Being Mary Jane Information

Being Mary Jane is an American drama television series created by Mara Brock Akil and starring Gabrielle Union, that debuted January 7, 2014, on BET. The 90 minute pilot for the series aired on July 2, 2013. The series follows professional and personal life of successful TV news anchor Mry Jane Paul who lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Being Mary Jane has received positive reviews from critics, and the series premiere on BET had more than 4 million viewers. On September 12, 2013, BET renewed Being Mary Jane for a second season, before the first season premiered. The second season premiered on February 3, 2015, and on February 5 the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered October 20, 2015. The second and third seasons received critical acclaim, specifically praising Gabrielle Union's leading performance, Mara Brock Akil's writing, and directing work by Regina King. On January 6, 2016, the series was renewed for a fourth season.

At the 45th NAACP Image Awards, the pilot movie won award for Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special, and Union for Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special. The series later received nine another NAACP Image Awards nominations, include two for Outstanding Drama Series.

Production

The show was originally to be called Single Black Female. The series centers on successful broadcast journalist Mary Jane Paul (played by Gabrielle Union) and her professional and private family life while searching for "Mr. Right":

Mary Jane Paul has it all: she"?s a successful TV news anchor, entirely self-sufficient - an all-around powerhouse who remains devoted to a family that doesn"?t share her motivation. As Mary Jane juggles her life, her work and her commitment to her family, we find out how far she"?s willing to go to find the puzzle pieces that she, and society, insist are missing from her life as a single Black female.

Omari Hardwick plays a potential Mr. Right. Other cast members include Latarsha Rose, Lisa Vidal, Aaron D. Spears, Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery, Richard Brooks, Tika Sumpter, Raven Goodwin, B. J. Britt, and Robinne Lee.

The series is produced by Mara Brock Akil, who produced BET's most successful series ever, The Game, and the romantic comedy film Jumping the Broom. The pilot episode was filmed in April 2012 at 780 N. Highland Ave. in the Virginia Highland neighborhood of Atlanta.

Cast and characters

Regular cast

• Gabrielle Union as Mary Jane Paul/Pauletta Patterson: a successful TV news anchor for Satellite News Channel (SNC) who remains devoted to a family that doesn't share her motivation as she juggles her life, her relationships, her work, and commitments.
• Lisa Vidal as Kara Lynch: the executive producer of the Talkback (Mary Jane's show) at SNC and Mary Jane's best friend.
• Margaret Avery as Helen Patterson: Mary Jane's overprotective mother, who is battling lupus.
• Latarsha Rose as Dr. Lisa Hudson: Mary Jane's best friend since elementary school, an OB/GYN. (Seasons 1-3)
• Aaron D. Spears as Mark Bradley: a co-anchor at the newsroom and the closeted gay friend of Mary Jane.
• Richard Brooks as Patrick Patterson: Mary Jane's older, less-motivated brother.
• B.J. Britt as Paul Patterson, Jr.: Mary Jane's responsible younger brother.
• Raven Goodwin as Niecy Patterson: Mary Jane's niece; Patrick Patterson's daughter, who is also a mother.
• Richard Roundtree as Paul Patterson, Sr.: Mary Jane's compassionate father.
• Stephen Bishop as David Paulk - Mary Jane's playboy love interest. (Seasons 2-3; recurring Season 1)
• Omari Hardwick as Andre Daniels': Mary Jane's married love interest. (Season 1)

Recurring cast

• Robinne Lee as Avery Daniels - Andre's wife, who learns of her husband's affair with Mary Jane. (Season 1)
• Tatom Pender as Tracy - Patrick's girlfriend and mother of their child.
• Navia Robinson as D'Asia - Patrick's daughter.
• Brly Evans as Nichelle - Mary Jane's friend and publicist to the stars.
• Kelly Rutherford as Cynthia Phillips (Seasons 1-2)
• Salli Richardson as Valerie (Season 2)
• Gary Dourdan as Sheldon (Season 2)
• Loretta Devine as Cece (Season 3)
• Daniella Alonso as Marisol Esparza (Season 3)
• Thomas Jones as Brandon (Season 2)
• Ryan Homchick as Lance (Season 1-3)

