The BET+ Holiday 2023 programming has been announced and includes 12 new films and specials. From musical dramas and romantic comedies to action-packed thrillers and the always hilarious Ms. Pat, there’s something for everyone in the BET+ Holiday 2023 line-up.
The BET+ Holiday 2023 slate features all-star talent like Tami Roman, Tichina Arnold, Vivica A. Fox and Skyh Black, fan favorites like Jasmine Guy, Terrence Carson and Dorien Wilson, and triple threats like Serayah, Romeo Miller, Macy Gray, MC Lyte and Tamar Braxton.
The programming also includes a roster of directors and writers of color, like Robin Givens, Debbie Allen and Terri J Vaughn. These authentic Black stories will provide some genuine Christmas cheer all season long.
BET+ HOLIDAY 2023 PROGRAMMING
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 2
A WESLEY CHRISTMAS WEDDING (Family/Drama)
When the Wesley family gets back together for a glorious Christmas Wedding, they must overcome the shenanigans of a Momzilla, a few crazed exes and new family additions – some wanted, and others tolerated – before the betrothed couple says, “I do.”
Cast: Dorien Wilson, Jasmine Guy, Terrence “TC” Carson, Loren Lott, Terayle Hill, Valerie Pettiford, Judi Johnson, Kiki Haynes, Kevin Savage, Mike Merrill, Aaron Spears, Rolonda Rochelle, Skylar Mitchell and Red Grant.
Director: Patricia Cuffie-Jones; Writers: Bree West and Chazitear.
Executive Producers: Chuck and Bree West of OCTET Productions and Devin Griffin and Jerry Leo for BET+; Co-Executive Producers: Marvin Neil and Lorisa Bates; Co-Producers: Chazitear, John Baldasare, Rene Rodriguez-Lopez and Noelle Broussard.
HEART FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Drama)
Hardworking businesswoman Rachel travels to the small town of Cheverly for a life-saving heart transplant. Fate connects her with a heart donor, Ms. Sims, who tragically dies in a car accident. In Cheverly, Rachel crosses paths with Amy, who also received an organ from the same donor.
As Rachel attempts to leave the town, an inexplicable force keeps her bound to Cheverly, and she discovers a deep affection for the community. Amidst her journey, Rachel unexpectedly falls in love with Scott, Amy’s brother.
Cast: Erica Peeples, Kyle Lowder, Starletta DuPois, Chuck Inglish, Lanelle Cooper, Leila Weisberg, and introducing Asia Harmony.
Director: David Mitch Parks; Writers: Erica Peeples, David C. Bernat and Lori Beth Bernat.
Executive Producers: Damien Douglas, Kevin Weisberg,Philip B. Goldfine and Devin Griffin and Jerry Leo for BET+; Co-Executive Producers: Marvin Neil and Lorisa Bates; Co-Producers: John Baldasare, Rene Rodriguez-Lopez and Noelle Broussard; Producers: Erica Peeples, Binh Dang, Erica Steele.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 9
CHRISTMAS ANGEL (Family/Drama/Romance/Music)
Troubled R&B megastar Angel St. James is the face of every major magazine and news outlet. However, when her fake happiness peaks, she is forced to face her reality. While driving to get away for a few days, her car breaks down on a desolate road.
A simple stranger offers to help fix her car. She decides to step out on faith and enjoy Christmas with this random stranger and his 8-year-old daughter. She discovers the magic of Christmas, love, and the family she always wanted.
Cast: Skyh Black, DaniLeigh, Romeo Miller, Elise Neal, Tamar Braxton, Daniel O’Reilly, and Iris Gasper.
Director and Writer: LazRael Lison
Executive Producers: Devin Griffin and Jerry Leo for BET+; Co-Executive Producers: Marvin Neil and Lorisa Bates; Co-Producers: John Baldasare, Rene Rodriguez-Lopez and Noelle Broussard; Producers: Tatiana Chekhova and LazRael Lison of Summer House Pictures, Charles F. Porter.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 16
SWORN JUSTICE: TAKEN BEFORE (Action/Thriller/Suspense)
On Christmas Eve, a hardened detective and her DA boyfriend are both informed that each other has been kidnapped. As the world closes for the holiday, they are locked out of their computers and phones and must follow the demands of the menacing voice giving them orders. This leads to a snowy night of cat and mouse thrills as the two fight for their survival.
Cast: Mishael Morgan, Leland B. Martin, Vivica A. Fox , Melyssa Ford, and Preacher Lawson.
