neighbor” and “For Better or Worse,” which will both move to Saturday nights. “Love Thy Neighbor” will premiere its fourth season on Saturday, March 4 with back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. “For Better or Worse” will premiere its sixth season on Saturday, June 10 with back-to-back episodes at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. Both series will air through 2017 with 22 and 20 episodes respectively.
“Tyler has been an incredible collaborator, a great partner and has an unprecedented track record of success with his hit scripted series,” said Erik Logan, president, OWN. “Tyler’s shows are must see TV for his loyal audience and we are excited to offer up a brand-new comedy and more episodes of their favorite Tyler dramas on OWN. We also would like to thank the entire casts of both ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ and ‘For Better or Worse’ who have given us loads of laughs over the years. Both series have had great runs and we appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication.”
The January 3 season premiere of “The Haves and the Have Nots” (Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT) delivered 3.6 million viewers (L+3) and ranked as the night’s #1 cable telecast for women. The series consistently ranks as Tuesday night’s #1 original cable series among women as well as primetime’s #1 original series for African-American women and total viewers. In its most recent season (9/13/16 – 11/29/16), “If Loving You is Wrong” averaged 2.65 million total viewers (L+3) and was Tuesday night’s #1 original cable series for W25-54.
“The Paynes,” “The Haves and the Have Nots,” “If Loving You is Wrong,” “Love Thy Neighbor” and “For Better or Worse” are created, written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry and produced for OWN by Tyler Perry Studios.
