AspireTV Teams Up With Harlem Globetrotters For New Series ‘Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets Of The City’

March 4, 2024
By Valerie Complex, Associate Editor/Film Writer

AspireTV and producer, Ri-Karlo Handy of Sunwise Media, will develop and produce new original programming as the network continues to expand the AspireTV Studios slate this year. The first series to be greenlit under this agreement is Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City, a travel series that follows the Harlem Globetrotters as they span the globe on their 2024 world tour. AspireTV has ordered eight 30-minute episodes.

The show combines adventure and cultural immersion; utilizing a documentary style that transports viewers to the soul of the city and the heart of the people wherever the team travels. The Globetrotters share untapped secrets of culture, cuisine, and adventure from the most renowned cities around the globe. The Harlem Globetrotters have been touring the world for almost 100 years, visiting over 120 countries which has given them unfiltered access, connections, and exploration of Brown and Black culture throughout the world. Going into production this Spring, locations to be featured in the series include, but are not limited to: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Egypt, and Thailand.

Secrets of the City is produced by Sunwise Media and Herschend Entertainment Studios. Keith Dawkins and Bronwen O’Keefe serve as executive producers as well as Ri-Karlo Handy.

“Speaking as a super-fan and have been since I was a little girl, it is an honor for aspireTV to team up with Sunwise Media to work with the legendary Harlem Globetrotters as the team takes our viewers to exotic locations across the globe,” said Angela Cannon, General Manager, aspireTV. “In addition to this all-new series, we look forward to serving Black audiences with more incredible programming highlighting Black culture through our relationship with Sunwise Media.”

“Partnering with aspireTV and the Harlem Globetrotters marks an exciting chapter for Sunwise Media, as we collaborate to craft original programming that not only celebrates the richness of Black lifestyle and culture, but also has impact and creates narrative change. Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City is just the beginning—a fusion of adventure and cultural immersion that we believe will captivate audiences worldwide,” stated Ri-Karlo Handy, CEO of Sunwise Media. “Through this dynamic partnership, we’re committed to delivering compelling narratives that resonate deeply, reflecting the diverse experiences and voices within our communities. Together, we look forward to producing more exceptional programming that highlights the essence of Black culture.”

“As a result of entertaining millions around the globe for almost 100 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have a very large addressable audience,” said Keith Dawkins. President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “Aspire gives us the opportunity to super-serve a community that has long been one of our most consistent and long-lasting fan bases.”

AspireTV Studios supports a diverse and equitable creative supply chain. Together with Sunwise Media, a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), aspireTV Studios will source and connect advertisers with diverse-owned media, content creation, full-service production, and distribution across cable, satellite, and streaming platforms.

To find AspireTV on cable in your area, go to https://aspire.tv/channel. AspireTV is also available nationally on DirecTV and can be watched on DirecTV Stream or Philo.