BET has pulled back the curtain on its new shows during its upfront presentation today, including the upcoming program hosted by former CNN anchor T.J. Holmes. Somewhat surprisingly, Holmes is not hosting a straightforward newscast, but a news/comedy hybrid that has more in common with Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” than “CNN Newsroom.”
Holmes’ new show is called “Don’t Sleep with T.J. Holmes,” and it will be joining BET’s late night lineup later this year. The official announcement compares Holmes to “Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert (sic) and Bill Maher” and describes the format as such:
“With hilarious ‘correspondents,’ T.J.’s sure to have viewers rolling with laughter over the absurdity of today’s hot-button issues. Speaking through a unique and smart African American filter, T.J. invites the community to wake up on the issues that affect them; don’t sleep on the stories that mainstream news outlets won’t cover.”
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Holmes announced that he was leaving CNN to join BET late last year. The full description, after the jump.
DON’T SLEEP WITH T.J. HOLMES is a fresh new voice joining the ranks of Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert and Bill Maher. T.J. Holmes gives you a good reason to stay up late. With hilarious “correspondents,” T.J.’s sure to have viewers rolling with laughter over the absurdity of today’s hot-button issues. Speaking through a unique and smart African American filter, T.J. invites the community to wake up on the issues that affect them; don’t sleep on the stories that mainstream news outlets won’t cover. The show will also open ears with captivating, unexpected musical performances. DON’T SLEEP WITH T.J. HOLMES reports with keen focus to keep Black America engaged and in the know.