Mary J. Blige Discusses 'Be Happy' Lifetime Film with Gayle King

The Queen of Hip-Hop opens up about the personal inspiration behind the new movie based on her hit song.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Ahead of the release of Lifetime's "Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy," the Grammy Award-winning artist sat down with Oprah Daily's editor-at-large Gayle King to discuss the film, which is based on the lead single from her acclaimed second studio album "My Life." Blige revealed that the song was inspired by her own struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. The film follows a 50-year-old woman named Val, played by Tisha Campbell, who leaves her empty-nest life to care for her pregnant daughter in New Orleans, leading to an unexpected affair. Blige was joined on stage by the film's co-star Campbell, producer Mona Scott-Young, and director Gabourey Sidibe, who all shared how they related to the story of a woman rediscovering her identity and passions.

Why it matters

The film represents an important collaboration between Black women in key creative roles, including Blige as the executive producer, Campbell as the lead actress, and Sidibe making her directorial debut. The personal nature of the story, inspired by Blige's own struggles, also highlights the power of art to explore complex emotional journeys.

The details

"Be Happy" is the first film in Blige's three-picture deal with Lifetime, which will focus on projects inspired by her music. The film follows Val, a 50-year-old empty-nester, as she leaves her routine life to care for her pregnant daughter in New Orleans. There, Val embarks on an unexpected affair with a charming photographer, forcing her to choose between her old life and new one.

  • The film "Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy" will premiere on Lifetime on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8/7c.

The players

Mary J. Blige

A Grammy Award-winning artist who is expanding her relationship with Lifetime with a three-picture deal, the first of which is "Be Happy" based on her hit song.

Tisha Campbell

The lead actress in "Be Happy" who plays the role of Val, a 50-year-old woman who leaves her empty-nest life to care for her pregnant daughter in New Orleans.

Mona Scott-Young

The producer of "Be Happy" who, along with the other Black women involved, shared the importance of having key creative roles in a story about a Black woman's journey.

Gabourey Sidibe

The director of "Be Happy" who is making her directorial debut with the film.

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What they’re saying

“When I wrote that song 'Be Happy,' I was longing to be happy…. I was miserable, and I was ready to end my life.”

— Mary J. Blige (Oprah Daily)

“Is there something you can say in the movies that you can't say in your songs?”

— Gayle King, Editor-at-Large, Oprah Daily (Oprah Daily)

What’s next

Viewers can tune in to Lifetime on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8/7c to watch "Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy."

The takeaway

The personal nature of the story behind "Be Happy" and the collaboration of Black women in key creative roles highlight the power of art to explore complex emotional journeys and provide meaningful representation on screen.