TV One’s Hit Series “Rickey Smiley For Real” Gets Third Season Pick-Up

Photo Credit: Marcus Ingram for TV One

One July 20, 2016,  TV One announced the third season renewal of the heartwarming comedic docu-series Rickey Smiley For Real.  The third season will return with even stronger bonds and bigger laughs, as comic and radio personality Rickey Smiley continues to strive to achieve his quest for domination of the entertainment industry.  In the second season, which debuted in May, viewers have watched Smiley journey through a wild ride, ranging from his parental style being put to the test to fun family vacations to an epic DJ battle with a friendly rival morning radio show. Rickey Smiley For Real continues to post double digit gains, and is currently outperforming its first season across all total and key Black demos.

“The consistent growth of Rickey Smiley For Real demonstrates the strong connection our viewers have with Rickey’s lovable family and laughable team,” said D’Angela Proctor, Head of Original Programming and Production for TV One. “Over two seasons, new and devoted fans have watched as the cast takes great strides in their personal lives and we look forward to watching as the cast exhibits their commitment to the community as well.“

“Although I am happy about the renewal for Season 3 of my show; it’s very difficult for me to celebrate as I sit here and watch the funerals of Philander Castile and Alton Sterling,” remarked Smiley. “I yearn for our country to be solid and to embrace our differences and to understand our differing communities and history.  We have too many others in the world trying to destroy what our nation, on the pain and suffering of our own people, has built.  I assure you that police violence will be a topic addressed in Season 3 as I feel compelled to use my platform to make change in this country for the good of all our citizens.  I’m thankful my show is doing well, but our nation, especially black America, is grieving at this time.“

Infusing his brand of comedy into every situation, Rickey Smiley For Real, also introduces viewers to his four children – sons Brandon and Malik and daughters D’Essence and Aaryn – as well as his extended family of co-workers, colleagues and friends – his nephew Craig, live-in assistant Miss Pat, personal assistant Angie, business consultant Bruce Demps, childhood friend and family lawyer Nakita Blocton, radio co-hosts Da Brat, Gary With Da Tea, Headkrack, Rock T and Juicy, and radio show producers Beyonce and Hollywood.

As a much-loved comedian, television host of Dish Nation, and top-rated nationally syndicated radio personality of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, Smiley rose to superstardom after igniting his 25-year career serving as opening act for industry titans such as Steve Harvey, George Wallace and Carl Strong. Throughout his career trajectory, Smiley has been one of the industry’s most towering forces in building an impressive empire that has landed him preeminent roles on radio, television, film and on-stage performances. For more information on Smiley’s personal and professional background, please visit: http://therealrickeysmiley.com/.

For more information about Rickey Smiley For Real and Rickey Smiley, visit http://www.tvone.tv.  Viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Periscope (@tvonetv) using the hashtag #RickeySmileyForReal and catch clips and promos on TV One’s YouTube Channel.

Rickey Smiley For Real is produced by Bobbcat Films for TV One with Rickey Smiley and Roger M. Bobb as executive producers and Angi Bones as co-executive producer. For TV One, Lamar Chase is executive-in-charge of production, Robyn Greene Arrington is vice president of original programming and production, and D’Angela Proctor is head of original programming and production.

Actor & Comedian Flex Alexander Set to Emcee The Comedy Underground Series Live

For all you comedy lovers and Flex Alexander fans, he is back and it seems like in a big way. The Urban Movie Channel is excited to announce the production of the second installment of the Comedy Underground Series featuring Flex Alexander – actor, comedian and star of OWN docu-series ” Flex & Shanice“. Taping for the second , installment is set to take place on Friday, July 17th at the Alex Theater in Glendale,CA.

Each volume of the Comedy Underground Series will begin airing on Urban Movie Channel starting at the end of July. Flex Alexander will host an evening of urban entertainment. The current line up includes stand-up acts Red Grant, Alex Thomas, Chastity Washington, Capone, Kevin “Damn Fool” Simpson and Jay Lamont, with MC Lyte and DJ Jermaine deep in hip-hop beats.

