BET's 'The Game' Tackles 7.7 Million Viewers

BET scored a major ratings victory last night with the premiere of scripted series The Game, which drew 7.7 million viewers -- the network's biggest audience for a scripted series debut.

The African-American targeted network produced the fourth season of The Game - which follows the lives and relationships of players on a fictional pro-football team - after the CW cancelled the show after three seasons.

BET last night also drew 4.4 million viewers for the debut of a second scripted show, Let's Stay Together. The series, which takes a look at the relationship challenges of five young, aspirational African-Americans, was produced by actress/singer Queen Latifah's production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.