Reed Between the Lines: Will You Be Watching?

This week, BET is once again delving into the original programming game with Reed Between the Lines, starring Tracee Ellis Ross and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. According to BET.com, the former stars of Girlfriends and The Cosby Show, respectively, are teaming up to tell the story of "Alex, an English professor, and Carla, a psychologist, as they navigate life’s ups and downs with wit and humor." BET recently added brand new seasons of The Game and Let's Stay Together. The latter was scoffed at and had sagging ratings from jump; the former was widely watched, but BET was accused of ruining the original storyline and characters.

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Even though I think BET airs straight from the Devil's taint due to its lack of quality programming and horrid award shows (even though they are a guilty pleasure of mine), I will be tuning in. Why? Well there are a number of reasons. The first is that it stars two veteran actors who have proven their worth. Both Warner and Ross have been integral parts of highly successful shows, so this is not unfamiliar territory to them. They know (or at least should know) what it takes to keep audiences engaged and entertained. (I am assuming they have some creative input on the show, but I don't know that for sure.)

Another reason I will be watching is that, from the premise, it appears to be a "smart" show. Young Black adults in professional roles? Check. A realistic (as in, not over-the-top dramatics) married couple? Check. Cute black kids to complete the family? Check! To me this looks like the story of a 2011 Cliff and Claire, and I approve!! There has been a void of such shows, as lately the most you will see black people on is reality TV fighting over men that aren't even theirs even though they claim to be "wives." Call me old-fashioned, but I'd much rather watch a show that proves Black television can be entertaining without being demeaning.

The show premiers Tuesday, October 11 at 10PM/9PM central.

What are your thoughts on Reed Between the Lines? Will you be tuning in? Do you think that this could be the start of a "rebirth" of sorts for BET?