VH1’s ‘Dear Mama’ Special Draws 1.2 Million Viewers

VH1’s May 8 special Dear Mama: An Event To Honor Moms drew 1.2 million viewers in its premiere, according to Nielse

The special, hosted by Anthony Anderson and La La Anthony and featuring celebrity tributes for their moms from such stars as Halle Berry, Gladys Knight, Jodeci, Taraji P. Henson and Robin Thicke, garnered 1.7 million viewers including replays, according to VH1.

This year’s Dear Mama special, produced by Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit and Jesse Collins Entertainment, posted a 36% ratings increase over last year’s inaugural special, according to the network.

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.