Mary J. Blige has signed a new three-picture deal with Lifetime, extending her partnership with the network. The first film under the agreement, 'Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy,' is set to premiere on February 7, 2026. It stars Tisha Campbell and marks the directorial debut of Gabourey Sidibe.
Mary J. Blige, the Grammy Award-winning singer and actress, has extended her collaboration with Lifetime through a new three-picture deal, following the success of her previous films inspired by her music. The announcement, reported on January 6, 2026, highlights Blige's ongoing role as executive producer via her Blue Butterfly Productions banner.
The inaugural project, 'Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy,' draws its title from a song on Blige's 1994 album My Life. The film follows Val, a 50-year-old stay-at-home mom played by Tisha Campbell, who grapples with an empty nest after her youngest child leaves for college. As she seeks to reignite her marriage to husband Ross (Russell Hornsby), Val travels to New Orleans to support her pregnant daughter Kayla (Zing Ashford). There, she meets photographer Peter Mosley (Mekhi Phifer), who helps her rediscover her passions and self-worth, prompting her to question if it's too late to pursue true love.
Directed by Gabourey Sidibe in her television debut—known for roles in Precious, Empire, and American Horror Story—the script is by Cameron J. Ross. Producers include Blige, Bruce Miller, Milana Edwards Brooks, and Mona Scott-Young for Monami Productions, in collaboration with Motion Entertainment and Swirl Films. The movie premieres February 7 at 8 p.m. ET as part of Lifetime's 'Love of a Lifetime' winter slate.
Blige's prior Lifetime films—'Mary J. Blige’s Real Love,' 'Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman,' and 'Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair'—have collectively drawn over 6.1 million linear viewers. Her production company, founded in 2019, has also secured deals with Lionsgate Television and BET, including the short-lived talk show 'The Wine Down.' Additionally, Blige executive produced 'The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel' in 2020 and starred as Dr. Betty Shabazz in 2013's 'Betty & Coretta.'
