TV One continues its march forward with original movies, and having plenty of success with them I must add! See the ratings results for “Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story” as a very recent example.

I can’t think of any other TV network (broadcast or cable) that produces this many films in-house. I do wonder if TV One brass have considered releasing any of the network’s films in theaters, even if it’s limited distribution. But I assume it likely cost much less, and is less demanding to air these films on TV – a much more accessible platform, since it practically guarantees that the films will be available to audiences (pretty much anyone with a cable TV subscription) nationwide, a remote control button away, in the comfort of their homes. I also wonder if these films are traveling, and are being screened whether on TV or in theaters outside the USA. Something I will investigate at a later time…

Following last weekend’s strong showing for “The Miki Howard Story,” which stars Teyonah Parris and is directed by Christine Swanson, TV One has set another new original movie, this one titled “Bad Dad Rehab,” which hails from American Black Film Festival (ABFF) 2015 TV One Screenplay Competition winner Keronda “Kiki” McKnight, who penned the script.

Carl Seaton directed the film which stars Robert Ri’chard, Rob Riley, Wesley Jonathan and Rick Gonzalez as 4 men in denial of their poor parenting skills who attend a rehab for deadbeat dads that employs unusual methods to help them become true fathers and real men. After turbulence with their respective baby mamas and ex-wives forces them to take definitive action, Shawn (Jonathan), Tristan (Ri’chard), Jared (Riley) and Pierre (Gonzalez) attend a rehab program for dads to turn their situations around. Mr. Leon (played by Malik Yoba), creator of a “Bad Dad Rehab Program,” challenges the dads to a series of tasks to strengthen their bonds with their children. Through all the hilarity, hijinks, drama and soul-searching, the men of Bad Dad Rehab discover that fatherhood is less about making babies, and more about responsibility and commitment.

Kandi Buruss also co-stars.

The film will first make its national premiere at the ongoing 20th Annual ABFF as a Spotlight Screening at The Colony Theatre, tomorrow, Saturday, June 18 at 2 pm ET, before heading to TV One on Sunday, July 3, at 7 pm ET, followed by an encore at 9 pm.

ABFF is also holding a special encore screening of the film during its Community Day at the Lyric Theater on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19 at 11 am ET.

“Movies like this don’t come around often where you see the many complexions of fatherhood,” said D’Angela Proctor, TV One’s SVP, Original Programming & Production. “Many people think that being a deadbeat dad is connected to money, but it’s not. Fatherhood is about presence and not presents and we see that in this movie.”

“This film for me is art imitating life,” said Yoba. “Just like the character I play, Mr Leon, I actually started a foundation to support fathers when my first daughter was born 18 years ago. We need to see images of men as involved fathers. I love that TV One chose to make this movie and has made it a priority to connect with actual real life fatherhood organizations across the country. I’m proud to be a part of this effort both on and off screen.”

Launched last year, the ABFF/TV One Screenplay Competition was created to encourage and promote the production of creative, contemporary, engaging and relatable screenplays, and offers budding writers the chance to showcase their talent and win the opportunity to see their project come to life.

“Bad Dad Rehab” is produced for TV One by Roger M. Bobb and Angi Bones of Bobbcat Films. For TV One, Lamar Chase serves as executive-in-charge of production and director of programming; Donyell Kennedy-McCullough as senior director of talent and casting; Robyn Greene Arrington is vice president of original programming; and D’Angela Proctor is executive producer and head of original programming and production.

For more information about TV One at ABFF, including the network’s original movie screenings, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv/tvoneatabff. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hash tag #TVOneAtABFF and #BadDadRehab, and catch clips and promos on TV One’s YouTube Channel.

A trailer has been released and is embedded below: