TV Land Picks Up New Series "Have Faith" Starring Cedric "The Entertainer" and Niecy Nash to Premiere June 2012

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TV Land has picked up its fifth original sitcom, "Have Faith," starring Cedric "The Entertainer," it was announced today at the TCA Winter Press Tour by Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. The network has ordered 12 episodes for the first season, which is set to premiere in June of this year.

The sitcom, which was created by Cedric and "Hot in Cleveland" creator Suzanne Martin, revolves around Cedric's character, Reverend Boyce "The Voice" Ballentine, an R&B superstar-turned-minister who takes over as preacher of his father's church. Niecy Nash ("Reno 911") also stars as the reverend's wife, Lolli. The pilot also features John Beasley ("Everwood") as his father, Wesley Jonathan ("What I Like About You") as his younger brother, and Jazz Raycole ("My Wife and Kids") as his daughter. The character of Reverend Boyce originated on a second season episode of "Hot in Cleveland" in which Cedric guest-starred.

"The show that Cedric and Suzanne have created is a fantastic family sitcom that you just don't see as much on TV today," said Jones. "That's just one of the reasons we're so thrilled to welcome him to the TV Land family. From the moment he appeared on 'Hot in Cleveland,' we knew we wanted to work with him in a greater capacity."

"Hot in Cleveland," TV Land's first original sitcom starring Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick and Betty White, has also been greenlit by the network for a 24-episode fourth season, it was announced today.  A syndication deal was recently reached for "Hot in Cleveland," giving CBS Television Distribution the domestic distribution rights for the series. This season pickup would bring "Hot in Cleveland" to 80 total episodes. The series, which is currently in its third season, averages 2.5 million total viewers per episode.

"With the show's recent win at The People's Choice Awards and Betty's recent SAG® Award nomination, it's clear that the fans love and want more of 'Hot in Cleveland,'" said Jones. "TV Land is growing in a major way, and these pickups are just the tip of the iceberg."

About "Have Faith"

Cedric and Martin will serve as executive producers for "Have Faith," along with Eric Rhone and Emmy® Award-winner Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner of Hazy Mills Productions, who also executive produce "Hot in Cleveland." Keith Cox and Larry W. Jones will be executive producers for TV Land. The series is filmed in front of a live studio audience.

About "Hot in Cleveland"

Filmed in front of a live audience, "Hot in Cleveland" is executive produced by Emmy® Award-winner Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner of Hazy Mills Productions and is helmed by Emmy® Award-winning Suzanne Martin ("Frasier," "Ellen") serving as executive producer, show runner and writer.  Lynda Obst also serves as executive producer, and Larry W. Jones and Keith Cox are executive producers for TV Land. "Hot in Cleveland" is currently seen around the world in over 165 countries.

TV Land and all related logos and titles are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

About TV Land

TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s and 50s. Consisting of original programming, classic and contemporary television series acquisitions, hit movies and a full-service Web site, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. homes.

About Viacom

Viacom is home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in more than 160 countries and territories. With approximately 160 media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, Spike TV and Tr3s. Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com.

SOURCE TV Land