Producer Keven Undergaro and E! host Maria Menounos created Black Hollywood Live for the purpose of delivering intelligent, thought-provoking commentary, as well as serving as an insider source for news, information and resources. The two had previous experience in online broadcasting with Menounos serving as the 2014 CES ambassador and the duo having created and launched AfterBuzz TV. Through successful AfterBuzz TV after-shows such as Scandal, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Love and Hip Hop, and The Game, Undergaro noticed an increasing demand for African American online talk, news, and entertainment. Menounos and Undergaro decided to work together to meet that demand. In building the network and assigning a network head, Undergaro met with Derrial Christon. Christon, who had previously worked at AfterBuzz, was named Executive Producer of the network and President of Programming.
Programming
BHL produces live and on-demand content in both audio and video forms. Black Hollywood Live's hosts include Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, Jesse Janedy, Rachel True, Sam Sarong, Stacy Ike, Ashley Gray, Chevonne Hughes, Mari Fagel, Spicy Mari, Nick Perdue, Erica Renee Davis, Josh Rodriguez, Rheina Ale, Alia Kruz, Akili Shine, Eboni K. Williams, Shaka Smith, Joe Braswell, Courtney Tezeno, Megan Thomas and Kevin John Peters.
Shows
100% Reel – discussion and breakdown of various movie titles
Athletes – in-depth interviews with various athletes
Breaking Into – in-depth interviews with entertainment figures highlighting their tips, tricks and techniques on breaking into the entertainment industry
Broadway Breakdown – in-depth interviews with Broadway actors, writers, producers and directors
Confessions of An Erotica Dancer – round-table discussions from exotic dancers and members of the strip tease community
Doing Laundry With – Black Hollywood Live hosts and celebrities in an offbeat, playful interview format, literally washing and folding their clothes, while opening up about themselves and "airing out their laundry".
Fashion 411 – news and inside information as well as insight, discussion and commentary on the current state of fashion.
Fit Club –fitness and health information and motivation, with topics ranging from fitness fads and health products to recent studies on diet and nutrition
Geek. Nerd. Tech – commentary on the latest trending gadgets, electronics and consumer products
Gospel Takeover – discussions and in-depth interviews with gospel talent
Justice Is Served – news and inside information as well as insight, discussion and commentary, on current and trending legal affairs
Let's Talk About Sex – in-depth discussions on dating, intimacy and relationships
Life Changers – in-depth interviews with individuals positively impacting society
Next – interviews with up-and-coming talent in Hollywood
Phenomenal Women – in-depth interviews with inspiring women
Portraits – interviews with legendary entertainers in the African American Community
Reality Check – in-depth interviews with reality TV stars
School of Modeling – tips, tricks and techniques on breaking into the modeling industry
Stand Up / Sit Down – in-depth interviews with comedians discussing their careers, and inspirations as well as the art of stand-up comedy and comedic acting, in general
Success Is the New Black – interviews with top businessmen and women
Success Under 30 – in-depth interviews with individuals who have achieved success under the age of 30
The Beat – commentary, discussions and interviews with musical artists in the industry
The Casting Call – commentary and insight as well as tips, tricks and techniques from Hollywood casting directors and agents
This Week – reports and discuss about trending news headlines within the African American community
Urban Wellness and Beauty – commentary, information and news on urban health, beauty and lifestyle
Write On – interviews with writers and show runners in the entertainment industry
There are over 25 hosts that make up the Black Hollywood Live Network. The core staff consists of Derrial Christon; Tiona Hobson, Nick Perdue, Ashley Gray, Jesse Janedy, Stephen Lemiuex and Phil Svitek.
