Bounce TV, the country’s first-ever over-the-air broadcast television network for African-Americans, will launch with a special presentation of “The Wiz” on Monday, Sept. 26 at 12 p.m. Toyota USA will be the signature sponsor of the network’s inaugural on-air schedule, the highlights of which were just unveiled.
The popular 1978 musical starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor will kick off the network and will be followed by Sidney Poitier headlining the classic drama “A Raisin in the Sun” at 3 p.m.
Bounce TV’s first week of prime-time programming begins later that evening, with Part 1 of a two-night double feature of one of the most acclaimed filmmakers of our generation, Spike Lee. At 8 p.m. they will premiere Lee’s Academy Award-nominated “Do the Right Thing,” acclaimed as one of the greatest films of our generation. The film stars Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Danny Aiello, John Turturro, Samuel L. Jackson and Lee himself and features the film debuts of Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez.
Then on Tues., Sept. 27, they will air “School Daze,” Lee’s 1988 musical-drama starring Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito and Tisha Campbell-Martin, based in part on Lee’s experiences at Atlanta’s Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.
On Wednesday, Sept. 28, Bounce TV presents its first football game from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the nation’s largest African-American athletic conference, as the top-rated Bulldogs of Bowie State visit rival Virginia Union.
On Thursday, Sept. 29, they will premiere the 1998 Denzel Washington-Bruce Willis action thriller “The Siege.” The network’s first week of prime time wraps up Friday, Sept. 30 with the 2003 action comedy “The Rundown,” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Seann William Scott.
Other initial Bounce TV highlights include:
- CIAA Football: The Trojans of Virginia State taking on the Fayetteville State Broncos (Sat., Oct. 8, 1 p.m.)
- Richard Pryor Week (Oct. 3-7): The legendary comedian stars in a six-pack of his blockbuster movies, including his classic pairings with Gene Wilder in “Stir Crazy” (Oct. 3), “Silver Streak” (Oct. 4) and “Another You” (Oct. 6); “The Wiz” (Oct. 5); “Bingo Long and the Traveling All Stars” (Oct. 6); and “Bustin’ Loose” (Oct. 7).
- A weekend of four aspirational and inspirational African-American tales: “The Sweetest Gift” (Oct. 13), “A Raisin in the Sun” (Oct. 14), “Shackles” (Oct. 15) and “Glory” (Oct. 16).
- Soul Train: One of the longest-running series in television history rides again as Bounce TV showcases the most popular performers and episodes of the legendary series (assorted dates/times).
Visit bouncetv.com for a complete programming schedule and local Bounce TV channel locations.