''Being Mary Jane'' is an American

drama Drama is the specific mode of fiction represented in performance: a play, opera, mime, ballet, etc., performed in a theatre, or on radio or television.Elam (1980, 98). Considered as a genre of poetry in general, the dramatic mode has b ...

television series created by

Mara Brock Akil Mara Brock Akil (born Mara Dionne Brock; May 27, 1970) is an American screenwriter and television producer. She created the UPN comedy series '' Girlfriends'' (2000–2008) and its spin-off '' The Game'' (2006–2015). She later created the firs ...

and starring

Gabrielle Union Gabrielle Monique Union-Wade ( Union; born October 29, 1972) is an American actress. Her career began in the 1990s, when she made dozens of appearances on television sitcoms, prior to landing supporting roles in 1999 teen films ''She's All That' ...

, that debuted January 7, 2014 on

BET Black Entertainment Television (acronym BET) is an American basic cable channel targeting African-American audiences. It is owned by the CBS Entertainment Group unit of Paramount Global via BET Networks and has offices in New York City, Los ...

. The 90-minute-pilot for the series aired on July 2, 2013. The series follows the professional and personal life of successful TV news anchor Mary Jane Paul, who lives in

Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Georgia. It is the seat of Fulton County, the most populous county in Georgia, but its territory falls in both Fulton and DeKalb counties. With a population of 498,715 ...

and

New York City New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the most densely populated major city in the Un ...

. The series concluded on April 23, 2019. ''Being Mary Jane'' received positive reviews from critics. The series premiere drew more than four million viewers, debuting as BET's highest-rated show. On January 6, 2016, the series was renewed for a fourth season, which premiered on January 10, 2017. It was announced on October 11, 2017, that the series would end. A two-hour film finale was planned to air in 2018, but never came to fruition. On December 7, 2018, BET announced that the film finale date had been pushed back to air on April 16, 2019. On April 1, 2019, it was announced that the film finale date was pushed back a week later to April 23, 2019.

Series overview

Cast and characters

Main

as Pauletta ("Mary Jane Paul") Patterson: a successful TV news anchor for Satellite News Channel (SNC) who remains devoted to a family that does not share her motivation as she juggles her life, her relationships, her work, and commitments. In season four, Mary Jane leaves Atlanta after getting fired from SNC and moves to New York City to work at ''Great Day USA'' as a national news correspondent. She eventually works her way up to get back on the anchor chair. *

Lisa Vidal Lisa Vidal (born June 13, 1965) is an American actress of Puerto Rican heritage. She starred in the Lifetime crime drama series ''The Division'' (2001–2004) and BET drama series ''Being Mary Jane'' (2013–2019). Vidal also starred in the sho ...

as Kara Lynch: the executive producer of ''Talk Back'' (Mary Jane's show) at SNC and Mary Jane's best friend. *

Margaret Avery Margaret Avery (born April 15, 1944) is an American actress and singer. She began her career appearing on stage and later had starring roles in films including '' Cool Breeze'' (1972), ''Which Way Is Up?'' (1977), ''Scott Joplin'' (1977), and ''T ...

as Helen Patterson: Mary Jane's overprotective mother, who is battling lupus. *

Latarsha Rose Latarsha Rose is an American film and television actress, best known for her role as Portia in the 2012 film ''The Hunger Games''. Background Rose is from Brooklyn, New York and attended Georgetown University. From the University, she performed ...

as Dr. Lisa Hudson (seasons 1–3): Mary Jane's best friend since elementary school, an

OB/GYN Obstetrics and Gynaecology (also spelled as Obstetrics and Gynecology; abbreviated as Obs and Gynae, O&G, OB-GYN and OB/GYN) is the medical specialty that encompasses the two subspecialties of obstetrics (covering pregnancy, childbirth, and t ...

. *

Aaron D. Spears Aaron Darnell Spears (born July 10, 1971) is an American actor. He portrayed Officer Jones in the 2011 romantic-comedy '' 35 and Ticking''; opposite Kevin Hart and actor Keith Robinson and also appeared in the film ''White People Money'' (2020). ...

as Mark Bradley (seasons 1–3): a co-anchor at the newsroom and the closeted gay friend of Mary Jane. *

Richard Brooks Richard Brooks (May 18, 1912 – March 11, 1992) was an American screenwriter, film director, novelist and film producer. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, Oscars in his career, he was best known for ''Blackboard Jungle'' (1955), ''Cat on a ...

as Patrick Patterson: Mary Jane's older, less-motivated brother. * B. J. Britt as Paul Patterson, Jr.: Mary Jane's responsible younger brother. *

Raven Goodwin Raven Shamira Goodwin is an American actress. She made her debut with the comedy film ''Lovely & Amazing'' (2001), which earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination, and next received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for her role in ...

