Blackboard Wars

Blackboard Wars
GenreDocumentary
Starring
  • Marvin Thompson
  • Steve Barr
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes6
Production
Executive producers
  • Eddie Barbini
  • Jeff Kuntz
Running time40–43 minutes
Production companyDiscovery Studios
Original release
NetworkOprah Winfrey Network
ReleaseFebruary 16 (2013-02-16) –
March 23, 2013 (2013-03-23)

Blackboard Wars is an American reality documentary television series on the Oprah Winfrey Network that premiered on February 16, 2013, at 9/8c.[1]

Premise

The series encompasses John McDonogh High School, a school stricken with violence and failing academic performance, as they work to transform the school into the best it's been in years. Steve Barr and new principal Marvin Thompson have trained the new staff to maintain a standard for student behavior and daily attendance all the while providing a safe environment. Viewers also see challenges the staff face as their students struggle with a range of emotionally demanding obstacles which includes teenage pregnancy, gang violence, homelessness and drug abuse.[2][3]

Cast

  • Dr. Marvin Thompson - Principal[4]
  • Steve Barr - CEO of charter organization Future is Now Schools.[4]
  • Ms. Baye Cobb - Math Teacher[4]
  • Ms. Emily Wilcox - Math Teacher[4]
  • Ms. Irnessa Marie Campbell - Head of the Math Department[4]
  • Ms. Neisha Riley - Student Counselor[4]

Episodes

No.TitleOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"The Future Is Now"February 16, 2013 (2013-02-16)0.61[5]
Principal Dr. Marvin Thompson and his staff begin to their journey to transform one of the worst-performing high schools in the country, John McDonogh High, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
2"Eye of the Storm"February 23, 2013 (2013-02-23)0.33[6]
The staff and students return to school following the wrath of Hurricane Isaac.
3"Baptism by Fire"March 2, 2013 (2013-03-02)0.34[7]
Principal Thompson sits down with the teachers to create a resolution for the disciplinary problems with students.
4"Boiling Point"March 9, 2013 (2013-03-09)0.25[8]
As the students and staff prepare for the upcoming homecoming celebration, tensions rise as the community becomes resistant to the charter organization.
5"Identity Crisis"March 16, 2013 (2013-03-16)0.32[9]
The staff come together as they receive the news that one of their students is involved in a shooting while a motivational speaker enlightens the students about creating their futures.
6"War Is Over if You Want It"March 23, 2013 (2013-03-23)0.32[10]
A suicidal student reaches out Principal Thompson for help. Tempers are boiling as disagreeing community activists voice their opinions about the charter school.

Awards and nominations

  • 2013 CableFAX's Program & Top Ops Awards - Best Show or Series Documentary – Other – NOMINATION[11]
  • 2013 CableFAX's Program & Top Ops Awards - Best Show or Series – Professions – WINNER[11]
  • Fall 2013 CINE Golden Eagle – Televised Reality Division – Verite/Lifestyle – WINNER[12]
  • 2014 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards – BRONZE MEDAL WINNER[13]

References

  1. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda. "New Original Docu-Series 'Blackboard Wars' Premieres Saturday, March 2 on OWN". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  2. ^ "OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Announces New Original Programming for 2013". the Futon Critic. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  3. ^ "New Original Docu-Series "Blackboard Wars" Premieres Saturday, March 2 on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network". the Futon Critic. Retrieved February 12, 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Cast Biographies". Oprah Winfrey Network. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  5. ^ Bibel, Sara (February 20, 2013). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Wins Night, 'NBA All Star Game', 'Real Housewives of Atlanta', 'Ax Men', 'Shameless', 'Bar Rescue' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 23, 2013.
  6. ^ Bibel, Sara (February 26, 2013). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'The Walking Dead' Wins Night + 'Live From the Red Carpet, 'Ax Men', 'Bar Rescue', 'Shameless', & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 28, 2013.
  7. ^ "Saturday's Cable Ratings: ESPN Tops Charts with College Basketball Doubleheader". the Futon Critic. March 6, 2013.
  8. ^ "Saturday's Cable Ratings: College Basketball, "Wendell & Vinnie" Top Viewers". the Futon Critic. March 13, 2013.
  9. ^ "Saturday's Cable Ratings: College Basketball, UFC Prelims Top Demos". The Futon Critic. March 20, 2013.
  10. ^ "Saturday's Cable Ratings: NCAA Coverage, "Kids' Choice Awards" Top Charts". The Futon Critic. March 26, 2013.
  11. ^ a b "Winners Announced - CableFAX Program and Top Ops Breakfast :: CableFax Portal". Archived from the original on 2014-03-18. Retrieved 2014-03-18.
  12. ^ "Fall 2013 CINE Golden Eagle Recipients | CINE". Archived from the original on 2014-01-26. Retrieved 2014-03-18.
  13. ^ "Bronze World Medal Reality TV Drzma". Archived from the original on 2014-04-26.


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