Tyler Perry, BET prep streamer

US cabler BET Networks is launching its own SVoD service together with actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, who will use the platform as a vehicle to move into unscripted for the first time.

Tyler Perry

BET Plus is gearing up to launch at the same time as similarly suffixed services from the likes of Disney and Apple, and is scheduled to arrive this autumn.

The first fruits of a pact the Viacom-owned network struck with Perry (Madea, Love Thy Neighbor, The Haves & The Have Nots) emerged last week, and now the two parties are deepening that relationship.

New shows Perry is developing, including White House-set drama The Oval, will feature on BET Plus alongside his movie library and the network’s reboot of First Wives Club, originally set for Viacom sibling Paramount Network.

The filmmaker, who was handed BET’s Ultimate Icon Award on Sunday, will also make his entry into unscripted and more via the new as-yet-unpriced SVoD service.

“African Americans are the leading consumers of streaming services, with higher SVoD adoption rates than other consumers, which is why we’re so excited to launch a premium product for this underserved audience,” said BET president Scott Mills. “BET Plus is a natural extension of BET’s linear network.”

Perry added: “On a personal level, this will also be the first time I’ll be working in areas like unscripted and variety television, which will afford me the opportunity to work in fresh, creative ways with new voices and to discover new talent.”