Tyler Perry Bosses Up!

So it seems Tyler Perry has been bossin' up lately in response to the critics' take on House of Payne.


If you recall, the series premiered a few weeks ago on TBS breaking all kinds of rating records for the network.

While many tuned in, even more bashed the show the day after and weeks to come.

Perry responded by sending an email to his fans where he defends both LaVan Davis and Cassie Davis who recently have been under attack because of their weight:

You all know that the critics have hated every thing that I have done over the years. Roger Ebert gave DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN-THE MOVIE an awful review, one critic called MADEA'S FAMILY REUNION-THE MOVIE the worst thing that he'd ever seen, some other critic said that DADDY'S LITTLE GIRLS shouldn't have ever been made and that I had to be stopped. Not to mention the plays, a critic in L.A. said of MADEA GOES TO JAIL, that it was the worst play he'd ever seen and that this type of show should not be at the Kodak Theatre, the home of the Oscars.


So over the years I have learned to ignore these people and keep doing what I feel that I am being led to do. But when people begin to attack certain cast members of HOUSE OF PAYNE because they are overweight, then I have to say something. Just because a person is overweight doesn't mean that they are less than anybody else. That's why these people have not been able to get a job for years in Hollywood. One person even asked, "Why do you even hire them?" I hire all kinds of people--thin, not so thin, tall, short, in shape, not in shape, Black, White, Latino. When somebody comes to work for me I don't see color, I don't see their size, all I want to know is "Can you do the job?"


One person asked why does the mama have to be a "FAT BLACK WOMAN" and said that I am perpetuating stereotypes by putting these overweight people on the show, as if there are no fat black women in America that are mothers. My mother and aunts are fat black women. And that upsets me to think that people, especially Black people, would say that I'm doing a disservice to America by putting them on T.V. Skinny does not make you beautiful. There are all kinds of beautiful women in this world. And if we begin to look at the heart of a person rather than prejudge then we would see that we are missing some of the nicest and most talented people in the world. I'm sorry but I had to get that off my chest. I just don't like to see good people hurt because of ignorance and intolerance.


I won't apologize for putting these people in this show. I don't ever remember hearing any of this about ROSANNE. They deserve to be on this show. They are very good, caring, God-fearing people who needed a hand. And I am so grateful that so many of you are watching HOUSE OF PAYNE and making their dreams come true everyday.

God bless,

T.P.

All of this and the show still sucks.

'House of Pain' Smash Ratings

Despite last week's unfavorable reviews, the premiere of Tyler Perry's House of Payne became TBS' highest-rated sitcom ever for the network.


The president of Turner Entertainment Networks, Steve Koonin, had this to say:

"We weren't expecting the best of all time. We had high hopes, but even our highest hopes were exceeded."

Apparently the show not only scored the highest ratings ever but became the leading scripted series telecast so far this year viewed by ages ranging from from 18-49 and 25-54.

So what does this all mean? A few things I suppose:

1. To Perry: Kudos to you! The folks over at TBS are probably kissing your a** now because you made good on your end of this 100 episode deal. You successfully convinced your Madea followers and the whole state of Atlanta to tune into this flop.

2. To TBS: Great! You scored your No. 1 highest rated show ever for your network. And with a black show! Who would have thunk? Now maybe you will consider adding some more color to your line-up. Give me a call TBS people. I have a couple of original scripts I can share.

3. To the viewers: Well, unfortunately this means we will probably have to endure a full season if not two before a possible cancel. Joy!

My thoughts? As the saying goes: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me! I will not be tuning in this week.

TBS' House of Payne 'PAIN'!

Last night millions of viewers tuned in to watch the season premiere of TBS' Tyler Perry's House of Payne.

Yesterday, Tyler Perry talked to Ryan Cameron of V103 in Atlanta about the debut of his new show. Check out what he had to say here:



and here:



Now that we got all the promo talk out of the way, now let's talks about how 'pain'ful it was to watch the hour premiere of the show.

Yes, today I have already received countless emails from folks who tuned in last night and share my exact sentiments. This show is wack! The premiere was boring, not funny and could barely produce a chuckle. Not even a guest appearance from big screen favorite, Madea, could keep me awake during this snooze.

While Madea's big wit and even bigger persona works on the big screen it did absolutely nothing for my TV.

And according to Perry, TBS has already bought into 100 episodes of the show. And I am very curious as to why? Did the premiere of this same show on UPN a year ago along with its not-so-favorable reviews not enough to make TBS think harder about this deal? Perry also goes on to explain how while he has a team of writers, he was responsible for the story line of all 100 episodes. Well at least now we know exactly who is to blame for the show's no. 1 flaw.


Ultimately, good writing is what this show lacks. And with all the rave reviews (yes, this is a joke) that I am sure the show is getting today, these writers will be putting in some long hours to try and save this show.

Back to the drawing boards Guys!

Summer TV and Tyler Perry's 'House of Payne'

Well it's Official! "Summertime" is here!



Normally that means less time in front of the tube and more time out playing. But not so fast! The summer season sometimes holds some good premieres you might want to catch since they won't be competing with new runs of your favorite shows.

On Wednesday, June 6 at 9/8c check out Tyler Perry's House of Payne on TBS.
Tyler Perry, best known for his black works on the silver screen such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Madea's Family Reunion, will be taking a stab at TV this summer with this new black sitcom focusing on some good ole fashion black family growing 'paynes'.

Allen Payne will star in the show as a nephew with kids who moves in with his cranky uncle, Lavan Davis. And it is the bringing together of the various generations under one roof that will prove to be the source of comedy for this show. Completing the cast will be Cassi Davis, China Anne McClain, Larramie "Doc" Shaw and Lance Gross.

I'm actually looking forward to this show. With the exception of Everybody Hates Chris, it's been a while since we have had a good black family sitcom. Hopefully Perry will be able to generate the same level of success by way of laughter with this small screen production.

For the newest sneak peak of the show click here.