Director: Nicole G. Leier; Writer: Jennifer Snow and Nicole G. Leier.
Executive Producers: Beth Stevenson, Nancy Yeaman, Stan Hum and Devin Griffin and Marvin Neil and Rene Rodriguez-Lopez for BET+; Producer: Myles Milne, Jess Reis.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 23
THE MS. PAT SHOW HOLIDAY EPISODE – “FATHER CHRISTMAS” (Comedy)
Pat tries to give Terry the perfect Christmas by finding his real father. When she can’t track him down, she and Denise embark on a wild Plan B involving a mall Santa.
Cast: Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams, J. Bernard Calloway, Tami Roman, Theodore Barnes, Briyana Guadalupe, Vince Swann, and Brittany Inge.
Director: Debbie Allen; Writer: Patrick Walsh.
Executive Producers: Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams, Jordan E. Cooper, Francie Calfo, Brian Grazer, Pamela Oas Williams, Lee Daniels, Deborah Evans, Jon Radler; Co-Executive Producer: Mary Lou Belli, Natalie Berkus; Producers: Erin Smithey, Latisha Fortune, Jahil Fisher; Co-Producer: Nicole Carrasco.
SO FLY CHRISTMAS (Comedy/Drama/Romance)
After being stood up at the altar on Christmas Eve, Wyvetta loses her love on her favorite holiday. To show solidarity, Wyvetta’s best friend, Dione, suggests that the two of them renounce love. Things become complicated when Dione falls for a mild-mannered record store owner and tries to keep it under wraps.
Cast: Tichina Arnold, Tami Roman, Robert Christopher Riley, Laurissa Romain, Jackee Harry, Tommy Davidson, and Michael Colyar.
Director: Terri J Vaughn; Writer: Clarence William IV.
Executive Producers: Summer Crockett Moore, Tony Glazer and Maureen Guthman, Devin Griffin and Jerry Leo for BET+; Co-Executive Producers: Lorisa Bates and Marvin Neil; Producers: Pierre Romain, Julie Solinger, Marc Johnson; Co-Producers: John Baldasare, Noelle Broussard, Rene Rodriquez; Associate Producer: Anthony Commodore.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 30
A ROYAL CHRISTMAS SURPRISE (Romance/Family/Drama)
Riley is planning the perfect Christmas for her soon to be husband, Mandla. As Riley’s family hosts Mandla’s South African royal parents in Kentucky, Riley receives a surprise from Mandla that will jeopardize her plans with her future husband.
Cast: Jennifer Freeman, Thapelo Mokoena, Abena Ayivor , Sello Maake Ka- Bcube, Trisha Mann-Grant, Tony Grant, Andi Anderson, and Andrae Bicy.
Director: Beautie Masvaure; Writers: Charlie Mihelich and Beautie Masvaure.
Executive Producers: Maureen Guthman, Billy Dundee, Jennifer Freeman and Devin Griffin and Jerry Leo for BET+; Co-Executive Producers: Marvin Neil and Lorisa Bates; Co-Producers: John Baldasare, Rene Rodriguez-Lopez and Noelle Broussard; Producers: Chevonne O’Shaughnessy and George Shamieh.
THE CHRISTMAS RINGER (Romance/Drama/Faith/Music)
After her career is derailed by her manager-fiancé, the reigning Princess of Christmas and defunct R&B singer retreats to her family’s home for the holidays where her mother convinces her to direct the family’s ragtag church choir so they can win a Christmas Choir Competition.
Cast: Trenyce, Kelly Price, Tyler Lepley, Chrisette Michelle, Arischa Connor, Q Parker, Akbar V, Tamika Scott, and Jarrett Michael Collins.
Director: Patricia Cuffie Jones; Writer: Patricia Cuffie Jones and Gregory Adams; Story by: Gregory Adams; Screenplay by: Patricia Cuffie Jones and Gregory Adams.
Produced by: Swirl Films and Eric Tomosunas; Executive Producers: Gregg McBride, Abbey MacDonald, Ron Robinson, Devin Griffin, Brian Rikuda, Jerry Leo; Co-Executive Producer: Nick Roses, Marvin Neil, Lorisa Bates; Producers: James Seppelfrick, Keith Neal, Jimmy Watson; Co-Producers: John Baldasare, Noelle Broussard, Rene Rodriguez-Lopez.
