AspireTV, which celebrates and reflects Black life, style and culture, has entered into a production partnership with producer, Ri-Karlo Handy of Sunwise Media, to develop and produce new original programming as the network continues to expand the aspireTV Studios slate this year. The first series to be greenlit under this agreement is Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City.
The logline: Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City is a travel series that follows the Harlem Globetrotters as they span the globe on their 2024 world tour. The show combines adventure and cultural immersion; utilizing a documentary style that transports viewers to the soul of the city and the heart of the people wherever the team travels. The Globetrotters share untapped secrets of culture, cuisine and adventure from the most renowned cities around the globe. The Harlem Globetrotters have been touring the world for almost 100 years, visiting over 120 countries which has given them unfiltered access, connections and exploration of Brown and Black culture throughout the world. Going into production this Spring, locations to be featured on the series include, but not limited to: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Egypt, and Thailand. AspireTV has ordered eight 30-minute episodes.
“Speaking as a super-fan and have been since I was a little girl, it is an honor for aspireTV to team up with Sunwise Media to work with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters as the team takes our viewers to exotic locations across the globe,” said Angela Cannon, General Manager, aspireTV. “In addition to this all-new series, we look forward to serving Black audiences more incredible programming highlighting Black culture through our relationship with Sunwise Media.”
“Partnering with aspireTV and the Harlem Globetrotters marks an exciting chapter for Sunwise Media, as we collaborate to craft original programming that not only celebrates the richness of Black lifestyle and culture, but also has impact and creates narrative change. Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City is just the beginning—a fusion of adventure and cultural immersion that we believe will captivate audiences worldwide,” stated Ri-Karlo Handy, CEO of Sunwise Media. “Through this dynamic partnership, we’re committed to delivering compelling narratives that resonate deeply, reflecting the diverse experiences and voices within our communities. Together, we look forward to producing more exceptional programming that highlights the essence of Black culture.”
“As a result of entertaining millions around the globe for almost 100 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have a very large addressable audience,” said Keith Dawkins. President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “Aspire gives us the opportunity to super serve a community that has long been one of our most consistent and long-lasting fan bases.”
AspireTV Studios, a purpose-driven business development strategy, is committed to supporting a more diverse and equitable creative supply chain. Together with Sunwise Media, a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), aspireTV Studios will source and connect advertisers with diverse owned media, content creation, full-service production and distribution across cable, satellite and streaming platforms.
Secrets of the City is produced by Sunwise Media and Herschend Entertainment Studios. Keith Dawkins and Bronwen O’Keefe serve as executive producers as well as Ri-Karlo Handy.
AspireTV recently launched an app for iOS and android phones, ensuring viewers can engage with the aspireTV brand anytime and anywhere. AspireTV Life, the free ad-supported streaming television channel, can be accessed directly via the app, allowing viewers to catch up on past seasons of hit programs. The aspireTV app will be the go-to destination for viewers to stay on top of their favorite programs, series and movies that air on the linear network dedicated to Black culture and urban lifestyle programming. App users can set reminders, use the channel finder and stay in the loop on culture related topics across the categories of news, entertainment, business, sports and Black history through the Tribe Talk blog which delivers fresh content each week.
To find aspireTV on cable in your area, go to https://aspire.tv/channel. AspireTV is also available nationally on DirecTV and can be watched on DirecTV Stream or Philo.