as Niecy Patterson: Mary Jane's niece; Patrick Patterson's daughter, who is also a mother. *

Richard Roundtree Richard Roundtree (born July 9, 1942) is an American actor. Roundtree is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film ''Shaft'', and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2 ...

as Paul Patterson, Sr.: Mary Jane's compassionate father. *

Omari Hardwick Omari Latif Hardwick (born January 9, 1974) is an American actor known for his starring role as James "Ghost" St. Patrick, the protagonist of Starz's ''Power'' and his role as Vanderohe in Zack Snyder's ''Army of the Dead'' (2021). He is also kn ...

as Andre Daniels (season 1): Mary Jane's married love interest * Stephen Bishop as David Paulk (recurring, season 1; main, seasons 2–3): Mary Jane's playboy love interest.

Recurring

Robinne Lee Robinne Lee (born July 16, 1974) is an American actress and author. She made her screen debut in the 1997 independent film '' Hav Plenty'', and later has appeared in films ''National Security'' (2003), ''Deliver Us from Eva'' (2003), '' Hitch'' (2 ...

as Avery Daniels (season 1): Andre's wife, who learns of her husband's affair with Mary Jane. * Tatom Pender as Tracy: Patrick's girlfriend and mother of their child. * Brely Evans as Nichelle: Mary Jane's friend and publicist to the stars. *

Kelly Rutherford Kelly Rutherford (born November 6, 1968) is an American actress. She is known for her television roles as Stephanie "Sam" Whitmore on the NBC daytime soap opera ''Generations'' (1989–1991), as Megan Lewis on the Fox primetime soap opera ''Mel ...

as Cynthia Phillips (seasons 1–2) * Navia Robinson (seasons 1–2) and Madison Alsobrook (season 4) as D'Asia: Patrick and Tracy's daughter * Ryan Homchick as Lance (seasons 1–3) *

Salli Richardson Salli Elise Richardson-Whitfield () is an American actress, director and producer. Richardson is known for her role as Angela in the film ''A Low Down Dirty Shame'' (1994) and for her role as Dr. Allison Blake on the Syfy comedy-drama series '' ...

as Valerie (season 2) one of Mary Jane's friends who is a doctor. * Gary Dourdan as Sheldon (season 2) *

Kyle Massey Kyle Orlando Massey (born August 28, 1991), also known mononymously as Massey, is an American actor. He starred in the Disney Channel sitcoms ''That's So Raven'' and its spin-off ''Cory in the House'', in which he played Cory Baxter. Massey st ...

as Cameron (season 2) Niecy's ex and the father of their son Treyvion. *

Loretta Devine Loretta Devine (born August 21, 1949) is an American actress, singer and voice actor. She is known for numerous roles across stage and screen. Her most high profile roles include Lorrell Robinson in the original Broadway production of '' Dreamg ...

as Cece (season 3) *

Daniella Alonso Daniella Alonso is an American actress and former fashion model. She has appeared in a number of horror films, including '' The Hills Have Eyes 2'' and '' Wrong Turn 2: Dead End''. Alonso was a regular cast member in the NBC post-apocalyptic ser ...

as Marisol Esparza (season 3) * Thomas Jones as Brandon (season 3) one of Mary Jane's lovers * Paul Rolfes as Aaron Felty (seasons 3–4) one of the lead co-hosts on ''Good Day USA'' * Rita Rucker as Chante (seasons 3–4) *

Michael Ealy Michael Brown (born August 3, 1973), professionally known as Michael Ealy, is an American actor. He is known for his roles in '' Barbershop'' (2002), ''2 Fast 2 Furious'' (2003), '' Takers'' (2010), ''Think Like a Man'' (2012), '' About Last N ...

as Justin Talbot (season 4) Mary Jane's colleague at ''Good Day USA'' and boyfriend and later husband * Chiké Okonkwo as Lee Truitt (season 4) Mary Jane's ex-boyfriend *

Valarie Pettiford Valarie Pettiford (born July 8, 1960) is an American stage and television actress, dancer, and jazz singer. She received a Tony Award nomination for her role in the broadway production '' Fosse''. She is also known for her role as "Big Dee Dee" ...

as Ronda Sales (season 4) one of the lead co-hosts on ''Good Day USA'' * Ashton Holmes as Garrett (season 4) the executive producer of ''Good Day USA'' * Julian Walker as Ty (season 4) Mary Jane's stylist * Cesar Cipriano as Dante (season 4) Niecy's ex and father to their daughter Isbell * Tian Richards as Jovan (season 4) a mentee to Patrick *

Nicholas Gonzalez Nicholas Edward Gonzalez is an American actor. He is best known for playing the roles of Alex Santiago on the Showtime television series '' Resurrection Blvd'' and Dr. Neil Melendez on the ABC television series ''The Good Doctor''. Early li ...

