Bounce TV upfront: Big focus on scripted

‘Mann & Wife’

Bounce TV appears to have found its niche, and it’s staying there.

The digital multicast network, which has posted record numbers with first-year show “Saints & Sinners,” is remaining focused on scripted programming.

Its upfront announcement today included a renewal of “Sinners,” not a surprise, based on the show’s ratings. It has accounted for the two most-watched programs in network history, averaging 1.5 million viewers twice.

Bounce targets African Americans, the only broadcast network to do so.

Bounce also renewed four comedies as part of a plan to include new original series every week of the year beginning this fall. The network says it will double its production output over the next year.

“Mann & Wife” will return for season three, as will “In the Cut.” “Family Time” and “Off the Chain” were renewed for their fourth seasons.

The network is also launching its first-ever newsmagazine, “Ed Gordon,” which will be produced and hosted by journalist Ed Gordon.

Specials will include live boxing telecasts of Premier Boxing Champions with “PBC: The Next Round.” And Bounce will partner with the Trumpet Awards Foundation, which honors black Americans in various fields, for the “25^th Annual Trumpet Awards.”

Bounce is currently available in 93.5 million households, including 93 percent of black households.

Tags: african americans, black viewers, bounce tv, bounce tv upfront, broadcast upfront, upfronts