A&E Sets Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson Variety Series

A&E will develop a variety/showcase series featuring rapper/producer/actor Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, the network said Thursday.

Jackson, who currently produces and stars in Starz’s Power drama series, will serve as executive producer and star of 50 Cent Presents (working title), a sketch comedy, music and showcase series, A&E said.

The series will combine sketches, standup, reality experiments, music, magic, dance and celebrity guest appearances, with Jackson serving as host.

"Leaning into A&E's legacy in showcasing the arts, we're setting out to redefine the traditional variety show," Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive vice president and head of programming at A&E Network, said in a release. "50 Cent is the perfect partner to refresh this classic format. He is a true tastemaker across industries and we are excited to see his impressive showcase of talent."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.