Lifetime has officially dropped the first trailer for Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy, offering an emotional first look at the latest film inspired by Mary J. Blige’s iconic music catalog—and it already feels like one that’s going to resonate deeply with audiences.
The trailer opens with a powerful line from Tisha Campbell’s character Val: “I don’t wanna give you directions on how to love me.” It’s a moment that immediately sets the tone for a story centered on self-worth, emotional awakening, and the courage it takes to choose yourself—no matter the stage of life.
Be Happy marks the first project under Blige’s newly expanded three-picture deal with Lifetime, continuing a creative partnership that has consistently delivered emotionally driven films rooted in Black women’s lived experiences. Inspired by Blige’s 1994 song ‘Be Happy’ from her landmark My Life album, the film also serves as the directorial debut of Gabourey Sidibe.
The film stars Campbell as Val, a devoted wife and stay-at-home mother navigating the emotional fallout of becoming an empty nester after her youngest child leaves for college. As distance grows between Val and her husband Ross, played by Russell Hornsby, she’s forced to confront the reality that her marriage—and her sense of self—may no longer align with who she’s becoming.
A spontaneous trip to New Orleans to support her pregnant daughter Kayla (Zing Ashford) becomes a turning point. There, Val meets Peter Mosley, a charismatic photographer portrayed by Mekhi Phifer, who sees her in ways she’s long forgotten to see herself. The encounter reignites Val’s artistic spirit and pushes her to ask a life-altering question: is it ever too late to choose yourself?
The cast also includes Ms. Pat, adding another layer to the film’s ensemble.
Behind the scenes, Be Happy is written by Cameron J. Ross and produced by Blige’s Blue Butterfly Productions alongside Monami Productions, Motion Entertainment, and Swirl Films. Blige executive produces through Blue Butterfly, with Bruce Miller and Milana Edwards Brooks serving as co-producers.
Blige’s previous Lifetime films—Real Love, Strength of a Woman, and Family Affair—collectively reached more than 6.1 million total viewers across linear platforms, according to Nielsen, helping spark a broader trend at the network of adapting iconic R&B songs into character-centered films led by Black women.
That momentum continues across Lifetime’s slate. Following Blige’s success, Toni Braxton also partnered with the network. Her film He Wasn’t Man Enough launched her multi-picture deal, with Breathe Again set as the second installment. Breathe Again premieres Saturday, January 24 at 8/7c and reunites Braxton with Essence Atkins, alongside Cree Summer.
With its trailer now out in the world, Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy is already shaping up to be a standout—one rooted in music, memory, and the quiet but powerful act of choosing yourself.