For over a decade, BET was criticized for failing to really cater to the Black experience. But the acquisition of The Game, the development of new sitcoms such as Let's Stay Together, specials like Black Girls Rock and the return of BET News have signaled a renaissance for the cable channel. The network has just announced its programming development slate for the 2012/2013 season and it seems like we've only seen the beginning of the new BET. 

The shift in content will see brand new scripted comedies and dramas from Black Hollywood’s most talented newcomers. Currently in development is the comedy entitled Second Generation—featuring the kids of The Wayans Family; a gritty police drama, a first for the network, from Reggie Bythewood called Gun Hill; and a planned reboot of the famous Showtime at the Apollo show.

With BET planning on diversifying its content—is the network finally going to be the Black Entertainment Network people have been asking for? Will audiences support the channel's efforts? Or is the cynicism just too high?