Martin Lawrence finds Second Career as Television Producer

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

During the late 1980s, Martin Lawrence began rising the ranks of fame. Lawrence had built a solid career as a stand-up comedian, but he was on the verge of much more. By the early 1990s, the comedian had launched a production company. This company partnered with HBO to create "Martin."

In 1992, FOX picked up the series and Martin Lawrence gained international fame. The comedian soon became one of the biggest stars in the planet. His series went from being a major hit to becoming iconic. Nearly twenty years after the series premiered, it still is met with high ratings.

Following his time on "Martin," Lawrence hit the big screen in a major way. Throughout the early 2000s, Martin Lawrence became a movie star. Soon, Lawrence began producing these films before his health became a major issue. In 2005, Martin Lawrence attempted a minor comeback before returning to the spotlight in 2008.

In 2008, Martin Lawrence launched another television production company and began working on several television programs. Lawrence's hit sitcom, "Martin," had posted major ratings for TV One, the upstart rival to BET. Because of what his sitcom had done for the network, Martin Lawrence pitched his sitcom idea to the network. TV One agreed to pick up his series, which had cast Tatyana Ali in the starring role, also teaming up with a few former UPN producers.

His "Love that Girl" series has become one of the highest-rated series on TV One. Martin Lawrence has become the face of TV One through both his "Martin" sitcom and "Love that Girl." The network has accepted Martin Lawrence as the producer of their only scripted original program. Recently, Martin Lawrence was featured in an exclusive "TV One on One" interview with Cathy Hughes. Following the success of his first series, Martin is interested in creating more television programs in the future.

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Idris Elba calls out Tyler Perry and Martin Lawrence

By The Film Critic
JR Staff Writer

The black film industry has been on the decline for well over ten years. During the late 1980s, Spike Lee led a revolution in the film industry. Many black filmmakers followed in Lee's footsteps, making classic movies. Along the way, several comedy films were made, too.

It seems as if the 1990s were the peak of black America, in many ways. All of the hard work during the Civil Rights Movement and in the 1970s led up to the 1990s. But, when it was time to pass the baton into the 21st Century, it seems as if the black community missed the boat.

Four years ago, Idris Elba broke into the spotlight with his supporting role on American Gangster. Sharing scenes with the legendary Denzel Washington led many people to crown Elba as the second coming. In the time since American Gangster, Idris Elba has had starring roles in quite a few movies, including one opposite Beyonce in Obsessed.

But, the primary black filmmakers have been Tyler Perry and a few other names. Perry is known for jumping into his blue dress to portray Madea. Martin Lawrence has starred in several comedy films, throughout the late 1990s and throughout the 2000s, and has dressed up as women. Lawrence recently launched his own film company and he is currently promoting his Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son movie. The film is expected to be a seller, along with the Perry films, but not everyone is impressed.

Idris Elba recently spoke out against the Tyler Perry and Martin Lawrence films. Elba said it is time for both filmmakers to grow up. He said the Tyler Perry movies and the upcoming Big Mommas film are "buffoonish" and he is not impressed. Elba feels it is time for Tyler Perry, especially, to expand the type of films he creates in order to elevate the art. While his words came off a little harsh, Idris Elba was only offering a form of constructive criticism.

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Kevin Hart to star in FOX sitcom

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

For the past few years, Kevin Hart has been one of the most popular comedians in the game. He has been touring for years and he has risen in popularity each year. Hart has been compared by some as the second coming of Martin Lawrence. While he likes the comparisons, Hart wants to create his own lane.

After a slip-up, Lawrence has successfully put his career back together. Martin Lawrence landed a sitcom with FOX that was a success from 1992 to 1997. But, his increasinly erratic behavior led to the network cancelling the show. Lawrence now has a successful sitcom airing on TV One.

Kevin Hart has been on top of his game for years and FOX has noticed him. The network has been attempting to diversify its schedule for a long time. In 2009, they brought on the Michael Strahan sitcom, called "Brothers." The sitcom did not catch on with fans and was cancelled within months.

However, FOX is willing to try again. Kevin Hart has landed the starring role in the new sitcom, "Little in Common." Hart will play the role of Ty Burelson, a former athlete and sports writer who is now a house-husband. Burelson coaches little league baseball. The show is original, in concept, as it includes three familes, of three different races, interacting through the baseball team. Rob Corddry also stars in the upcoming sitcom.

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Tatyana Ali ready for Second Season of "Love That Girl"

By TV Maverick
JR Staff Writer

One year ago, TV One ventured into its first original sitcom with the help of Martin Lawrence. Lawrence has brought a number of viewers to the network with his sitcom, "Martin." The series ended in 1997, but the syndication views on TV One have given the show a second life.

In 2008, Martin Lawrence announced the formation of his new production company. Under this new production company, Lawrence planned to hold a comedy tour and produce new shows. Among the shows produced by his company is "Love That Girl."

TV One, while doing well with syndication, was beginning to receive negative criticism about a lack of scripted programs. Initially, the head of the network said they were going to wait on sitcoms. But, the deal offered by Lawrence was one that could not be refused.

Last January, the sitcom premiered on TV One to relatively high ratings. Despite having a rather large audience and Tatyana Ali as the star of the show, it received negative reviews. The show was written off as bland. Some critics said obviously Martin Lawrence did not have much creative input. Following the first season of the show, many thought it had been cancelled.

However, the series is back and Martin Lawrence is out promoting the show. Even with the negative reviews on the show, Tatyana Ali is excited the show is back. She is glad to have the job for starters and she is sure things will be better in the second season. The longer the show stays on, Ali feels the people will warm up to it because she believes it is truly entertaining.

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