as Orlando Lagos (season 4) Kara's fiancé

Guest stars

* Jasmine Dustin as Ana Hoem (season 1) *

Lesley-Ann Brandt Lesley-Ann Brandt (born 2 December 1981) is a South African actress. Brandt has acted in a number of New Zealand television series and first came to international notice with her role as a slave girl Naevia in the series '' Spartacus: Blood and ...

as Tamiko Roberts (season 1) *

Sheila Frazier Sheila Elaine Frazier (born November 13, 1948) is an American actress, producer, and model. Frazier is known for her co-starring role as Georgia in the 1972 crime/drama film '' Super Fly''. Frazier later reprised her role in the 1973 sequel, '' ...

as Catherine Stafford (season 1) *

Darrin Dewitt Henson Darrin Dewitt Henson (born May 5, 1973) is an American choreographer, dancer, actor, director and producer. Hensen was a brief member of freestyle music group Trilogy and was featured on their single "Good Time".Lorraine Toussaint Lorraine Toussaint () is a Trinidadian-American actress. She is the recipient of various accolades, including a Black Reel Award, a Critics' Choice Television Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Toussaint began her career in theatre before ...

as Aunt Toni, Paul's younger sister and Mary Jane's aunt (season 1) *

Wayne Brady Wayne Alphonso Brady (born June 2, 1972) is an American television personality, comedian, actor, and singer. He is a regular on the American version of the improvisational comedy television series ''Whose Line Is It Anyway?'' He was the host of ...

as Sean Anders (season 1) *

Ludacris Christopher Brian Bridges (born September 11, 1977), known professionally as Ludacris (, homophonous with 'ludicrous' in American English), is an American rapper, actor, record producer and record executive. Born in Champaign, Illinois, Ludac ...

as Terrence Mitchell (season 1) *

Dorian Missick Dorian Crossmond Missick is an American actor known for his role as Damian in the television series '' Six Degrees'' (2006) and for voicing Victor Vance in the video game '' Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories''. He is also known for his starring ...

as Detective Cedric Rawlins (season 1) * Frances Burnett as Dana Shultz (season 1) *

Ava DuVernay Ava Marie DuVernay (; born August 24, 1972) is an American filmmaker, television producer and former film publicist. She is a recipient of a Primetime Emmy Award, a NAACP Image Award, a BAFTA Film Award and a BAFTA TV Award, as well as a nominee ...

(season 1) *

India Arie India Arie Simpson (born October 3, 1975), also known as India Arie (sometimes styled as india.arie), is an American singer and songwriter. She has sold over five million records in the US and ten million worldwide. She has won four Grammy Awards ...

as herself (season 2) *

Christina Vidal Christina Vidal is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her roles in films such as '' Life with Mikey'', ''Brink!'', '' Freaky Friday'', '' See No Evil'' and for her role in Nickelodeon sitcom '' Taina'', in which she played the ...

as Lilly, the sister of KaraChristina Vidal plays the sister of Kara, played by her real-life sister

. (season 2) * Nina Parker (season 3, episode 6) * Jill Scott (season 3, episode 5) *

Kelly Rowland Kelendria Trene Rowland (born February 11, 1981) is an American singer, actress, and television personality. She rose to fame in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time. During the gr ...

as Robin (season 3, episode 6) *

Tamar Braxton Tamar Estine Braxton (born March 17, 1977) is an American singer and television personality. Braxton began her career in 1990 as a founding member of The Braxtons, an R&B singing group formed with her sisters. The Braxtons released their debut ...

as Herself (season 3, episode 10) *

Tamera Mowry Tamera Darvette Mowry-Housley (née Mowry) () (born July 6, 1978) is an American actress, television personality, and former singer. She first gained fame for her teen role as Tamera Campbell on the ABC/ WB sitcom '' Sister, Sister'' (opposite h ...

as Herself (season 3, episode 10) *

Loni Love Loni Love (born July 14, 1971) is an American comedian, television host, actress, author, and former electrical engineer. While working as an electrical engineer in the early 2000s, she switched to music engineering, until later launching a caree ...

as Herself (season 3, episode 10) *

Jeannie Mai Jeannie Mai-Jenkins (born Jeannie Camtu Mai) is an American television host and stylist best known for her work on the makeover show '' How Do I Look?'' and the syndicated daytime talk show ''The Real''. As a fashion expert, she is frequently fe ...

as Herself (season 3, episode 10) *

Adrienne Bailon Adrienne Eliza Bailon-Houghton (née Bailon () ; born October 24, 1983) is an American television personality, singer, and actress. She is a former member of the girl groups 3LW and The Cheetah Girls. From 2013 to 2022, Bailon was a co-host of ...

as Herself (season 3, episode 10) *Robert Crayton as Lloyd (season 4) * Cardi B (season 4) * Loren "Lo London" Jordan (season 4) *

Dave East David Lawrence Brewster Jr. (born June 3, 1988), better known by his stage name Dave East, is an American rapper. East began his career in 2010, and gained attention in 2014 from his eighth mixtape, ''Black Rose''. Its release garnered the attent ...

