BET+ Announces 2023 Holiday Programming

‘Tis the season to add BET+’s slate to your list of holiday programming!

BET+ is the latest to announce its star-studded slate of shows and movies to bring holiday cheer, with Black stories front and center.

From A Wesley Christmas Wedding to Whatever it Takes, the following feature performances by Tami Roman, Tichina Arnold, Vivica A. Fox, Serayah, Romeo Miller, Macy Gray, MC Lyte, and Tamar Braxton.

Not to mention, BET+’s holiday programming features the work of directors and writers of color behind the scenes, including Robin Givens, Debbie Allen, and Terri J. Vaughn.

Those beloved stars and more come together in the super-sized holiday sizzle to tease what presents — and surprises — await when BET+’s holiday programming kicks off on Thursday, November 2, and runs through Thursday, December 21.

For instance, viewers can cozy up with Heart for the Holidays to see what happens during a quest for a heart transplant in a small town or Sworn Justice: Taken Before Christmas for the thrilling action that ensues when a detective and her DA boyfriend are kidnapped. All that and more awaits on BET+!

BET+’s HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:

A WESLEY CHRISTMAS WEDDING (Thursday, November 2)

Writers: Bree West and Chazitear
Director: Patricia Cuffie-Jones

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

Synopsis: 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.”

HEART FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Thursday, November 2)

Writers: Erica Peeples, David C. Bernat, and Lori Beth Bernat
Director: David Mitch Parks

Cast: Erica Peeples, Kyle Lowder, Starletta DuPois, Chuck Inglish, Lanelle Cooper, Leila Weisberg, and introducing Asia Harmony

Synopsis: 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.

CHRISTMAS ANGEL (Thursday, November 9)

Director and Writer: LazRael Lison

Cast: Skyh Black, DaniLeigh, Romeo Miller, Elise Neal, Tamar Braxton, Daniel O’Reilly, Iris Gasper

Synopsis: 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.

SWORN JUSTICE: TAKEN BEFORE CHRISTMAS (Thursday, November 16)

Writers: Jennifer Snow and Nicole G. Leier
Director: Nicole G. Leier 

Cast: Mishael Morgan, Leland B. Martin, Vivica A. Fox , Melyssa Ford, Preacher Lawson

Synopsis: 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.

THE MS. PAT SHOW HOLIDAY EPISODE “FATHER CHRISTMAS” (Thursday, November 23)

Writer: Patrick Walsh
Director: Debbie Allen

Cast: Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams, J. Bernard Calloway, Tami Roman, Theodore Barnes, Briyana Guadalupe, Vince Swann, and Brittany Inge

Synopsis: 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.

SO FLY CHRISTMAS (Thursday, November 23)

Writer: Clarence William IV
Director: Terri J Vaughn

Cast: Tichina Arnold, Tami Roman, Robert Christopher Riley, Laurissa Romain, Jackee Harry, Tommy Davidson, Michael Colyar

Synopsis: 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.

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS SURPRISE (Thursday, November 30)

Writers: Charlie Mihelich and Beautie Masvaure
Director: Beautie Masvaure

Cast: Jennifer Freeman, Thapelo Mokoena, Abena Ayivor , Sello Maake Ka- Bcube, Trisha Mann-Grant, Tony Grant, Andi Anderson, Andrae Bicy

Synopsis: 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.

THE CHRISTMAS RINGER (THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30)

Writer: Patricia Cuffie Jones and Gregory Adams
Director: Patricia Cuffie Jones

Cast: Trenyce, Kelly Price, Tyler Lepley, Chrisette Michelle, Arischa Connor, Q Parker, Akbar V, Tamika Scott, Jarrett Michael Collins

Synopsis: 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.

Writer and Director: Kenny Young
Story by: Kenny Young, Phil James, Ned Nalle, and Grits Carter 

Cast: Mignon Von, Allen Maldonado, Macy Gray

Synopsis: 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.

CHRISTMAS RESUCE (Thursday, December 14)

Writers: Shateka Johnson, Robin Givens and Billy Givens Jensen
Director: Billy Givens-Jensen

Cast: Robin Givens, Raven Goodwin, Donny Carrington, Catfish Jean, Mario Van Peebles, Cameron Bailey, Samantha Neyland Trumbo

Synopsis: A man abducts the love of his life from her holiday-themed wedding in a desperate last attempt to win her back.

FAVORITE SON CHRISTMAS (Thursday, December 14)

Writer: Patricia Cuffie Jones
Director: Robin Givens

Cast: Tank, Darrel Walls, Loren Lott, Serayah, Lisa Arrindell, MC Lyte, Jekalyn Carr, Anthony Evans

Synopsis: 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?

WHATEVER IT TAKES (Thursday, December 21)

Writers: Tu-Shonda Whitaker and Amaleka McCall
Director: Taliah Breon

Cast: Tami Roman, Kandi Burruss, Brely Evans, AJ Johnson, Rayan Lawrence, Kendrick Cross, Stevie Baggs Jr, Zuri James

Synopsis: 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

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What holiday movies are you most excited about? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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