Guest stars

• Jasmine Dustin as 'Ana Hoem (Season 1)
• Lesley-Ann Brandt as Tamiko Roberts (Season 1)
• Sheila Frazier as Catherine Stafford (Season 1)
• Darrin Dewitt Henson (Season 1)
• Lorraine Toussaint as Aunt Toni, Paul's younger sister and Mary Jane's aunt (Season 1)
• Wayne Brady as Sean Anders (Season 1)
• Ludacris as Terrence Mitchell (Season 1)
• Dorian Missick as Detective Cedric Rawlins (Season 1)
• Frances Burnett as Dana Shultz (Season 1)
• Kyle Massey as Cameron (Season 2)
• India Arie as Herself' (Season 2)
• Christina Vidal as Lilly (Season 2) (Christina Vidal plays the sister of Kara, played by her real-life sister Lisa)
• Mike Epps
• Dwyane Wade
• Ava DuVernay (Season 1)

Series overview

Season		Episodes	Originally aired
			First aired	Last aired
	1	9
	2	12
	3	10

Episodes

Season 1 (2014)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
Viewers = 4.01	ShortSummary = The story and life of a black woman, her work, and her family as well as her popular talk show, which she hosts.	LineColor = 6E4968 }}	Viewers = 3.32	ShortSummary = While spending time with David, Andre surprises Mary Jane at her home. Meanwhile, an anchor at the station is fired, placing the careers of Mary Jane, Kara, and Mark in jeopardy. Absent: Richard Brooks, Raven Goodwin, B.J. Britt, Richard Roundtree	LineColor = 6E4968 }}	Viewers = 2.77	ShortSummary = The affair between Mary Jane and Andre develops a strain on his marriage. Mary Jane ponders about her future—and if it should include Andre. Meanwhile, Kara, and Mary Jane are faced with creative differences when Kara decides to revamp Mark's show. A woman from Paul Sr.'s past makes an attempt to move in on him after learning about Helen's health condition. Guest stars: Lesley-Ann Brandt, Sheila Frazier, Brely Evans Absent: B.J. Britt	LineColor = 6E4968 }}	Viewers = 2.58	ShortSummary = Patrick learns of Mary Jane's affair with Andre. To help her sort through her dilemma, Patrick takes her to visit their voice-of-reason Aunt Toni. She is once again conflicted about her feelings for Andre and decides to once and for all give him an answer in regard to his marriage proposal. Meanwhile, a former business partner declines further partnership with Patrick, resulting in damaging effects to Patrick's sobriety. Guest stars: Kelly Rutherford, Lorraine Toussaint, Darrin Dewitt Henson Absent: Latarsha Rose	LineColor = 6E4968 }}	Viewers = 2.69	ShortSummary = Andre slips up and reveals that he is still being intimate with his wife, Avery. To even the score, Mary Jane decides to go out on a date with a man she met online. Kara's changes at SNC prove to be over the top for Mark. Meanwhile, Helen misplaces her diamond bracelet in an effort to get Patrick's girlfriend out of the house. Guest stars: Wayne Brady	LineColor = 6E4968 }}	Viewers = 2.47	ShortSummary = Mary Jane and Andre have decided to settle in together at her home in domestic bliss. Meanwhile, Helen is disappointed with Paul Sr. for not receiving a platinum table at an exclusive gala, so he finds an unlikely source in hopes of obtaining one. While Andre declines his invitation to accompany Mary Jane at the gala, she unexpectedly runs into her ex, David. Also, Mary Jane is faced with a challenging decision at SNC involving a fellow journalist. Guest star: Chris "Ludacris" Bridges	LineColor = 6E4968 }}	Viewers = 2.92	ShortSummary = Mary Jane and Andre argue over whether Mary Jane is still involved with David or not, once Andre reveals a picture of the two together. Meanwhile, Paul Sr. gives Patrick an ultimatum as his son decides that he will be moving out soon. Kara is faced with a custody issue involving her sons. Also, P.J. lands himself in trouble once again, and Niecy announces her plans following her delivery. Guest star: Dorian Missick Absent: Aaron D. Spears	LineColor = 6E4968 }}	Viewers = 2.58	ShortSummary = Unsettling news of a fellow journalist's suicide unnerves Mary Jane, who lands in the middle of a scandal. Meanwhile, Niecy grows concerned that the father of her unborn child will not be present for the birth of their baby. Patrick is worried about Helen's well-being now that he has moved out of the house. Guest stars: Ava DuVernay, Keith Boykin Absent: Omari Hardwick	LineColor = 6E4968 }}	Viewers = 3.23	ShortSummary = Mary Jane decides to right all the wrongs of the people she has hurt. Meanwhile, Lisa and Mary Jane's friendship is put to the test. Absent: Aaron D. Spears, B. J. Britt, Richard Brooks, Margaret Avery, Raven Goodwin, Richard Roundtree	LineColor = 6E4968 }}

