BET reaches Harlem Heights

Black-skewing US cable network BET is set to launch a new docu-drama series called Harlem Heights, which looks at the changing face of the Manhattan neighbourhood.

Premiering on Monday March 2 at 20.00, the series will follow eight 20-somethings who have moved to New York City to carve out their own identities, including the ex-girlfriend of an international music superstar, a product of privilege trying to shed his “spoilt rich kid” label, a man with a troubled past trying to give back to his community and an ambitious and opinionated budding lawyer.

As well as documenting the lives of the eight main characters, Harlem Heights will also showcase the increasingly gentrified area, which went through one “renaissance” in the early 20th century that was pivotal in defining the black American experience, and now seems to be going through another.

“The glamorous lives of this new crop of the young black elite have never been captured, until now,” BET said.

The series is produced by BET in association with US prodcos MC Filmworks, Minna Mae Productions and KurtWurks.