The Oval

Tyler Perry Is Working on a New White House Soap Opera for BET

Drama at the White House? Story checks out.
Tyler Perry at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images.

No, Madea is not returning to the White House just yet, but it’s a close second. Instead, creator Tyler Perry has announced the details behind the first of four new series produced with Viacom, The Oval, which will follow a new family bringing its own brand of political drama to the executive branch.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, the series will be written, directed and executive produced by Perry, and follow a new first family as they navigate their transition into the titular office. One Day at a Time star Ed Quinn will portray the newly-elected President Hunter Franklin, joined by Kron Moore as first lady Victoria Franklin, Paige Hurd as “wild-child” daughter Gayle, and Daniel Croix Henderson as troubled teen Jason.

“I’ve set out to create a show that tells the story of a family placed in the White House by people of power while also highlighting the personal side and everyday lives of the staff who run the inner workings of the nation’s most iconic residence,” said Perry of the project.

The Oval represents the first offering of Perry’s multi-year content deal with Viacom, which is also said to include another drama, two comedy series, and a live holiday-themed production. Michelle Sneed will also executive produce The Oval for Tyler Perry Studios, where principal photography will begin later this summer.