ASPiRE Announces Premiere of 'Groundbreaking Movies,' Lawrence Fishburne to Host; Premieres 10/4

ASPiRE, the television network from Magic Johnson Enterprises, today announced its fall line-up of hosted weekly prime time program blocks featuring the best African-American films, music and comedy. Two new weekly features, "Groundbreaking Movies," hosted by Oscar® nominee and acclaimed actor Laurence Fishburne, and "Groundbreaking Music," hosted by Grammy®-winning jazz artist Esperanza Spalding, will premiere during the week of October 1. The network also announced new episodes of its "Groundbreaking Comedy" block, hosted by comedian Jonathan Slocumb.

"We are honored to have such incredible talent hosting these two new weekly programming blocks," said ASPiRE General Manager Paul Butler. "Laurence Fishburne and Esperanza Spalding are giants in their respective fields and bring an incredible depth of knowledge, experience and passion to their commentary. We are equally pleased to have Jonathan Slocumb return as the host of 'Groundbreaking Comedy'."

"Groundbreaking Movies" premieres Thursday, October 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET with a presentation of Devil in a Blue Dress, starring Denzel Washington, Jennifer Beals and Don Cheadle. Oscar®-nominee Laurence Fishburne (What's Love Got to Do With It, The Matrix, Boyz n the Hood) will introduce a different film each week, providing insight into the films, their cast and filmmakers, and their cultural significance.

"I could not be more excited to be hosting 'Groundbreaking Movies' on ASPiRE," said Fishburne. "Each week we welcome our viewers into the Cinema Gypsy Theater, which is designed to create an intimate and warm atmosphere, like sitting in someone's home screening room."

Other classic films Fishburne will introduce include Wilma, The Learning Tree, The Wiz, Sounder and Uptown Saturday Night.

"Groundbreaking Music," hosted by Grammy-winning jazz multi-instrumentalist and singer Esperanza Spalding, premieres on Friday, October 5 at 8:00 p.m., with "Earth Wind and Fire Live." Other music and performance specials the show will air include "Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater" and "Dorothy Dandridge Singing at Her Best."

"Groundbreaking Comedy," hosted by actor and comedian Jonathan Slocumb (Meet the Browns, "The StEve Harvey Show"), continues to air Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET throughout the fall season with back-to-back episodes of "The Bill Cosby Show" followed by back-to-back episodes of "The Flip Wilson Show." Slocumb offers fun facts about the pioneering shows and their stars, as well as a unique cultural perspective.

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