OWN Announces 2015 Premiere Dates for New & Returning Series

OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK announced today the premiere dates for all-new episodes of popular returning series and a network special in early 2015.

OWN's hit series from Tyler Perry return in January with all-new episodes of the drama series "The Haves and the Have Nots" returning Tuesday, January 6 at 9 p.m ET/PT and comedy "Love Thy Neighbor" on Wednesday, January 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Season two of returning favorite "Raising Whitley" premieres on Saturday, January 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, starring Kym Whitley and her "village" as they navigate the ups and downs of raising Joshua. Immediately following at 10 p.m. ET/PT, the network will premiere a new hour-long special, "Sag Harbor," exploring one of America's most exclusive and historically significant African-American beach communities.

Detailed show descriptions are below:

RAISING WHITLEY (Season Two Premiere, Saturday, January 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
"Raising Whitley" is a humorous and poignant docu-series following actress and comedienne Kym Whitley and her riotous collective of friends - whom she calls "The Village" - as they attempt to do together something none of them has ever done before: raise a child. This season, Kym meets with Joshua's birth mom for the first time since his adoption. Wendell, Kym's friend and "Hollywood husband," opens up about his struggles with his sexuality and leans on his friend, Omarosa ("The Apprentice"), for support. Joshua's father figure, Rodney, attempts to repair his relationship with Kym and change his stubborn ways. Kym lets go of her trusty assistant Harold, leading him to pursue creative endeavors, including a lead role in a famous stage play. Joshua continues to hit new milestones, landing a coveted spot in a well-regarded preschool and further developing his musical talent with world-famous drummer Sheila E. "Raising Whitley" is produced by Pilgrim Studios and executive produced by Craig Piligian, Melodie Calvert and Kym Whitley.

THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS (New Episodes Return Tuesday, January 6 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots" returns this January for an explosive second season. The popular OWN drama, which averages over 3 million viewers, follows the complicated dynamic between the rich and powerful Cryer and Harrington families and the Cryers' hired help, including the less fortunate Young family. Viewers last saw Jim Cryer (John Schneider) as he was carried away from his mansion in a revenge kidnapping perpetrated by his former mistress (and former captive) Candace Young (Tika Sumpter). In the new season, the devastating consequences of the lies, betrayal, deceit and adultery come to fruition. Both the Cryer and Harrington families face personal tragedies that threaten their privileged status, as well as the political aspirations of Jim Cryer and David Harrington (Peter Parros). In the wake of the parents' bad behavior, their children try to pick up the pieces of their own troubled lives-Jeffrey Harrington (Gavin Houston) fights to claim his identity as a gay man; Wyatt Cryer (Aaron O'Connell) faces his demons and Amanda Cryer's (Jaclyn Betham) personal crisis comes to a shocking conclusion. Meanwhile, Candace continues her personal war against the two families that want her dead. And through the storm of destruction and self-sabotage, Candace's mother and Cryer housekeeper Hanna Young (Crystal Fox) serves as a beacon of light, proving that virtue and faith can be more valuable than limitless material possessions. The series also stars Rene Lawless, Angela Robinson, Tyler Lepley and Eva Tamargo. "The Haves and the Have Nots" is created, written, directed and executive produced by Tyler Perry and is produced for OWN by Tyler Perry Studios.

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR (New Episodes Return Wednesday, January 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
From prolific writer, director, producer Tyler Perry, "Love Thy Neighbor" is a half-hour comedy set at The Love Train Diner, a family run restaurant where every day the menu serves up good food, great laughs, valuable life lessons and a whole lot of love. Last season left off with Mama Hattie's (Patrice Lovely) daughter Linda (Kendra C. Johnson) discovering that she's pregnant and expecting a baby with her on-again-off-again boyfriend Philip (Tony Grant). As the new season unfolds, Linda struggles with breaking the baby news to Philip. Meanwhile, Phillip gets back on the dating scene since he thinks Linda no longer wants anything to do with him. When Mama Hattie catches wind that Philip is seeing other women and assumes he isn't taking responsibility for his baby, she decides to call in reinforcements to help put Philip in his place. Later in the season, Philip tells Danny (Andre Hall) that he's ready to pop the question to Linda, but Linda finds herself questioning whether she's finally ready to take the leap and make Philip her husband. The series also stars Jonathan Chase. "Love Thy Neighbor" is produced for OWN by Tyler Perry Studios.

SAG HARBOR (1-Hour Special Premieres Saturday, January 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT)
"Sag Harbor" takes an unprecedented look inside one of America's most exclusive and historically significant African-American beach communities, featuring its current homeowners, including popular restauranteur and lifestyle pioneer, B. Smith. Located in the heart of New York's The Hamptons, this tight knit enclave was established as a refuge from racism in the early 20th century. With the recent housing boom, this once all African-American neighborhood is now fighting to hold on to its identity. Real estate prices throughout the three bay front areas of Azurest, Ninevah and Sag Harbor Hills have recently skyrocketed. This seemingly positive economic reality is forcing the younger generations, now inheriting these cottages from their parents and grandparents, to face a vexing dilemma: To sell or not to sell? "Sag Harbor" profiles a community at a crossroads, but also one that truly values celebrating life, family and tradition. "Sag Harbor" is produced by Ish Entertainment. Executive producers are Michael Hirschorn, Wendy Roth, and Toby Oppenheimer with co-executive producer Troy Roberts.

About OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK
OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com.

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