Friends and business rarely mix and it seems that Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey’s partnership is coming to an end soon.

Perry partnered with Winfrey to help save her failing OWN network back in 2012 and there has been lots of chatter about the two bumping heads over creative differences.

Those rumors gained quite a bit of traction when one of Perry’s shows ended up on another network.

[READ: Tyler Perry Makes Surprise Visit at TLC’s ‘Too Close to Home’ Screening… ]

Well, after news of Perry’s latest deal, it’s crystal clear that he and his fellow media mogul are parting ways.

Perry has reportedly signed on to produce 90 episodes annually of original drama and comedy series for BET and other Viacom networks.

They will have exclusive distribution rights to Perry?s short-form video content and its Paramount Pictures group will get first-look rights on any of his feature film concepts.

The deal is in place now but the TV and video components won?t start until 2019 due to his previous commitment to the Oprah Winfrey Network. The Viacom deal is set to run through 2024.

For the record, Perry confirmed the news with the following statement:

Viacom has a rich tradition of reaching my audience through their TV, film and digital platforms and I am excited to partner with them. I am eager to have one home where I can leverage all of their assets to tell my stories to an even wider audience. I have been very blessed to have worked with the incredible people at Lionsgate and OWN over the last few years and I look forward to continuing my work with them on a non-exclusive basis.

 

What do you think of Tyler Perry leaving OWN for Viacom?