In 2013, BET introduced the world to Mary Jane Paul (played by Gabrielle Union), a successful TV news anchor from Atlanta who seems to have it all together… except for her love life, that is.
For the past six years, we've gotten to know and love Mary Jane through the ups and downs of egg freezing, family drama, and lovers quarrels, but last year, BET announced that it would all come to an end in an epic two-hour movie finale premiering on April 23rd.
Being Mary Jane, created by Mara Brock Akil, was originally named "Single Black Female" and resonated with women across the nation because it was one of the few shows that featured a three-dimensional black woman as the main character. Mary Jane, born Pauletta Patterson, dressed well, had a thriving career and judging by her fabulous crib and foreign whip, had a significant amount of disposable income but struggled to balance her personal and professional life in the midst of her success.
Throughout the series, the show's characters have confronted a number of issues that black women face on a daily basis. Mary Jane's vulnerable and multifaceted character archetype showed that a woman can be wealthy and still feel empty. Mary Jane proved that a woman can come from an affluent family and still encounter drug addiction and teenage pregnancy within that household. And she also proved that a woman can have it all together and still be deathly afraid of being alone.
In the final season of BMJ, Mary Jane is finally on the cusp of having it all: a fine ass man, the job of her dreams, and a semi-stable family life. The 4th season ended with her millionaire boo, Justin (played by Micheal Ealy) down on one knee, but after almost a decade, will she finally get her happily ever after?
We'll find out on Tuesday, April 23rd! Until then, here's everything we know about the finale so far:
You Can Have Your Own Slice Of Mary Jane's Wedding Cake
Courtesy of BET Networks
BET announced that you can get your OWN slice of Mary Jane's wedding cake baked by New York Times best-selling cookbook author, Ayesha Curry, in an edible Instagram experience held in New York on April 20th at Brooklyn's Atlantic Terminal at the intersection of Ashland Place and Hanson Place. We've pretty much grown up with Pauletta, so it's only right that we get a personal invite to the wedding, and from 1:30 to 7:00 PM, you can show up to say goodbye to Mary Jane by getting your own slice of the interactive 9-foot tall, 4-tiered wedding cake-style edible billboard.
Head of Original Programming at BET Networks, Connie Orlando had this to say:
"'Being Mary Jane' drew viewers in with its raw and honest voice, enabling fans to connect with our beautifully flawed heroine in more ways than one. With this interactive experience, we are creating a unique space for our audience to celebrate Mary Jane Paul and take a 'piece' of their favorite show with them."
Harpo, Who This Man?
Courtesy of BET Networks
All my life I had to fight to meet men as fine as Morris Chestnut and Micheal Ealy, and in teasers for the finale, it seems like Mary Jane has BOFFUM all to herself. In the teasers, we see a steamy exchange between the TV news anchor and the illustrious Morris Chestnut, leaving us to wonder… Mary Jane, who this man?! In a 15-second clip, we see Mary Jane in a stunning wedding dress, leading us to believe there are some nuptials to be said in the two-hour finale. but who will she meet at the altar?
*Alexa, play "How Will I Know?" by Whitney Houston.
Oh… Baby, Baby
Courtesy of BET Networks
In the final episode of season 4, we see Mary Jane taking steps to get impregnated by a sperm donor after accepting that she and Justin's relationship may be over for good, but during a teaser clip of the show, we see a shocked Mary Jane as she examines the results of a mysterious pregnancy test. Did Mary Jane finally go through IVF, or is one of her steamy suitors her baby zaddy?
So much scandal, so many secrets! The end of Mary Jane's story will finally be revealed on the 23rd, and I'm fully prepared for my wig to be snatched. I'll bring the wine and popcorn, who's hosting the viewing party?!
Featured image courtesy of BET Networks.
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Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
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For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
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The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
Lenny quickly explained why he named his home after The Jeffersons star. “It was her dream to come live in Paris,” he explained. “She wanted to retire after doing 11 seasons of The Jeffersons and she never got to do it. So I’m doing it for both of us.”
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
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From African artwork to Swarovski crystal chandeliers, Lenny’s home is a true spectacle. “This house continuously pays tribute to my ancestors,” he said.
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
Most rooms in the house feature photographs of prominent Black figures, such as the renowned photographer Gordon Parks and legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The petit salon, which he refers to as the Roxie room, is adorned with his mother's photos.
“I found a bunch of photographs my father had taken of my mother in the late ‘60s and got them framed by the same framer that does a lot of framing for the Louvre," he said. “I just wanted to have a room that was surrounded by her image.”
Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
He shared that one of the first pieces he designed under his company, Kravitz Design, was the Swarovski crystal chandelier in his grand salon. He often finds many of his unique pieces by browsing the local flea market and small boutiques.
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Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot
The father of one ended his tour in the basement, which was designed to be a club. Check out the full tour below.
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Feature image Architectural Digest YouTube/ Screenshot