The axe came down on The Game in 2009, but it missed…sort of. Unlike many television shows, The Game got a second chance to entertain the masses after it’s loyal fans campaigned to keep the show on the air. The CW cut The Game from its lineup due to dismal ratings. While the CW seemingly was able to easily cut ties, fans of The Game were not. Determined not to lose another beloved show - the CW had previously cut another favorite with African American viewers called Girlfriends - fans spoke up. Their message was loud and clear: “We want The Game!”

While the cries fell on deaf ears at the CW, BET was listening. As a result, the 30-year old network swooped in to provide the “real” and “racy” dramatic sitcom with a new network home. The Game’s fan following and the fact that BET was planning to add more scripted shows to its programming undoubtedly helped make The Game an appealing opportunity for the network.

After BET acquired The Game, Executive Producers Mara Brock Akil, Salim Akil and Kelsey Grammer prepared for production once again. They moved production of the show to 

Atlanta and got to work. Fast-forward to 2011 and The Game is back on TV. The show premiered on January 11, 2011 to staggering ratings; more than 7.7 million viewers, according to BET. The Lesson: The little guy’s voice can be heard when it’s unified and amplified.