ACCLAIMED MINI-SERIES THE NEW EDITION STORY IS BACK ON BET (CHANNEL 129 ON DSTV)

Notice: Undefined index: catFilterList in /home/zambi/public_html/wp-content/plugins/wp-likes/api.php on line 243

16 MARCH 2017

THANKS TO PUBLIC DEMAND

From Refilwe Mahabane, Total Exposure Facebook Twitter Email

Facebook Twitter Google+ Print Email

Image Courtesy of BET
Johannesburg 16 March: It proved so popular with fans and critics alike that The New Edition Story is back by popular demand on BET (DStv Channel 129) later this month.

BET– which scored a ratings hit with the epic three-part mini-series earlier this year – will broadcast The New Edition Story over three nights from March 24 to 26.

The applauded series follows the story of five boys – Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe and Ricky Bell – starting from their Boston roots, singing in talent shows to international stardom singing in arenas all over the world. The group experiences the roller coaster of fame and quickly learns the cost of success.

Part 1 of the miniseries shows the group’s rise to stardom, transitioning from young men eager to make it in the music industry to consummate young professionals. Part 2 chronicles the group’s burgeoning problems, as Brown leaves the group to go solo and Johnny Gill joins, along with rectifying financial arrangements with their label. Part 3 charts the group’s demise at the expense of coveted solo careers and a later attempt at a reunion tour.

The critics raved when it was aired earlier this year. The New York Times’ critic wrote: “The New Edition Story is, by far, the best of the recent spate of black pop biopics. Of all forms of homage, attention to detail is perhaps the most loving. It requires not just knowledge and dedication, but also thoughtfulness. It prizes accuracy both out of respect to the historical record, but also to those who wrote it. It celebrates the vision of the original creators more than the disruptive instincts of reinterpreters. By that measurement, The New Edition Story, a vibrant, fiercely committed three-night mini-series on BET, is overflowing with love – a jubilant celebration of a group that was preternaturally talented and rivetingly tortured.”

The Boston Globe echoed these views: “The New Edition Story, which credits all six members of the group as executive producers, tells the story with verve and charm, meticulously re-creating videos and photo shoots and, more notably, creating rootable characters.”

Sylvia Obell of Buzzfeed praised the casting as “absolute perfection” and rated it an A+. Obell compared the film to another iconic television miniseries – “it is on its way to being the best black TV biopic since The Jacksons: An American Dream which aired back in 1992.”

Trey Mangum of Blavity said that BET “outdid” themselves, saying “With the warm reception and open arms that the world received The New Edition Story with, it’s clear that this story needed to be told, and this was the perfect time.” Mangum complimented the “spot-on” casting of both the young and adult casts, as well as the fact both casts recorded their own vocals, a rarity for musical biopics.

“The New Edition Story remains vibrant and clever. It takes a group that is arguably underrated and gives it a glowing showcase,” said Yahoo TV.

The star-filled cast includes Empire star Bryshere Y. Gray as Michael Bivins, actor and singer Elijah Kelley as Ricky, R&B singer Luke James as Johnny, Algee Smith as Ralph, Keith Powers as Ronnie and Woody McClain as Bobby Brown.

The New Edition Story airs as a six hour, three night event on March 24, 25 and 26 at 21:50 CAT on BET (DStv Channel 129).

THE NEW EDITION STORY: EPISODE BREAKDOWN

Part One – Friday, March 24, at 21:50 CAT
The year is 1978. The city: Roxbury, MA, just outside of Boston. Eleven year old Bobby Brown convinces some friends (Ricky Bell, Mike Bivins, and Ralph Tresvant) to perform in local talent shows in an attempt to win money (and girls). Once the group is formed, they convince a hot local manager, Brooke Payne, to turn them into talent show winners. The boys are eventually discovered by music impresario, Maurice Starr, who signs them to a record deal. They add a fifth member, Ronnie DeVoe, and their debut song Candy Girl hits #1 on the charts. Gary Evans, a manager from NYC, promises them a better deal, bigger stardom, and more money. When the boys get a new deal with MCA Records in L.A., things get off to an inauspicious start when MCA president Jheryl Busby, underwhelmed by his new signing, pushes them to deliver a hit album or else.

Part Two – Saturday, March 25, at 21:50 CAT
It’s 1984, and New Edition is in L.A. recording their second album. Ralph, fully aware of the resentment from his bandmates, requests more parts for them to sing. The album is a huge hit; but Bobby’s behaviour gets more erratic and outlandish while on the road. Eventually tensions erupt, and the group dynamic takes a pivotal change – the boys vote to kick Bobby out – and New Edition is never the same. Soon Ralph decides that he wants to go solo, leaving remaining members Ricky, Mike, and Ronnie stunned. Mike, the group’s de facto leader, adds R&B singer Johnny Gill to the group. Everything comes to an ugly head when the group meets to record their next album.

Part Three – Sunday, March 26, at 21:50 CAT
New Edition’s “Heartbreak” tour is an incredible success and the group is soaring high. Bobby, who has his own hit album Don’t Be Cruel, starts off as their opening act. But he soon eclipses them, becoming one of the biggest stars in R&B music. By 1990, all the members have launched hugely successful solo careers – even though there’s tension bubbling under the surface between them. A few short years later when most of the guys are up to their ears in debt, they agree to do a reunion album and tour with all six members, including Bobby. This should be New Edition’s rebirth, but things immediately get off to a bad start. In the aftermath, all six members go their separate ways, trying to navigate life after New Edition, leaving little hope to maintain the brotherhood they once shared.

For further information on The New Edition Story please go to www.betafrica.tv, follows us on Twitter and Instagram @BET_Africa or like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BETinAfrica.

ENDS

Further Information
For behind the scenes look at the making of the film, plus exclusive clips and photos from The New Edition Story, log on to www.BET.com/shows/the-new-edition-story.html and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NewEditionBET.

About BET in Africa
Launched on April 2, 2015, BET (DStv channel 129) is a localised general entertainment service for viewers aged 25-34. Available exclusively on the DStv pay TV platform, BET is a trademark of Viacom International Inc. and is used under license in Africa by Viacom International Media Networks Africa.

Contacts
Refilwe Mahabane
refilwe@totalexposure.co.za
011 788 8725