UMC, the streaming service centered solely on Black TV and film that was created by BET founder Bob Johnson, is getting a makeover. UMC will be rebranded as ALLBLK in January 2021. Started in November 2014 under Johnson’s RLJ Entertainment unit, UMC was part of AMC Networks’ acquisition of RLJ Entertainment in November 2018.
The launch calls for the service to debut a new look and feel. Plans call for ALLBLK to beef up producti
on on a robust slate of original series heading into the new year, a news release discloses.It will include the previously announced multi-cam comedy, Millennials; MC Lyte sitcom, Partners In Rhyme; legal drama, Lace; haircare makeover series, My Mane Problem; and the Datari Turner/eOne reality series, Notorious Queens.
UMC started as the first-to-market subscription streaming service to concentrate mainly on African American audiences, committed to delivering content for and by Black people.
“UMC began as a distribution model for Black creatives to directly reach the then largely underserved African American audience without the restrictions of legacy content development and traditional broadcast models,” Johnson stated. “As technology advances and programming demands from our community evolve, the rebranded ALLBLK will be well positioned to break out as the preeminent streaming destination for viewers seeking Black entertainment.”
Officials claim the fast-growing streamer has
experienced triple-digit growth due to strategic programming initiatives led by Brett Dismuke, UMC/WE tv General Manager. Along with ongoing productions, the content lineup for ALLBLK will feature the continuation of tentpole original series Double Cross, A House Divided, and Craig Ross Jr.’s Monogamy; WE tv coproduction Beyond the Pole; and latest new releases A Closer Look, For the Love of Jason, and Terror Lake Drive.AMC Networks SVOD President Miguel Penella added, “As our SVOD services continue to develop loyal subscription bases, establishing strong brands that cater to the targeted interests of our viewership is highly imperative. UMC’s rebranding as ALLBLK speaks to the need for curated entertainment experiences immersed in authenticity and targeted to the viewing interest of Black Americans, specifically the Black female audience.”
ALLBLK will replace UMC references across all apps, channels, and platforms in the U.S. during the first full week of January.