AVAILABLE DECEMBER 7
NEVER ALONE FOR CHRISTMAS (Drama/Comedy/Romance)
When Lauren gets cold feet and calls off her wedding to Miles, neither had dreamt they would be forced to spend Christmas alone. Unbeknownst to the other, each winds up at the same Cajun Christmas retreat for singles with someone new on their arms.
Cast: Mignon Von, Allen Maldonado, and Macy Gray.
Writer and Director: Kenny Young; Story by: Kenny Young, Phil James, Ned Nalle and Grits Carter; Original Songs: “Never Gonna Be Alone for Christmas” and “Santa’s Vent.”
Executive Producers: Devin Griffin and Jerry Leo for BET+; Producers: Ned Nalle, Phil James, Stuart Kosh, Grits Carter; Co-Executive Producers: Marvin Neil, Lorisa Bates, Stephanie Payne, Derick Halliman, Jacques Wiley, Wayne Witherspoon, André Holzendorf, Margaret Johnson-Holzendorf; Co-Producers: John Baldasare, Rene Rodriguez-Lopez and Noelle Broussard; Produced by: A Copper Beeches/Wainwright Park Media Production.
AVAILABLE DECEMBER 14
CHRISTMAS RESCUE (Romance/Comedy)
A man abducts the love of his life from her holiday-themed wedding in a desperate last attempt to win her back.
Cast: Robin Givens, Raven Goodwin, Donny Carrington, Catfish Jean, Mario Van Peebles, Cameron Bailey, and Samantha Neyland Trumbo.
Director: Billy Givens-Jensen; Writers: Shateka Johnson, Robin Givens and Billy Givens Jensen.
Produced by: Swirl Films and Eric Tomosunas; Executive Producer: Robin Givens, Ron Robinson, Devin Griffin, Brian Rikuda, Jerry Leo; Co-Executive Producers: Abbey MacDonald, Marvin Neil, Lorisa Bates; Producers: Gold D. Morgan, Keith Neal, Jimmy Watson, James Seppelfrick; Co-Producers: John Baldasare, Noelle Broussard, Rene Rodriguez-Lopez, David Eubanks.
FAVORITE SON CHRISTMAS (Faith/Family/Music/Drama)
After the death of their father, Blain has taken over the Graceway Church as Pastor, but their finances are in dire straits. Looking to the Jubilee to save the day, First Lady Rita suggests a SO GIFTED reunion to rouse the necessary ticket sales. Will the brothers and their wives overcome old gripes and truly reconcile for this Christmas reunion to be successful?
Cast: Tank, Darrel Walls, Loren Lott, Serayah, Lisa Arrindell, MC Lyte, Jekalyn Carr, and Anthony Evans.
Director: Robin Givens; Writer: Patricia Cuffie Jones; Story by Tiffany Warren.
Produced by: Swirl Films and Eric Tomosunas; Executive Producers: Tiffany Warren, Lorisa Bates, Devin Griffin, Brian Rikuda, Jerry Leo; Co-Executive Producers: Marvin Neil, John Baldasare, Abbey MacDonald; Producers: Wes Cyphers, Jimmy Watson, Ron Robinson, Keith Neal; Co-Producers: Rene Rodriguez-Lopez and Noelle Broussard, David Eubanks; Creative Producer: William Givens-Jensen.
AVAILABLE DECEMBER 21
WHATEVER IT TAKES (Family/Drama/Romance)
It’s Thanksgiving weekend, snow is falling, Christmas is on the horizon and the promises of the New Year are near. Navigating careers, life and the nuances of friendship, five women bond over the imperfections in their love lives. The holidays bring some of them their greatest wishes and others their most profound losses.
Cast: Tami Roman, Kandi Burruss, Brely Evans, AJ Johnson, Rayan Lawrence, Kendrick Cross, Stevie Baggs Jr, and Zuri James.
Director: Taliah Breon; Writers: Tu-Shonda Whitaker and Amaleka McCall.
Produced by: Roman Ramsey Productions and Swirl Films; Executive Producers: Tami Roman, Jill Ramsey, Eric Tomosunas, Ron Robinson, Devin Griffin, Brian Rikuda, Jerry Leo; Co-Executive Producers: Abbey MacDonald, Nick Roses, Marvin Neil, Lorisa Bates; Producer: Gold D. Morgan, Keith Neal, James Seppelfrick, Abbey Macdonald; Co-Producers: John Baldasare, Noelle Broussard, Rene Rodriguez-Lopez.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.