A Maiden Foray Into Total Market Programming Puts Hearst With Haddish

0

LOS ANGELES — Until now, the recently established Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) has been widely known for weekend educational/informational programming seen across the “Big Four” broadcast TV networks.


Now, HMPG is embarking on a bolder push into the general entertainment marketplace by reaching a development deal to produce two unscripted series with an actress whose career has exploded since her appearance in the 2017 feature film Girls Trip.

The partnership is between HMPG and Tiffany Haddish, and it is a collaboration that sees Haddish serving as Executive Producer on a pair of unscripted series. These projects, HMPG says, are core to its growing slate of development initiatives within its entertainment unit.

The first original series is a “follow doc” — one that explores “the intriguing dynamic between successful women who have engaged in romantic, long-term relationships with homeless men.”

A second untitled project features “transformative psychotherapist,” author and lecturer Elliott Connie, who recently released his latest book, The Solution Focused Brief Therapy Diamond.

Haddish has more than 100 movie, television and streaming credits for acting, producing and/or writing. “I partnered with HMPG on these projects to make a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “I’ve been unhoused before and I know how hard it is to get back on your feet. I also knew that my situation didn’t define me, nor did it make me believe that I was unworthy or unlovable. Everyone deserves a chance at love and a happy home. That’s why I’m making this show. I want to use my platform to help others who are going through what I went through and give hope to those who need it most. Let’s do this! She Ready!”

HMPG EVP/GM for Entertainment Angelica Rosas McDaniel commented, “Tiffany is one of the most dynamic and relatable voices in comedy. We’re thrilled to collaborate with her as we expand HMPG’s general market offerings and develop these authentic, inclusive and engaging stories we are committed to telling.”

RBR+TVBR has learned that there is no syndication component as of yet for the two unscripted shows.


HMPG’s current program portfolio comprises more than 30 series and hundreds of original hours of content annually on leading broadcast networks and station groups and on connected TV and streaming platforms. It has a library of more than 4,000 hours of programming and its content can be found in 97 countries.