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The Game’s’ Salim and Mara Brock Akil Sign Multi-Year Deal with BET

*Expect much more scripted content on BET from the Akils.

Salim and Mara Brock Akil, executive producers of “The Game,” have signed a multi-year development deal with the network through their Akil Productions.

“We’re thrilled to build on the very important relationship between our network and the Hollywood creative community, especially with two proven powerhouses in entertainment – Salim and Mara Brock Akil,” says Loretha Jones, president of original programming at BET Networks. “Through this partnership we hope to continue to bring our audience high quality content that reflects their lives and our communities.”

“Our goal is to expand on our existing brand, by way of Akil Productions, to create new opportunities for ourselves and others,” said the Akils in a joint statement. “BET has provided us with a tremendous platform to create smart, funny and dramatic, quality programming with multi-layered and multi-dimensional characters appealing to millions of viewers.”

Mara created “The Game,” which premiered to 7.7 million viewers in January, becoming the No. 1 sitcom in ad-supported cable TV history. (It had previously aired on CW, which cancelled it in 2009.) Mara executive produces the series with Salim, who also directs.

Salim made his feature film directorial debut with “Jumping the Broom,” which stars Angela Bassett and Paula Patton. Mara created “Girlfriends,” which also airs on BET, in 2000.