Who Owns Zeus Network?

Zeus Network is an American digital video-on-demand entertainment service headquartered in Burbank, California. It was launched in Jul 2018 by television producer Lemuel Plummer, with social media personalities DeStorm Power, Amanda Cerny, and King Bach.

Plummer’s parents owned and operated multiple television stations in Detroit. In Jul 2023, Zeus opened its new headquarters in North Hollywood, California. [1]

Zeus Network is a subscription-based streaming service featuring reality and scripted programs. It streams original shows generated by social media influencers.

In 2023, Zeus Network’s most-watched programs included Baddies, Baddies West, the Real Blac Chyna, and Chrisean & Blueface: Crazy in Love. It also features sports-related content, such as boxing exhibition fights. [2]

Zeus primarily caters to Millennials. Its programs are created by Millennials for Millennials. In Aug 2022, the network hosted the red-carpet premiere of its original series “Bobby I Love You, Purrr” at the Regal North Hollywood 4DX. The show follows Bobby Lytes and Rolling Ray in their quest to find true love in Miami. [3]

Zeus’ producers generate entertaining, compelling, and provocative content to grab viewers’ attention. Sometimes, this strategy backfires. In Dec 2023, the public blasted Nick Cannon and Zeus Network for the “Bad vs. Wild Las Vegas” live show. The competition pitted dark-skinned and light-skinned women against each other. Zeus rephrased the event’s online promo posts to “Chocolate Goddesses vs. Caramel Goddesses.” The minor changes only fueled the public’s anger and hate. But who owns Zeus Network? [4]

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Who is Zeus Network’s Owner?

Zeus is a standalone, private company with no parent organization. The network is owned by its founders and individual investors. Since its launch in Jul 2018, Zeus has featured original scripted and unscripted series focusing on comedy, drama, and other premium content. Subscribers pay $5.99 monthly to access their favorite shows via mobile phones and PCs. They can download the Zeus mobile and connected TV apps on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon App Store.

Zeus is the first subscription-on-demand streaming service by Millennials for Millennials. The network partners with content creators, TV producers, and artists to create themed shows and competitions.

In Oct 2023, Zeus collaborated with Nick Cannon and his Ncredible Entertainment production company to produce the original series. The partnership delivered “Bad & Wild: Las Vegas” and “Funniest in the Hood.” [5]

Zeus engages with charities, NGOs, and philanthropists to support noble causes. In Nov 2023, the company partnered with fashion brand Rosecrans, multi-platinum artist YG, and YG’s 4Hunnid Ways Foundation to give back to the Compton community.

The team distributed turkeys and essential supplies to families, ensuring they had enough resources for Thanksgiving. This collaborative effort supported and uplifted hundreds of families in need. [6]

Image-Credit-Nicolas-J-Leclercq — Image Credit: Nicolas J Leclercq

Zeus Network’s Ownership History

Lemuel Plummer is synonymous with Zeus Network. However, Plummer launched Zeus in 2018 with social media personalities. Zeus traces its origins to Plummer’s background. His parents owned three television stations in Detroit. The co-founder and CEO solely funded Zeus Network in the early years. [7]

Plummer completed film studies at Full Sail University and joined ABC in 2007. He was an assistant producer for over 2 years, starting with ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. In 2009, he landed an executive producer position at BET.

Plummer gained first-hand experience from multiple shows, including The Family Crews, Sunday-Best, I Can Sing Too, Vindicated, and The Monique Show. He launched L. Plummer Media 2013 to produce and sell shows to other networks. [8]

Plummer understood the benefits of merging social media and mainstream television. At the time, Zeus co-founders Cerny and Bach accumulated millions of followers by posting funny and witty content on Vine. Plummer recruited the two creators with DeStorm Power to help him launch a streaming platform.

In Jul 2018, Plummer and his other co-founders established the Zeus Network. TV and entertainment were ingrained in Plummer’s DNA. He followed his parents’ footsteps to create his multi-media dynasty and made history as the CEO of Zeus Network.

Zeus signed a distribution deal with Vimeo in Oct 2018, expanding its reach. However, the network faced several challenges and controversies in the early years. In 2020, Tokyo Toni and B2K lead singer Omarion accused Zeus of nonpayment. Tokyo Toni is the mother of Blac Chyna, one of Zeus’ stars.

In Mar 2022, Andrew Caldwell accused Zeus of creating an unsafe and toxic work environment. Caldwell claimed that he was sexually harassed while shooting Zeus’ Bad Boys Los Angeles show. [9]

When Plummer started Zeus, he was praised for breaking barriers as a Black millennial. He founded the network to provide provocative views on racism, pop culture, and mental health. However, Plummer and Zeus have been criticized for exploitative content toward Blacks. Critics argue that the network’s shows perpetuate stereotypes about Black people, exploit the culture, and misrepresent Blackness with tropes. [10]

Image Credit Joel Muniz — Image Credit: Joel Muniz

Zeus Network’s Shareholder Structure

Zeus is a leading creator-focused video-on-demand streaming network launched in 2018. It was founded by Plummer, DeStorm Power, Amanda Cerny, and King Bach. The co-founders have a stake in the business. Zeus Network is a private company. So, Zeus’ ownership and shareholder information aren’t publicly available. [11]

Plummer has been Zeus’ CEO since 2018 and the company’s top investor. He directly invested his money to establish the streaming service. CEO Plummer is Zeus Network’s majority owner, with controlling voting rights. DeStorm Power, Amanda Cerny, and King Bach are Zeus’ co-founders, content creators, and minority shareholders. [12]

Wealthy veteran executives tend to invest in innovative ideas. Plummer had two investors, Jonathan Rogers and Harold Lewis. Both media execs invested in Plummer’s company. He used the investment to transition from selling shows to establishing Zeus Network. [13]

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