'First Wives Club' Adaptation Moves From Paramount Network to BET

Tracy Oliver’s adaptation of “First Wives Club,” which was ordered to series at Paramount Network earlier this year, will instead air on BET, the network said on Tuesday.

The comedy, written and executive produced by “Girls Trip” co-writer Oliver, stars Ryan Michelle Bathe, Michelle Buteau and Jill Scott in an update of the 1996 film starring Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn.

“We are thrilled that Tracy Oliver and Paramount Television’s ‘First Wives Club’ will be coming to BET Networks,” BET Networks president Scott Mills said in a statement. “We have been big fans of Tracy, the project and its incredible cast all along.”

Also Read: 'First Wives Club' Adaptation Gets Series Order at Paramount Network (Video)

Developed at Paramount Network and ordered to series in April, the 10-episode comedy follows a group of women who band together after their marriages fall apart, and who find strength in their sisterhood — and, of course, a little revenge.

It was slated to air in 2019. BET had no other information regarding timeline or any other potential effects the move would have on the series.

“The concept she has for the series fits perfectly with our programming strategy of character-driven content anchored in the Black experience, and it aligns seamlessly with our core audience,” Mills continued. “We are currently working closely with Paramount Television on ‘Boomerang’ and are excited to continue working with them on this project.”

Also Read: Ezra Swerdlow, 'First Wives Club' Producer, Dies at 64

Karen Rosenfelt, original film producer Scott Rudin, and Tony Hernandez of JAX Media also serve as executive producers on the series.

A previous attempt to adapt “First Wives Club” for the small screen, with Alyson Hannigan and Megan Hilty attached to star, was launched at Paramount’s sister network TV Land in 201, but did not make it past the pilot stage.

Dr. Seuss Major Movie and TV Adaptations, Ranked From Worst to First (Photos)

Oh, the places you'll go. Dr. Seuss's legacy runs far and wide, with his children's stories being adapted into cartoons and live action films alike. Here we rank all 10 of Seuss's film features and beloved TV specials.
Al Ravenna, New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection.
10. "The Cat in the Hat" (2003)

The live action adaptation of Dr. Seuss's classic book is insultingly awful, trading in gleeful whimsy for madcap cynicism. Mike Myers is goofing off instead of playing a charming scamp.
Universal Pictures
9. "The Lorax" (2012)

As a fable, "The Lorax" is about as dark and complicated as Dr. Seuss gets. This light and colorful animated film featuring Danny DeVito and Taylor Swift, which is a combination of "Minions" meets "WALL-E," certainly isn't that.
Universal Pictures
8. "The Butter Battle Book" (1989)

This short is faithful to Dr. Seuss's work. It's a story about two rival races of people divided by a wall, based on their differences over how they butter their bread. But the songs are flat, and the animation isn't much better.
Turner
7. "Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)

Though it's incredibly cheesy and the Whoville makeup is a joke, Jim Carrey brings his overly-exuberant charm to the story, even if he looks a bit silly.
Universal Pictures
6. "The Grinch" (2018)

Taking cues from the cutesy "Despicable Me" movies, Universal's "The Grinch" with Benedict Cumberbatch has more elaborate animated mayhem than grouchy, mean-spirited fun and wordplay. The inoffensive charm is there, but the film's heart is two sizes too small.
Universal Pictures
5. "The Lorax" (1972)

"The Lorax" begins and ends in a grim, polluted world, using music and rhyme to chart how industry can harm the environment. Its message remains poignant and hopeful that a new generation can save nature.
CBS
4. "Horton Hears a Who" (2008)

The best of the modern Dr. Seuss adaptations, Jim Carrey voices another Seuss character for this delightful, madcap romp.
20th Century Fox Animation Studios
3. "The Cat in the Hat" (1971)

"Everything back in its proper place, no more rainbows for us to chase." This version of "The Cat in the Hat" takes some liberties, but it lovingly and musically captures the spirit of Dr. Seuss's iconic character.
CBS
2. "Horton Hears a Who" (1970)

"A person's a person, no matter how small." This Chuck Jones-directed TV special is beautifully animated, faithful to the story of acceptance of everyone and a joy from start to finish.
MGM
1. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966)

The songs are indelible, the lessons are heartwarming and the animation is impeccable. "The Grinch" isn't just the best Dr. Seuss adaptation, but one of the finest animated shorts of all time.
MGM

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Universal’s ”The Grinch“ opens Friday, Nov. 9

Oh, the places you'll go. Dr. Seuss's legacy runs far and wide, with his children's stories being adapted into cartoons and live action films alike. Here we rank all 10 of Seuss's film features and beloved TV specials.

View In Gallery

Dr. Seuss Major Movie and TV Adaptations, Ranked From Worst to First (Photos)

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