Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash
Introduction
While comedy brought Tyler Perry into millions of homes, it was drama that cemented his status as a titan of television. With The Haves and the Have Nots and If Loving You Is Wrong, Perry redefined prime-time drama, proving that Black-led shows could dominate ratings on cable networks.
Perry’s Legacy
The Haves and the Have Nots, which premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2013, quickly became the channel’s #1 show. It was a juicy, soap-opera-style drama that kept viewers glued to the screen for eight years. Its mix of class struggle, family conflict, and betrayal resonated deeply with audiences. If Loving You Is Wrong followed soon after, diving into stories of romance, scandal, and human vulnerability. Both series expanded Perry’s reach, proving he could deliver long-form drama just as effectively as sitcoms or stage adaptations. These shows didn’t just elevate ratings—they saved OWN from potential decline, proving Perry’s ability to revitalize entire networks.
Netflix Success
Netflix provided another outlet for Perry’s dramatic storytelling. A Jazzman’s Blues, his long-awaited passion project, became a critically acclaimed feature on the platform. Combined with Beauty in Black, these titles demonstrated that Perry could use Netflix to showcase both mainstream hits and deeply personal stories. His dramas gave Black actors opportunities to shine in complex, layered roles that Hollywood had long denied them.
Paramount Talks
As Paramount negotiates with Perry (see Deadline: https://deadline.com/2025/09/paramount-tyler-perry-deal-1236546302/), the value of his dramatic catalog cannot be overstated. Paramount+ gains access to a proven storyteller who knows how to keep audiences binge-watching. Perry’s drama empire offers Paramount prestige and reliability. His proven ability to sustain shows for multiple seasons is exactly what streaming platforms need to retain subscribers.
Empowerment
By casting Black actors in leading roles across his dramas, Perry dismantled decades of Hollywood typecasting. Stars who once struggled to land meaningful roles now headline prime-time shows and international streaming hits. Perry pays them generously, ensuring they benefit financially as well as artistically. His dramas employ hundreds of crew members annually, generating millions of dollars in Atlanta’s economy and supporting an entire ecosystem of Black creativity.
Conclusion
Tyler Perry’s drama empire proves he is not confined to one genre. With Paramount now seeking his partnership, Perry stands ready to expand his influence yet again. From The Haves and the Have Nots to Beauty in Black, his dramas show that empowerment and profitability can walk hand in hand.