(Edited by Mike Vicic)

For those who've been waiting...and waiting...and waiting, get ready! Tonight at 10pm on BET, THE GAME is back -- and better than ever!

Loyal fans will recall that back in May 2009, the CW cancelled THE GAME -- along with a few of its other sitcoms -- to focus on one-hour dramas that didn't have much diversity. Fans were outraged and began a viral campaign using Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets demanding to have THE GAME renewed. While their efforts went for naught with the CW, reruns were acquired by BET and its ratings were huge. This success led to the network's decision to renew the show completely.

Late last week at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, some of the cast and series creators Mara Brock Akil and husband Salim Akil discussed their transition to BET and the exciting stories they can't wait to share in season four. "Our writers were chomping at the bit,” said Salim. "Everybody came into that room with stories to tell."

Before receiving the green light however, the producers had to get the entire original cast back under contract which surprisingly wasn't a challenge at all. "We always kept in touch," says Mara, who knew all of the actors would be ready to go once the logistics were worked out. Ready barely describes it. The cast agree that they were all ready and waiting but still in disbelief when they got the news. "It was probably the biggest news I could get. It felt like winning the lottery," says Hosea Chanchez who plays super flashy football superstar Malik Wright.

Will Malik Wright ever turn in his player’s card? In season three, Malik met his estranged

father and sister for the first time. His publicity stunt of a marriage to Robin Givens ended,

and we’re left wondering what’s next for the San Diego Sabers quarterback. (BET)

“All of us, we’re definitely like a big family,” says Tia Mowry who plays lovable Melanie Barnett. “To be built back up together is an amazing feeling.”

Will Derwin and Melanie Davis bask in newlywed bliss?

Or will Derwin’s little bundle of joy drive them apart? (BET)

The rest of the cast agree, including Coby Bell, whose role as Jessie on BURN NOTICE didn't stop him from getting back in the game (sorry, I had to do it!). Bell calls the vibe on set a "big lovefest" and says reprising his character of Jason Pitts was "like some old comfy shoes. We all knew from the very beginning we had a really special thing. None of us wanted it to end. When we knew there was a chance to have it back, we all tried our best to make it happen.”

Last season, we saw Jason Pitts – wide receiver of the San Diego Sabers,

father and resident tightwad – draw a clear line in the sand with his

ex-wife Kelly Pitts. Is he still with the woman that he chose over Kelly? (BET)

So what can loyal fans expect to see this season? To make the reprisal feel fresh, the creators have picked up two years after the end of season 3, and the characters are now at different stages in their life. The dramedy is certainly more drama than comedy, and with recurring characters like Meagan Good (STOMP THE YARD) and Terrence J (106 & PARK), the sex appeal has been raised considerably, offering delicious eye candy to both male and female viewers alike!

"Everything is bigger, better, badder," says Chanchez. "A lot of what you thought these characters were is completely twisted around this year. The writers took it to a whole other level and shows you completely different sides of these people. Like in real life, [it's] the evolution of an individual." Wendy Raquel Robinson who plays loud and proud Manager Extraordinaire Tasha Mack added, "I think it's going to draw a stronger reaction from fans. Our relationships kind of spiral because we are all out of control in our own ways, but I think they'll enjoy that spiral."

According to Mara Akil, this time around there is "a lot more pressure" since this is BET's first time branching into scripted territory. Akil and the entire cast of THE GAME are counting on fans to relieve some of that pressure by making Tuesday nights Game Night!