Mary J. Blige produces a TV thriller. A disgraced reporter must clear her friend of an NBA star's murder. Based on the bestselling novel.
- March 21, 2026
AceShowbiz - Lights Out is set to become a gripping new sports thriller series for television, with Mary J. Blige leading an impressive production team to bring the bestselling story to life through Universal Television.
The adaptation is based on the popular novel by Elise Hart Kipness, which quickly became an Amazon bestseller upon its release in 2023. The show’s executive producers include Mary J. Blige herself, along with Bruce Miller and Milana Edwards-Brooks from Blue Butterfly Productions. Also joining the project are Debra Martin Chase of Martin Chase Productions and director Liz Friedlander, creating a powerhouse behind the scenes.
The narrative centers on Kate Green, a former Olympic athlete turned sports reporter who is facing a career crisis after being placed on temporary leave. The plot intensifies when NBA superstar Kurt Robbins is murdered, and suspicion falls on his wife Yvette—Kate’s best friend. Convinced of Yvette’s innocence, Kate embarks on a personal investigation to clear her friend’s name, all while dealing with her own unraveling life. Her career hangs in the balance amid gossip, her children face difficulties, and her estranged father unexpectedly appears as the detective assigned to the case.
Mary J. Blige has been expanding her entertainment ventures since founding Blue Butterfly Productions in 2019, demonstrating that her talents extend far beyond music. With Grammy and Emmy wins and an Academy Award nomination, she has grown her portfolio to include films and documentaries, highlighting her multifaceted career.
Debra Martin Chase has also made significant strides in the industry, being the first Black female producer to secure a major studio deal and producing films that have collectively earned over half a billion dollars at the box office. This collaboration promises a high-caliber production for the adaptation of Lights Out.
The original book’s success is notable, with the third installment, "Close Call," spending four weeks on the USA Today Bestseller List and peaking at number 18. This momentum is expected to carry over into the television adaptation, making Lights Out a highly anticipated series.