Soul music icon and multi-award-winning artist Mary J. Blige is expanding her creative footprint in television with a new Lifetime movie titled *Mary J. Blige Presents: Be Happy, the first release under her newly extended film partnership with the network. The film — inspired by Blige’s classic 1994 hit “Be Happy” from her acclaimed My Life album — stars Tisha Campbell, Mekhi Phifer and Russell Hornsby in leading roles.
Blige’s collaboration with Lifetime, which previously produced films inspired by her music such as Real Love, Strength of a Woman and Family Affair, continues to resonate with audiences. These projects collectively drew significant viewership and helped cement a unique niche in music-inspired storytelling on television.
A Story of Renewal, Rediscovery and Heart
Be Happy follows the journey of Val (played by Tisha Campbell), a 50-year-old devoted wife and stay-at-home mother who finds herself grappling with “empty-nest” feelings after her youngest child leaves for college. As she confronts the growing emotional distance in her marriage to her husband Ross (portrayed by Russell Hornsby), Val begins to question whether life has more in store for her beyond the roles she’s defined by for so long.
A spontaneous trip to New Orleans to support her pregnant daughter Kayla (Zing Ashford) becomes a catalyst for change. There, Val meets Peter Mosley (played by Mekhi Phifer), a charismatic photographer who helps her rediscover her creative passions and sense of self — forcing her to face a poignant question: is it ever too late to choose yourself and pursue the love you truly deserve?
Behind the Scenes
The film marks the television directorial debut of Gabourey Sidibe, known for her Academy Award-nominated performance in Precious, who brings the screenplay by Cameron J. Ross to life. Blige serves as executive producer through her Blue Butterfly Productions, alongside a team of co-producers and executive producers from partner companies including Monami Productions, Motion Entertainment and Swirl Films.
Premiere and Reception
Mary J. Blige Presents: Be Happy is scheduled to premiere Saturday, February 7 at 8/7c on Lifetime as part of the network’s “Love of a Lifetime” winter slate. The project continues Blige’s successful strategy of blending music, emotion-driven storytelling and relatable characters for television audiences.
As Be Happy gears up for its broadcast, fans and critics alike are watching closely to see how Blige’s signature themes of resilience, self-love and transformation play out in this next chapter of her Lifetime cinematic universe.
