BET has given a straight-to-series order to “The Oval,” the White House drama from Tyler Perry, TheWrap has learned.
The series stars Ed Quinn and Kron Moore as picture-perfect first couple Hunter and Victoria Franklin, who, behind closed doors, are anything but flawless. Paige Hurd and Daniel Croix Henderson will also star as the couple’s wild-child daughter and troubled son.
“I’ve been hard at work on The Oval and can’t wait to share this story with audiences,” Perry said. “I’ve set out to create a show that tells the story of a family placed in the White House by people of power while also highlighting the personal side and everyday lives of the staff who run the inner-workings of the nation’s most iconic residence.”
Perry will write, executive produce and direct the series, with Michelle Sneed of his Tyler Perry Studios also serving as executive producer.
The series is the first to be announced under Perry’s multi-year overall deal with Viacom, for which he set to produce a total of four series and one live holiday special. The two dramas, two comedies and the special are all slated to air between Oct. 2019 and Sept. 2020.
Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that original content produced by Perry would appear on a forthcoming BET+ streaming service alongside Tracy Oliver’s long-gestating “First Wives Club” adaptation. Perry is said to be a financial stakeholder in the service.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.