At the season two premiere event of Churchy, the entertaining comedy series from renowned comedian Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredricks, BET+ executives and SpringHill emphasized their commitment to “turning creators into stars.” Churchy—originally produced independently by Fredricks, who rose to fame as a comedian on social media—is one of the rare, Black-led YouTube series to successfully cross into network streaming.

“There aren’t that many people who go from YouTube to television, especially if you’re Black,” Fredericks told the audience at the Linwood Dunn Theater during the live discussion. “Issa Rae made a show for HBO inspired by her YouTube series, and Quinta Brunson started with digital videos before creating Abbott Elementary. But that’s about it. You don’t think it’s possible. And the

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