Mary J. Blige, Gayle King, and More Attend Lifetime's 'Be Happy' Premiere

The star-studded event celebrated Black excellence and gave fans a first look at the upcoming film.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Lifetime rolled out the red carpet for the premiere of 'Be Happy', drawing a who's who of culture shapers and familiar faces like Mary J. Blige, Gayle King, Kandi Burruss, and Tisha Campbell. The event felt more like a family reunion than an industry event, with a palpable energy of Black excellence and community. Guests mixed and mingled, celebrating Mary J. Blige's expanded partnership with Lifetime to tell stories that center Black women. The film 'Be Happy' explores themes of reinvention, intimacy, and self-worth, directed by Gabourey Sidibe in her television directorial debut.

Why it matters

The 'Be Happy' premiere highlights Lifetime's commitment to amplifying diverse voices and narratives, particularly those of Black women. Mary J. Blige's continued collaboration with the network to produce character-driven stories reflects a broader industry shift toward more authentic, inclusive representation on screen.

The details

The star-studded event took place at the Heart Tower in New York City, where guests were treated to an exclusive screening of 'Be Happy'. The film centers on Val, a devoted wife and mother approaching 50 who rediscovers her artistic spark and sense of self-worth during a spontaneous trip to New Orleans. Directed by Gabourey Sidibe and written by Cameron J. Ross, 'Be Happy' explores themes of reinvention, intimacy, and what it means to choose yourself and the love you deserve.

  • The 'Be Happy' premiere took place on February 9, 2026.
  • The film is set to officially premiere on Lifetime on February 7, 2026.

The players

Mary J. Blige

An acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress who serves as an executive producer on 'Be Happy' through her Blue Butterfly Productions.

Gayle King

A television personality and journalist who attended the 'Be Happy' premiere.

Tisha Campbell

An actress who stars as the lead character, Val, in 'Be Happy'.

Kandi Burruss

A reality TV personality and entrepreneur who attended the 'Be Happy' premiere.

Gabourey Sidibe

An actress who made her television directorial debut with 'Be Happy'.

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What’s next

Audiences can tune in to watch 'Be Happy' when it premieres on Lifetime on February 7, 2026.

The takeaway

The 'Be Happy' premiere showcases Lifetime's commitment to amplifying diverse voices and narratives, particularly those of Black women, through meaningful partnerships with industry leaders like Mary J. Blige.