“THE NEW EDITION STORY” (Part One) also dominated the social-sphere as BET ranked as the #1 most social network on television** on Tuesday, January 24th. The special was the #1 most social episode on both Facebook and Twitter, outranking all other TV programs including cable, syndication and sports. Across social platforms, 2.2 million people generated nearly 1 million interactions. On Twitter, BET and “THE NEW EDITION STORY” drove 12 of the top 20 trending topics of the night including #Betamax, #BobbyBrown, #CandyGirl, #MikeBivins, and #LukeJames. Interactions peaked during the live 10:30pm – 10:44pm window, as viewers applauded the transition of the band from boys to men.
After 30 years of breaking hearts on the record and from the stage, New Edition has finally gotten the biopic they so richly deserve. “THE NEW EDITION STORY” follows the group from their humble Boston beginnings to global megastardom – weathering the highs and lows of controversy, personnel changes, and the ultimate cost of fame. The multi-talented cast includes Bryshere Y. Gray, Elijah Kelley, Luke James, Keith Powers, Algee Smith, and Woody McClain as the adult members of New Edition. Along with a stellar cast, “THE NEW EDITION STORY” includes a collective of award-winning producers and directors including iconic music powerhouses James “Jimmy Jam” Harris, Terry Lewis and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Executive Producer Jesse Collins and award-winning director Chris Robinson.
Part Two (2 hours) premieres tonight, Wednesday, January 25 at 9 PM ET/PT, chronicling the band’s rise to fame, escalating tensions with Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill’s addition to the group. Part Three (2 hours) premieres Thursday, January 26 at 9 PM ET/PT, which sees the group splinter into solo careers then attempt to reunite for an ill-fated reunion tour.
“THE NEW EDITION STORY” is executive produced by Jesse Collins (Real Husbands of Hollywood) for JCE Films, a division of Jesse Collins Entertainment; directed by Chris Robinson (ATL) and co-produced by Brooke Payne, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and Bobby Brown.
For behind the scenes look at the making of the film, plus exclusive clips and photos from “THE NEW EDITION STORY”, please visit BET.com/NewEdition and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #NewEditionBET.
*Source: Nielsen. Live + Same Day, Statistics qualifications based on highest rated stat (P18-49 Cvg Rtg) and Most Watched (P2+ (000)s). All simulcast based on additive sums.
**Source: Nielsen Social, Facebook & Twitter, ranked on Total Interactions.