(BET)
An original drama from creators Devon Gregory and Jonathan Price, American Soul stars Sinqua Walls, Kelly Price, Jason Dirden, Iantha Richardson, Katlyn Nichol, Jelani Winston, and Christopher Jefferson. The series blends fictional and real-life people, places and events, as it charts the rise of the cultural phenomenon of Soul Train. The story centers on creator and host Don Cornelius (Walls), and the Soul Train dancers, as they strive to make it in the racially charged Los Angeles of the ’70s.
The first season of American Soul has averaged a 0.17 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 594,000 viewers. The season concludes this evening and has been paired on Tueday nights with the Boomerang serialized comedy series (which has also been renewed).
Here are the relevant points from BET’s press release:
Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, “AMERICAN SOUL,” is the #1 new cable scripted drama for African Americans 18-49 and AA2+*. The 10-episode series chronicles “the hippest trip in America” and what became of one of the most prominent and groundbreaking television shows for African-American culture. Hailed by Essence as “peak black excellence,” “AMERICAN SOUL” features a cast of multi-talented actors including Sinqua Walls (Power, The Breaks) who plays a young Don Cornelius. Series regulars also include Kelly Price (Grammy(R)-nominated singer), Jason Dirden (Greenleaf), Iantha Richardson (This Is Us), Christopher Jefferson, Katlyn Nichol, and Jelani Winston. “AMERICAN SOUL” airs Tuesday at 9 PM ET/PT on BET.
“We are incredibly grateful to continue to tell the American Soul story. Season one was so well received by the culture and we feel that season two will be even more fun and exciting,” said Jesse Collins, Executive Producer, “AMERICAN SOUL.”
“The partnership and creative trust of Tony Cornelius and everyone at Jesse Collins Entertainment resonated with audiences in a significant way and ensured AMERICAN SOUL’s success. BET Networks is invested in showcasing black excellence in our programming and we look forward to digging even deeper into the incredible legacy of Don Cornelius and Soul Train in season two.” said Connie Orlando, Head of Programming, BET Networks.
The season finale airing Tuesday, April 2 at 9 PM ET/PT features guest appearances by Gabrielle Dennis (Whitney Houston, “The Bobby Brown Story”) as Tina Turner and McKinley Freeman (BET’s “Hit the Floor”) as Ike Turner. As Encore achieves its greatest success, opening for Ike & Tina Turner, Simone, Kendall, and JT must reconcile their own lives before committing to the group. Meanwhile, Don secures a second season for Soul Train, and decides to focus on repairing his family but may find it’s too little, too late.
*Source: Nielsen (Live+SD) AA P18-49, AA P2+ | 2+ telecast minimum | Premieres only | Excludes sports, news, kids | ranked on AA18-49, AAP2+ avg impressions | “New” defined as programs originating in FY19 broadcast season (10/1/18 – 3/26/19)
What do you think? Have you been watching the American Soul TV show? Are you glad that BET renewed this series for a second season?
I love this show! I actually smiled when I read that it would be renewed. It’s very nostalgic. Thank you BET!
I love the show.I am glad it is coming back for season two.Was a little sad one of my favorite Jt got killed.
Excellent!! I grew up watching & dancing to SOUL TRAIN on Saturday mornings. And of course we NEVER really know all that goes on behind the scenes of such shows, the stories of our lives and what we love.
I love this show. It brings me back to a happy time in my life.
I love this show, please don’t kill JT off the series .
So very proud of this series! Excellent casting, beautiful music and oh my goodness, so refreshing to have intelligent writing and demanding content. This is storytelling. BRAVO!
Great show…brings back memories. But what’s with so many commercials?
I love the American Soul series. I looked forward every week to watch the new episode. So glad there is a Season 2!
When the show was introduced by commercials, i couldnt wait to sit and watch how Soul Train began. Growing up watching Soul Train in the very early ’80’s, “The hippest trip in America” was so cool. Will never forget, every Saturday morning, i was glued to the TV watching Don Cornelius host. In the end he’ll always end off with his famous “Love, peace and soul” Very excited about the future seasons.
I am SO SO GLAD that BET will air 2nd season of Soul Train. I remember when it actually aired. I was a very young child..but the dances is what interested me. I loved Don Cornelius’ hair and voice. This show is great great great. CAN’T WAIT TIL SEASON 2 AIRS
I am thrilled to learn that American Soul will continue it’s second season. This show commemorates the brilliant mind of Don Cornelius and what it took for an African-American to produce a main stream show about us and our culture in the 1970’s America. Don Cornelius’ groundbreaking work to get a show for us by us in such a segregated market was indeed nothing less than remarkable. I cannot wait until next season and many more to come.
Yes! Thank You, Bet. This show is well written, well directed and well acted. The music is excellent as well as the beautiful cast members. Where have these talented and beautiful actors been hiding?
I love this show & hope to see it renewed for multiple seasons!
YES. AM VERY HAPPY TO Hear there will be Season 2.
I grew up watching Soul Train , and danced every week @ clubs in Baltimore, Md. Sooo much clean Fun.
Invigorating. And all of the Best bands , Recording artist toured Baltimore. Character
Simone is an excellent Singer, can’t wait to see her future career IN years to come.
This mini series evoked soooo many joy filled memories. GREAT JOB EVERYONE.
MS. CHRISTEL LYNN BROWN.
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Loved going back in time and learning the history of Soul Train along with the fictional drama and great songs! I was a child in the 70s and watched Soul Train every Saturday afternoon. Don Cornelius was a genius and pioneer who opened the doors for African Americans on television in a new light. I look forward to season 2, 3, 4 and more please. Thank you BET!