"The Game" starts filming This Summer

Entering its third season, two years ago, the black audience had finally gotten hip to "The Game." The show featured the behind-the-scenes life of professional football players. Before the start of the third season, the show's syndication rights were sold to BET.

The CW Television Network, the channel which aired "The Game," was transitioning away from black sitcoms, which meant they were trying to get rid of them. In an effort to drive viewers away, the network moved the show to Friday nights.

On a new night and a new time, the audience dwindled and "The Game" was placed on the chopping block as the network wanted space for more soap operas. Mara Brock Akil, the creator of the program, tried to pitch the season finale as a soap opera. The format was panned universally and The CW still canceled "The Game" along with "Everybody Hates Chris." Sensing the end, Chris Rock wrapped his show up while Akil hoped hers would continue. Following the cancellation of "The Game," BET vowed to bring the show back.

Throughout the summer of 2009, there were multiple rumors concerning the show with Tia Mowry caught up in the middle of all of them. Mowry said, each time, she had not heard anything from the producers, but she was confident a deal would be reached. BET was said to have acquired the rights, but Tia Mowry said the actors were unwilling to take a pay cut. Right then, it became clear "The Game" was not going to return to television. But, Mo'Nique hinted to a return of "The Game."

Recently, BET held their upfront presentation and they revealed "The Game" to be on their schedule, returning this fall to television screens. The production of the show has moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta, to cut back on costs, but retain all quality. Also, all of the actors will be returning to the series, as well. While the show has been greenlit for a fourth season, there was no word on when production will start. Earlier this week, the producers revealed the show would resume filming later this month for a December return.