Being Mary Jane (2013)
A bold BET drama following a driven TV news anchor navigating career, love, and family with unflinching honesty.
Being Mary Jane - Series Information
- Original Title: Being Mary Jane
- First Air Year: 2013
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Mara Brock Akil
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 51
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: July 2, 2013 (United States - TV-14), July 2, 2013 (Germany - 12), July 2, 2013 (France - 12), July 2, 2013 (Australia - MA 15+), July 2, 2013 (Brazil - 16), July 2, 2013 (Mexico - C), July 2, 2013 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: BET
- Production Companies: Breakdown Productions, Akil Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Being Mary Jane - Plot
Mary Jane Paul is a one-woman-show: a successful TV news anchor, and an entirely self-sufficient powerhouse who remains devoted to a family that doesn't share her motivation. Intense drama and unforgettable moments unfold as Mary Jane juggles her life, her relationships, her work, and commitments to her family.
Being Mary Jane - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Mary Jane Paul's world:
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Being Mary Jane - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Mara Brock Akil
Main Cast
- Gabrielle Union
- Aaron D. Spears
- Lisa Vidal
- Stephen Bishop
- Margaret Avery
- B.J. Britt
- Raven Goodwin
- Richard Brooks
- Richard Roundtree
- Chris Spencer
Writers
- Erika Johnson
- Debra J. Fisher
Being Mary Jane - FAQs
Is Being Mary Jane based on a true story?
Being Mary Jane is not based on a single true story, but creator Mara Brock Akil drew heavily from real experiences of Black professional women navigating career pressures, family expectations, and romantic relationships. The character of Mary Jane Paul reflects a composite of authentic, lived realities rather than one specific individual.
What makes Being Mary Jane stand out from other dramas?
Being Mary Jane was groundbreaking for centering a successful Black woman's full emotional life on primetime television. Its unflinching portrayal of Mary Jane's ambition, vulnerability, and family dynamics — paired with Gabrielle Union's magnetic performance — gave the series a raw authenticity rarely seen in network drama at the time.
Where can you stream Being Mary Jane?
You can stream Being Mary Jane on Paramount Plus (including the Essential and Premium tiers), as well as through Paramount+ on Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku. BET+ is also available via Amazon and Apple TV channels. Episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Hoopla offers free access as well.
Who plays Mary Jane Paul in the series?
Gabrielle Union leads the series as Mary Jane Paul, a high-achieving TV news anchor whose polished public persona masks a deeply complicated personal life. Union's portrayal earned widespread praise for its emotional range and honesty, cementing the role as one of the defining performances of her career.
Did Being Mary Jane win any awards?
Being Mary Jane earned multiple NAACP Image Award nominations throughout its run, with Gabrielle Union recognized for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. The show was also celebrated by the BET Awards and various critics' organizations for its culturally significant portrayal of Black women in professional and personal spheres.
How did Being Mary Jane end after four seasons?
The series concluded with a two-hour television movie in 2019 titled Being Mary Jane: The Series Finale, which aired on BET. The finale wrapped up Mary Jane's journey — her career evolution, her romantic life, and her family ties — giving audiences a definitive and emotionally satisfying conclusion to her story.
Who created Being Mary Jane and what inspired it?
Mara Brock Akil created the series, drawing inspiration from the underrepresentation of complex Black women protagonists on American television. Akil, known for Girlfriends and The Game, wanted to explore the specific pressures faced by high-achieving Black women — professionally, romantically, and within their families — with honesty and depth.
What shows are similar to Being Mary Jane?
If you enjoyed Being Mary Jane, you might also like The Morning Show, which digs into the high-stakes world of broadcast journalism, or Star, another BET drama with sharp character dynamics. Brothers and Sisters offers similarly layered family drama, while Homecoming and Sullivan's Crossing deliver compelling character-driven storytelling.
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