Urban Movie Channel has announced some new and returning programs for 2019. The reality series, Beyond the Pole and Black History series True First. Two other series have also been announced as returners: the Brian White-led police procedural Bronx SIU and Victoria Rowell’s Daytime Emmy-nominated soap opera parody, The Rich and the Ruthless.

Beyond the Pole – A new reality series in the vein of Basketball Wives and Love and Hip Hop that centers on the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of six Atlanta based exotic dancers and one former exotic dancer who takes on a matriarchal role to the group of women in an attempt to show them how to make it out of the scrupulous strip club world. Executive produced by Mark Stevens and entertainment industry veteran, Shanté Paige (Ricky Smiley for Real, Madea’s Big Happy Family), the six-episode first season also features appearances from recording artists, Yung Joc and Lyfe Jennings. The first episode of Beyond the Pole starts streaming on Thursday, January 3, 2019. New episodes will air weekly through Thursday, February 7, 2019.

True First – The series showcases several African American pioneers and the untold stories behind their groundbreaking achievements. Profiled historical figures include Shirley Chisolm – the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first African American to run for president;Moses Fleetwood Walker – one of the first professional baseball players before Jackie Robinson integrated the sport; Sister Rosetta Thorpe – the Mother of Rock N’ Roll; Frederick McKinley Jones – a genius inventor who received over 60 patents in engineering, X-rays, sound equipment, and refrigeration; and Simone Manuel – the first African American swimmer to win an Olympic gold medal. Created by Jerald Harkness, the first episode of True First premieres Thursday, January 31, 2019. New episodes will air weekly through Thursday, March 21, 2019.

Bronx Siu – The show will continue to follow the pursuits of homicide detective Jimmy Blue (Brian White) as he heads up an elite unit of investigators tasked with solving the boroughs most heinous crimes. After his life-threatening, on-the-job injury reveals a crooked cop in the SIU division, Season 2 follows the team as they work to seek out the mole and uncover the truth around Jimmy’s case. Created by Dan Garcia and Mike Mayhall, Bronx SIU, Season 2 returns with White alongside Shanti Lowry, Miguel Núñez Jr., Keeland Ellis and Vanessa Lyon in March 2019.

The Rich and the Ruthless – Victoria Rowell’s Daytime Emmy nominated soap opera parody is heading for the high seas with its usual cast of colorful characters. Bringing more meltdowns, mischief, and masterful manipulation, Season 3 of the series follows the cast as they prepare for their “Destination: Nowhere” cruise to thank their loyal fans with some exclusive, over-the-top entertainment. But with Kitty and Augustus Barringer at the helm, plus their crew of eccentric cast members, the claws are back and the calamity is inevitable! Starring Rowell as well as Richard Brooks, Alesha Renee, Robert Ri’chard, Valencia Algarin, and Michael Colyar, Season 3 of The Rich and the Ruthless premieres in May 2019.

Learn more about UMC and its new and returning shows at UMC.tv

UMC was acquired earlier this year by AMC Networks.

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