FAMILY MATTERS: BET LAUNCHING NEW REALITY SHOW WITH KAREN CLARK, KIERRA & J. DREW SHEARD
Rumors circulated that Black Entertainment Television was none too happy about former “Sunday Best” judges Mary Mary’s self-titled reality show landing a deal at WE TV. Now that “Mary Mary” has had a successful debut on WE TV and have been renewed for a second season, it appears BET has found a faith-based family of their own for a reality show.
DaGospelTruth.com can now report that BET has begun production on “The Sheards,” a reality series starring Grammy-winning gospel superstar Karen Clark Sheard, 51, and her children—daughter, gospel powerhouse Kierra Sheard, 25; and son, producer & aspiring R&B singer J. Drew Sheard, 23. It is unclear if Karen’s husband, Pastor John Drew Sheard will play a part in the show.
DaGospelTruth.com first heard rumblings of the show being in development earlier this year but couldn’t confirm it. Now, J. Drew’s recent photo posts on his official Instagram page @JDrewSheard_JDS have substantiated the speculation.
Yesterday, J. Drew posted as the caption for one photo: “Shooting an episode of The Sheards today.” He captioned another image: “filming in NY #majormoves.”
The Sheard family is no strangers to the spotlight, as the matriarch of the family; Karen is one-fourth of the renowned The Clark Sisters with her sisters Dorinda Clark Cole, Jackie Clark and Twinkie Clark. The Clark Sisters are one of gospel’s best-selling groups and have been recognized as being one of the most influential groups in the music industry as a whole.
Despite the family’s squeaky-clean persona for most of their time in the spotlight, The Sheards are not without their family adversity. In 2001, Karen almost died during a complicated surgery and doctors only gave her a two-percent chance of survival after she laid in a coma for more than three weeks.
Stellar Award winner Kierra made headlines after getting engaged to a Detroit-based young pastor. Unfortunately, the wedding was abruptly canceled without explanation. J. Drew, who is signed as a producer to rap star Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak Entertainment, is an unwed father who is rumored to be dealing with some baby mother drama!
There’s been no formal announcement of the show by BET as of yet and a premiere date is undetermined. DaGospelTruth.com will have more details when they become available.
“Mary Mary” and “The Sheards” may not be the only reality shows chronicling the lives of gospel artists. Both Marvin Sapp and Kim Burrell have shot pilots for reality series and have trailers for their shows available online. Neither show has been optioned by a television network yet.
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Des
“Despite their squeaky clean image” is probably not the best way to categorize them. These people are not God, they’re human so clearly they are not perfect. People have lives and have personal situations that may arise.. that does not mean they should be condemned for it. Not saying that that comment/paragraph was implying condemnation, but putting their personal business out there…and in that way. It’s just a little disrespectful.
BMAC
I agree with you! I think that was disrespectful! It’s not cool to try to display their personal business to try to put them on “Front Street”, to boost ratings, or to attempt to throw them under the bus! I just hope that this doesn’t cause turmoil in their household or for their ministries! #TEAMSheard
Fonda McCoy
I agree whole heartedly!
BET Taping First Gospel Reality TV Show with ‘The Sheards’ – Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, & J. Drew Sheard all Involved | Path Megazine
[...] For a detailed report on Karen Clark Sheards reality show on BET visit DaGospelTruth.com [...]
Sullivan
yet another worthless reality show. when all else fails in your life in regards to trying to get more money or simply getting a stream of cash flow going, get a reality show. won’t be tuning in.
Ms magnolia
When the camera begins to roll following you around things change.
“Caution”
Lynette
Well, all I know is after watching Mary Mary, I have to say, I see them in a very different light. I just know when you are in the “industry” you have to have a level of integrity and standards. We have struggles as Christians and God is a forviging God. At the same time, it is important to maintain standards as we are what the WORD declares “living epistles” read of men. Unfortunatey, we live in a world where people judge you. As Christians, we are taught, through Jesus Christ, that we are not to judge as he is the ultimate judge. When you place yourself out there and the world sees you, believe me, your life speaks volumes and they will say, “oh it’s like that, and church folks are just like these worldly people.” That’s just how it will be. You have to be careful to maintain those Godly standards, even when you want to show the world how you live outside of the church, recording studio and whereever so when they see your life being displayed through whatever outlet you choose, via reality t.v. or wherever, it will be a blessed example of being a Christian.
Rickey
I agree. There has to be a level of standards. A reality TV show is cool, but not for a christian. I say that because like you said, “your life speaks volumes”. When shows like this come out and show faults, etc. then it discredits them. It lowers peoples’ level of respect toward them and ultimately toward God. In making these shows people seriously need to be extremely careful on how they present themselves.
Erica
I for one am very excited about the series, Doc, or reality show whatever they want to call it. It surprised me that Karen would do it because they’ve been so careful and private over the years however, as a huge Clark & Kiki fan I cannot wait for the show I already started to tweet about it to get the word out! I’m certain Karen will not shame God in any way (not sure how BET will edit). You cannot stop ppl from judging they will do that regardless. Wish the show the best!!
Nicole White
I am a little shocked by some of the comments that say things to imply that Christians should not be on television. We are in a day in age when we as Christians have to get out of the 4 walls of the church and start saving souls again. Is it enough to go to church and fellowship with other Christians??? We testify and talk about the goodness of God to each other….who’s getting saved??? Are we not strong enough in Christ to go out in the world and not become apart of the world, or are we only safe in church or around other believers. I will go where God tells me, minister to who he tells me to minister to. If someone judges me so be it I’m not worried about the “judges/haters/demons” call them what you will but I’m only concerned about Jesus.