While the first Comedy Underground Series hosted by Tony Rock premieres on July 24, 2015, Silver Lining Entertainment is in the thick of production on their second installment. This series will highlight actor, comedian and star of OWN docu-series “Flex & Shanice,” Flex Alexander and a fresh batch of stand-ups. After interviewing, Flex he stated that one of his main goals was to “spread the love and laughter to all while introducing new comedians to the world”, which is a very positive and welcome statement these days. In addition, Flex Alexander is very busy these days with various projects with The Comedy Undergroound being the first of many.

So California comedy fans, get ready because from six-thirty to seven-thirty p.m., audience members will be captivated by The Comedy Underground Seriesstar-studded, red carpet of invited guests such as: Vivica A. Fox, Shanice, Jenifer Lewis, Sharon Leal, All 4 One, Elise Neal, Tatyana Ali, Eva Marcille, Tamar Braxton, Lloyd Boston, Billie Woodruff, Michael Jai White, Darren DeWitt Henson, Malinda Williams, Mike Epps, Jackie Christie and more.

The show will commence at seven-thirty p.m. with the always hilarious Flex Alexander taking the mic and six comedians, all who have been performing nationally for over ten years. Comedienne and funny individuals with jokes standing by are once again: Chastity Washington, Red Grant, Alex Thomas, Capone, Kevin “Damn Fool” Simpson and Jay Lamont. Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte and DJ Jermaine are slated to be live on the decks, “mixing it up,”marrying music to laughter. Music and comedy go together hand in hand; likewise I am excited about bringing the music to the Comedy Underground Series,” said MC Lyte.

Following the comedy show, will be an invite only, industry reception for VIP’s and performers. Founder of Silver Lining Entertainment and executive producer of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) 2015 Grand Jury Prize winner “The Night Before,” Angela White is spearheading The Comedy Underground Series. The EP has helmed award-winning films such as “The Sin Seer” and Overflow Entertainment’s “My Sister’s Wedding,” “The Last Letter,” and “Who Can I Run To.” Joining Ms. White’s production team is
“Redemption of a Dog,” “My Favorite Five,” and “Marriage Chronicles” writer-director-producer Paul D. Hannah and “Superstition,” “Supermodel,” and “Blackbird” producer Carol Ann Shine.

Each showcase in the series is scheduled to air on the Urban Movie Channel (UMC) with distribution via RLJ Entertainment, the premier independent owner, developer, licensee, and distributor of entertainment content and programming throughout North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia. A leader in numerous genres including feature films with urban themes, RLJ is set to release the Comedy Underground Series Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 in late July 2015.

The Comedy Underground comedians will not only perform on stage and make themselves known, but also give the audience a behind the curtain glimpse at their climb to success. Each comedian discusses life on the road and their triumphs and tribulations throughout the comedy industry on that quest for nationwide exposure. For more information about The Urban Movie Channel (UMC), visit: their website and follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

The New Digital Urban Movie Channel Launches Fall Out Friday Comedy Specials

Who doesn’t love movies? Whether it is on the big screen, small screen, on your computer or mobile device, checking out a good movie is a great way to spend time. Just in time for summer, UMC- Urban Movie Channel, a premium subscription-based video streaming service exclusive to RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) created by Robert L. Johnson, Chairman of RLJ Entertainment and founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET) will launch “Fall Out Fridays” starting July 3 and running all summer long through the end of September. The comedy line-up will include stand-up, movies, and TV series available commercial-free and streaming on-demand for an introductory monthly rate of $2.99. The exclusive urban streaming channel is available to entertainment seekers free for 14 days at: www.urbanmoviechannel.com.

Urban Movie Channel is the first urban focused digital streaming channel devoted to the acquisition of feature films, comedy specials, stage plays, documentaries, music, and entertainment for the African American and urban audiences. Access to the impressive on-demand streaming library is available with online from mobile devices, and on the Roku platform.

“Fall Out Fridays” will include Martin Lawrence Presents: 1st Amendment Stand Up series as seen on STARZ plus exclusive new bonus episodes of 1st Amendment Stand-up from creator and host Doug Williams, and executive producers; the never-before-seen sitcom Things We Do For Love directed by and starring Alfonso Ribeiro (The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Dancing with the Stars) and Tamera Mowry (Sister, Sister and The Real Talk Show); Gary Owen’s hilarious stand-up special I Agree With Myself as seen on Showtime, and the Comedy Underground Series featuring Tony Rock, Lunelle, and Freddie Ricks, and including two all-new volumes featuring Flex Alexander as host. UMC plans to keep you falling out with laughter with stand-up comedy specials featuring Kevin Hart, Wanda Sykes, Jamie Foxx, DL Hughley, Charlie Murphy, TK Kirkland, and many more. Comedy films include: Mac & Devin Go To High School (starring Snoop, Wiz Khalifa and Mike Epps), Ganked (starring Kel Mitchell), Laughing to the Bank and even comedy documentaries such as: Phunny Business and I Ain’t Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac.

