Oprah Winfrey's OWN announces four new series

In addition to new scripted series from Tyler Perry (The Haves and the Have Nots; Love Thy Neighbor), Oprah Winfrey’s OWN has announced four new series that will be added to the network’s lineup.  One of the series will feature actress Kym Whitley in a starring role.  According to THR, the new series are:

  Blackboard Wars The Discovery Studios-produced docu-series centers on the dramatic transformation of New Orleans’ John McDonogh High School, one of the most dangerous and under-performing high schools in the country, where more than half of its students fail to graduate. The show, which will premiere in March, will go behind the scenes with education maverick Steve Barr and no-nonsense principal Dr. Marvin Thompson as they embark on an unpredictable mission to reinvent and revive the struggling school. Golden Sisters The real-life comedy chronicles the hilarious adventures of Mary, Josie & Teresa, three sisters who shot to fame after a web video of the women watching a celebrity sex tape went viral. With Mary in her eighties and her twin sisters only slightly younger, the three raucous senior citizens share their outrageous opinions on everything from sex and dating to celebrities and pop culture. The series hails from LMNO Productions.

Raising Whitley The tentatively titled Raising Whitley is a Pilgrim Studios-produced docu-series that centers on actress and comedienne Kym Whitley and her group of friends – whom she refers to as “The Village” – as they attempt to do something none of them have ever done before: raise a baby together. The latter comes about when Whitley’s mentee in the Big Sister program flees the maternity ward without her baby, leaving only Whitley’s contact information to raise the child. Dogfellas The Nerd TV-helmed Dogfellas revolves around James “Head” Guiliani, a former street enforcer for the mafia and one of John Gotti’s most trusted men, whose life-changing encounter with a stray dog inspired him to open Brooklyn’s top dog grooming parlor. In addition to pampering canines, Head –who is in a constant battle to pay the bills– rescues dogs. Between his fiery wife and self-absorbed staff, he has his hands full.

  Also on OWN, “Master Class” will return with Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Diahann Carroll and Berry Gordy in featured episodes. Meanwhile, “Oprah’s Next Chapter” will highlight Cissy Houston’s life since the death of daughter Whitney and LL Cool J at home with his family. And in March “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” will show the whereabouts of former “Oprah” show guests like Omarosa, Bow Wow, and Dennis Rodman. It sounds like 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the once fledgling network.  Which shows will you be watching?]]>