ASPIRETV TO DEBUT FIRST EVER ORIGINAL SCRIPTED SITCOM "SAVANNAH STATE OF MIND"

The all-new comedy series centers around HBCU student life with Bentley Kyle Evans set to executive produce

ATLANTA - Feb 25, 2026 - AspireTV, the network that celebrates and reflects Black culture and urban lifestyle, announced today its first-ever original scripted series, Savannah State of Mind. Now in pre-production, the multi-camera sitcom is set to premiere later this year, with casting currently underway. Bentley Kyle Evans (The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin) will executive produce the series through his Harvest Studios production banner.

Savannah State of Mind follows the lives of seven first-year students navigating the joys, challenges and complexities of college life at a historically Black college. With its picturesque campus surrounded by Spanish moss and steeped in tradition, the fictitious Oakwood Heights University has always been a place of pride for its students. But recent financial struggles have threatened its future. Thanks to a mysterious love offering from an anonymous donor, the school is experiencing a resurgence, and students and faculty alike are determined to protect its legacy.

"Savannah State of Mind marks an exciting new chapter for aspireTV as we expand into original scripted storytelling," said Angela Cannon, general manager of aspireTV. "Working with the incomparable Bentley Kyle Evans allows us to bring this world to life with humor, heart and authenticity through relatable comedy that reminds us why these communities matter so deeply."

"I'm incredibly excited to bring Savannah State of Mind to life because there simply aren't enough shows that authentically capture this experience," said Kyle Evans. "HBCUs are spaces filled with brilliance, ambition, humor, vulnerability and transformation, and they deserve to be seen in all of that fullness. This series isn't just about college - it's about identity, growth, community, and what happens when young Black men and women are given room to evolve, make mistakes and discover who they truly are. It's important for audiences to see Black students in spaces of leadership, intellect, love, conflict and excellence - not as stereotypes, but as layered, complicated human beings. That's what this show delivers, and I'm proud to help bring that story to the screen."

To find aspireTV on cable in your area, go to https://aspire.tv/channel. AspireTV is also available nationally on DirecTV and DISH and can also be watched on DirecTV Stream, Sling, Philo and Frndly TV.

About UP Entertainment

UP Entertainment is the home for uplifting entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences across the leading cable, satellite and streaming platforms. Brands include UP Faith & Family, UPtv, aspireTV, aspireTV+, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico. AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life and style in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV+ is a new subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. UP Entertainment's award-winning pro-social initiative, "UPlift Someone," has inspired over 200 million people to uplift others through its social videos.