Sign-up today for your free 14-day trial offer at www.UrbanMovieChannel.com and to check out UMC trailers and clips. To join the conversation follow:@WatchUMC #UMCFallOutFridays on Twitter,Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

The Mixtape Comedy Show 4th Anniversary at The Gotham Comedy Club in NYC

On January 20, 2013 at 8 PM, the official 4th anniversary of the Mixtape Comedy Show at the Gotham Comedy Club kicked off. It was a night full of surprises for the crowd.

As many fans know, the comedy show takes place every third Sunday of each month and is roaring good time for anyone who stops by. There are even times when famous guest comics stop by to surprise the crowd.

For the past three years Actor/Comedian’s Anthony Anderson and Royale Watkins have hosted The Mixtape Comedy Show The Gotham Comedy Club. This very successful monthly comedy show has featured a variety of the world’s top comedians including: Tom Papa, Jim Gaffigan, Tracy Morgan, Tony Rock, Sherri Shepherd and Kim Whitley.

Celebrity guests who have attended the show include Ice-T & Coco, Tasha Smith and Michael Jai White from Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married & For Better or Worse, Romany Malco from Think Like A Man, Eva Marcille from Girlfriend Confidential LA & America’s Next Top Model and DJ Premiere.

For the anniversary show, there were comedians who have been showcased on Comedy Central and HBO such as: Nick Griffin, Hadiyah Robinson and Wil Sylvince. The night was full of laughs, but the night got even funnier when Sherri Shepherd from The View graced the stage. For the grand finale, Chris Rock ended the show and the crowd went wild. It was truly a great anniversary treat.

January 20, 2013 was the celebration of 4 successful years and with the way it is going, they are expecting even more exciting years with lots of laughs.

For more information on the Mixtape Comedy Show at The Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan visit their website at: Gotham Comedy Club. Also, check them out on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Once you attend the show, you will definitely want to return

The Mixtape Comedy Show at The Gotham Comedy Club

As if Manhattan does not already have more than enough activities for visitors, there is always room for another fun show. If you plan to come to New York City for your vacation, a weekend getaway or even for business, attending theGotham Comedy Club is something you will want to add to your calendar.

 For the past three years, actors/comedians Anthony Anderson and Royale Watkins have hosted The Mixtape Comedy Show at The Gotham Comedy Club. It takes place every third Sunday of each month, and they celebrated their third anniversary in January 2012. The show has featured a variety of the world’s top comedians including Tom Papa, Jim Gaffigan, Tracy Morgan, Tony Rock, Sherri Shepherd and Kim Whitley. Celebrity guests who have attended the show include Ice-T & Coco, Tasha Smith & Michael Jai White from Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married & For Better or Worse, Romany Malco from Think Like A Man, Eva Marcille from America’s Next Top Model and DJ Premiere. The show mixes comedy with old school Hip-Hop/R&B with past musical guests including Naughty By Nature, Kwame and Das EFX.

While attending the show on Sunday, September 16, 2012, the line-up included (in order of performance): Angelo Lozado, Rob Cantrell, Lynn Koplitz, Freez Luv. Many of the comedians have appeared in shows on HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central and various other TV programs. The Mixtape show concluded with a musical guest performance by R&B Group, Allure.

Throughout the evening, the show buzzed with complete and utter live excitement for all who attended. During the performances the guests laughed hysterically and forgot about their everyday cares. Sometimes they were even asked to participate to make the show more fun and more memorable.

Upcoming dates for the this fall’s shows are: November 18th and December 16th and, if you happen to be in New York City in January 2013, you can come and be a part of the 4th anniversary celebration. For more information on the Mixtape Comedy Show at The Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan, visit their website at: Gotham Comedy Club. Also, check them out on Facebook and YouTube. Once you attend the show, you will definitely want to return and tell your friends about the good time you had.