Tyler Perry signs TV deal with Oprah's OWN

Tyler Perry has signed a deal to produce shows exclusively for Oprah Winfrey's OWN network, including two new scripted series set to premiere in mid 2013. 

The partnership between the two media moguls announced Monday designates Perry as executive producer, writer and director of both new series, which will be the first scripted shows to air on OWN.

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"I have been looking forward to the day when we would be in the position to enter the world of scripted television. That day has come," Oprah said in a press release. "We are all energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Tyler who has a proven track record for producing highly successful cable series. He has an incredible ability to illuminate life stories and characters in his unique voice and inspires and encourages people all over the world."

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Perry -- who in the past has produced the sitcoms House of Payne and Meet the Browns for TBS -- also expressed his excitement at the new opportunities that will come about as a result of the new deal. "It's a dream realized to partner with Oprah and bring scripted programming to OWN," he said in a statement. "She has accomplished so much with the network and I'm excited to work with her to be a part of its continued growth."

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Earlier this year, Oprah acknowledged that creating a TV network from scratch proved to be more difficult than she originally thought. The network struggled in the ratings early on and had to cancel a show by Rosie O'Donnell's and lay off 30 employees.