(season 4) *

Morris Chestnut Morris Lamont Chestnut (born January 1, 1969) is an American actor. He first came to prominence for his role as Ricky in the 1991 film ''Boyz n the Hood''. He has appeared in feature films and on television series, including the starring role of ...

as Beau (season 4) ;Notes

Production

The show was originally to be called ''Single Black Female''. The series centers on successful

broadcast journalist Broadcast journalism is the field of news and journals which are broadcast by electronic methods instead of the older methods, such as printed newspapers and posters. It works on radio (via air, cable, and Internet), television (via air, cable, ...

Mary Jane Paul (played by

) and her professional and private family life while searching for "Mr. Right":

Mary Jane Paul has it all: she's a successful TV news anchor, entirely self-sufficient – an all-around powerhouse who remains devoted to a family that doesn’t share her motivation. As Mary Jane juggles her life, her work and her commitment to her family, we find out how far she's willing to go to find the puzzle pieces that she, and society, insist are missing from her life as a single Black female.

The series was created and produced by

, who also created and produced the hit sitcoms '' Girlfriends'' and '' The Game.'' The pilot episode was filmed in April 2012 at

780 N. Highland Ave. 780 North Highland Avenue is a historic building in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. It is a contributing property to the Virginia-Highland Historic District, registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The NRH ...

in the

Virginia Highland Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth are ...

neighborhood of Atlanta. After the third season, creator Mara Brock Akil left the series and Erica Shelton Kodish was hired as the show's new showrunner for the fourth season. Kodish had previously worked as a writer and producer on shows like ''

CSI: NY ''CSI: NY'' (''Crime Scene Investigation: New York'', stylized as ''CSI: NY/Crime Scene Investigation'') is an American police procedural television series that ran on CBS from September 22, 2004, to February 22, 2013, for a total of nine seaso ...

'', ''

Cold Case A cold case is a crime, or a suspected crime, that has not yet been fully resolved and is not the subject of a current criminal investigation, but for which new information could emerge from new witness testimony, re-examined archives, new or r ...

'' and ''

The Good Wife ''The Good Wife'' is an American legal and political drama television series that aired on CBS from September 22, 2009, to May 8, 2016. It focuses on Alicia Florrick, the wife of the Cook County State's Attorney, who returns to her career in l ...

''. Speaking about her approach to taking over the show to Buzzfeed, Kodish stated that she wasn't afraid to shake things up. “I was anxious about how viewers were going to react to change in general — any kind of change. But I felt like it really had to happen”.

Controversy

In 2016, Gabrielle Union sued BET over compensation.

Streaming

The complete series is available to stream on Hulu,

Paramount+ Paramount+ is an American subscription video on-demand service owned by Paramount Global. The service's content is drawn primarily from the libraries of CBS Media Ventures (including CBS Studios), Paramount Media Networks (formerly Viacom Media ...

, and

BET+ A bet is a gambling wager. Bet or BET may also refer to: Arts and entertainment * Bet Lynch, a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' * Elizabeth "Bet" Yeager, protagonist of '' Rimrunners'', a science fiction ...

in the United States.

Reception

Critical response

The second and third seasons received positive reviews, specifically praising Gabrielle Union's leading performance, Mara Brock Akil's writing, and directing work by

Regina King Regina Rene King (born January 15, 1971) is an American actress and director. She is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and four Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2019, ''Time'' magazine named her o ...

. On the

review aggregator A review aggregator is a system that collects reviews of products and services (such as films, books, video games, software, hardware, and cars). This system stores the reviews and uses them for purposes such as supporting a website where users ...

website

Rotten Tomatoes Rotten Tomatoes is an American review-aggregation website for film and television. The company was launched in August 1998 by three undergraduate students at the University of California, Berkeley: Senh Duong, Patrick Y. Lee, and Stephen Wang ...

, the first season earned an approval rating of 80% based on 10 reviews, with an average rating of 7.1/10.

Metacritic Metacritic is a website that aggregates reviews of films, TV shows, music albums, video games and formerly, books. For each product, the scores from each review are averaged (a weighted average). Metacritic was created by Jason Dietz, Marc ...

, which uses a weighted average, assigned the pilot a score of 78 out of 100 based on 4 critics reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Accolades

References

External links

* * {{BET 2010s American black television series 2010s American drama television series 2013 American television series debuts 2019 American television series endings BET original programming English-language television shows Serial drama television series Television series about journalism Television series created by Mara Brock Akil Television shows filmed in Georgia (U.S. state) Television shows set in Atlanta Will Packer Productions television shows