Season 2 (2015)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
Viewers = 2.37	ShortSummary = Mary Jane recommits herself to work, family and friends; David's new girlfriend is pregnant. Guest Starring: Salli Richardson Absent: Richard Roundtree	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 2.07	ShortSummary = Mary Jane vows to carve out an anxiety-free weekend, but plans go awry when Mark calls asking her to be his "beard" during the unexpected arrival of his parents. Revelations during their visit force Mark to make a change. Guest Starring: Greg Alan Williams, S. Epatha Merkerson Absent: Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avert, Latarsha Rose, B. J. Britt	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 2.46	ShortSummary = Mary Jane undergoes a "free" fertility treatment; Niecy becomes Mary Jane's new pet project.	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 2.41	ShortSummary = Kara protects Mary Jane; Niecy shields her and Treyvion from his father; Patrick struggles to find balance. Guest starring: Kyle Massey	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 2.09	ShortSummary = During a live installment of Talk Back, Mary Jane is not prepared for Dr. Marrs' news; Cameron and Niecy try to come to an agreement now that he has stepped back into her life; and PJ is offered a business opportunity. Guest starring: Gayle King, Kyle Massey	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.72	ShortSummary = Mary Jane desires to become pregnant; Mary Jane's friendship with Lisa is strained. Guest starring: Salli Richardson, Gary Dourdan	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.43	ShortSummary = Mary Jane decides to move forward with her life; Kara must make a decision to stay partners with Mary Jane.	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.23	ShortSummary = A fatal Atlanta school shooting; Mary Jane and Sheldon's courtship advances.	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.59	ShortSummary = Mary Jane gets nominated for an Emmy; Patrick discovers what happened to Tracy. Guest starring: Gary Dourdan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Mark Anthony Neal, India Arie, Bevy Smith, Michaela Angela Davis	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.36	ShortSummary = Mary Jane does some shop therapy; Paul Jr. decides about a job.	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.30	ShortSummary = Mary Jane's rant goes viral; Sheldon struggles; Mark's perspective on dating. Guest starring: Gary Dourdan, Kelly Rutherford, Christina Vidal, Don Lemon	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers =1.46	ShortSummary = Mary Jane moves into her primetime position at SNC.	LineColor = DC94A0 }}

Season 3 (2015)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (million)
Viewers = 2.23	ShortSummary = Mary Jane is rushed to hospital following her accident; while sidelined, Kara fights for her future at SNC.	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 2.24	ShortSummary = Cece, the other woman involved in the accident, exploits both SNC and Mary Jane to profit from it; SNC hires a hot young Latina replacement anchor called Marisol Esparza.	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.79	ShortSummary = Mary Jane's friend Lisa commits suicide.	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.45	ShortSummary =	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.78	ShortSummary =	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.38	ShortSummary =	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.38	ShortSummary =	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.39	ShortSummary =	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.08	ShortSummary =	LineColor = DC94A0 }}	Viewers = 1.66	ShortSummary =	LineColor = DC94A0 }}