OWN Puts Two Tyler Perry Pilots into Development

Following the October announcement that Tyler Perry had signed a multi-year exclusive partnership with OWN, the network has announced they have put two of Perry's pitches into production. Perry will write, direct, and produce the two series, a drama and a comedy.

The Oprah Winfrey Network announced that the drama, THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS, and the comedy, LOVE THY NEIGHBOR, will premiere in mid-2013.

As of now, Perry has primarily scripted sitcoms with TBS, including HOUSE OF PAYNE and MEET THE BROWNS. He's also known for his extensive list of feature films, in which he writes, directs, and stars in.

"Bringing Tyler Perry exclusively to OWN is a major coup. Today's announcement demonstrates the power of the Oprah brand to attract some of the biggest names in television and film to OWN," said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications said in October. "OWN's growth over the past nine months has been nothing short of phenomenal and, with the continued support of our advertising and affiliate partners, this bold move into scripted entertainment positions OWN to continue that momentum going forward."

THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS follows a wealthy familyand their impoverished housekeeper. LOVE THY NEIGHBOR appears to be a CHEERS-esque comedy set in a diner, centering on its staff and patrons throughout their daily lives.