Category: Lifetime
Lifetime Holiday Movies 2022 Part 4
Lifetime Holiday Movies 2022 Part 3
Lifetime Holiday Movies 2022 Part 2
Lifetime Holiday Movies 2022 Part 1
Lifetime Greenlights New Movie Event
Lifetime Greenlights New Movie Event, Based on V.C. Andrews’ Best-Selling Dawn Cutler Series, Starring Brec Bassinger, Donna Mills, Joey McIntyre, Jesse Metcalfe and Fran Drescher
Brec Bassinger takes on the title role of Dawn Longchamp and will be joined by Emmy winner Donna Mills as Lillian Cutler.
[via press release from Lifetime]
LIFETIME GREENLIGHTS NEW MOVIE EVENT, BASED ON V.C. ANDREWS’ BEST-SELLING DAWN CUTLER SERIES, STARRING BREC BASSINGER, DONNA MILLS, JOEY MCINTYRE, JESSE METCALFE AND FRAN DRESCHER
LOS ANGELES, CA (September 15, 2022) – After Lifetime’s success this summer with the limited series Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, seen by 10 million total viewers, the network breaks ground on the V.C. Andrews Dawn Cutler Series, following the dark and twisted history of the Cutler, Longchamp and Booth families. Brec Bassinger (Stargirl, Bella and the Bulldogs) takes on the title role of Dawn Longchamp and will be joined by Emmy winner Donna Mills (Nope, General Hospital, Knots Landing) as Lillian Cutler. Also set to star in the new movie event are Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block) as Michael Sutton, Jesse Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives) as Ormand Longchamp, Khobe Clarke (Yellowjackets, An Amish Sin) as Jimmy Longchamp, and Emmy nominee Fran Drescher as Agnes Morris. As the exclusive home of movies inspired by books from the best-selling author V.C. Andrews, Lifetime brings to television the Dawn Cutler novels—Dawn, Secrets of the Morning, Twilight’s Child, and Midnight Whispers—with more casting news to come. The final novel of the series, Darkest Hour, is currently in development.
One of the most popular authors of all time, V.C. Andrews launched a pop culture sensation with the gothic tale Flowers in the Attic and The Dawn Cutler novels have captivated readers for decades. The first movie in the series, Dawn, follows the story of Dawn Longchamp (Bassinger), who after growing up in humble surroundings with a very hardworking and loving family suddenly has everything she loves ripped away from her when she is thrust into a new family whose dark and twisted secrets change the course of her life forever. As Dawn struggles to fit in, her wicked grandmother Lillian Cutler (Mills) rules her life with an iron fist and inflicts cruel punishments when Dawn does not follow her strict orders. When Dawn finds herself entrenched in the mysteries surrounding the family, it becomes clear that a dark and unescapable curse looms over the Cutlers.
McIntyre stars as Dawn’s infamous singing teacher and Broadway star, Michael Sutton, while Drescher stars as Agnes Morris, the out of work actress and overly made up drama queen who is the house mother at the performing arts school where Dawn resides. Metcalfe stars as Ormand Longchamp, Dawn’s adoptive father, while Clarke stars as Dawn’s adoptive brother Jimmy Longchamp. Also joining the cast are Jason Cermak as Dawn’s father Randolph Cutler; Miranda Frigon as Dawn’s mother, Laura Jean Cutler; as well as Elyse Maloway (Super Monsters, The Magicians) and Dane Schioler (Prom Pact) as Dawn’s siblings Clara Jean and Philip Cutler. In addition, Corey Woods plays Dawn’s boarding school roommate, Tricia; and Helena Marie plays Sally Longchamp, Dawn’s adoptive mother.
The V.C. Andrews Dawn Cutler Series is produced by VC Secrets Productions Inc. with Merideth Finn, Michele Weiss, Timothy Johnson, and Stacy Mandelberg serving as executive producers and Navid Soofi serving as producer. Linda-Lisa Hayter is set to direct the first two movies Dawn and Secrets of the Morning, and Jacquie Gould will direct Twilights Child and Midnight Whispers. Georgy Small and Richard Blaney serve as screenwriters for the first three movies and Allison Lea Bingeman serves as screenwriter for the fourth movie Midnight Whispers. The book series was originally started by V.C. Andrews and completed by ghostwriter Andrew Neiderman after her death. Finn and Weiss also executive produced Lifetime’s 2014 Flowers in the Attic and Petals on the Wind.
Andrew Neiderman has carried the V.C. Andrews franchise for the past 35 years, making him one of the most prolific ghostwriters in history. V.C. Andrews is one of the longest, consistently published book franchises in American publishing history with more than 40 years of novels, 107 million copies sold worldwide, and a cult following. V.C. Andrews’s novels have been adapted into over 19 films, 18 by A+E alone, with more in development.
On October 25, 2022, Gallery Books will release the newest V.C. Andrews novel, Eden’s Children (the 1st book from The Eden Series), also available as an eBook and audiobook. Dawn, the first book in the original Cutler series written by V.C. Andrews, is available for purchase in trade paperback and eBook formats wherever books are sold.
Sources
1. For Flowers in the Attic: The Origin Nielsen Live+SD, 9/27/21-8/7/22, ranked on (000s) among all new scripted cable series that premiered on or after 9/27/21; excludes specials, 1 t/c, SVOD/AVOD series with linear plays.
2.For Flowers in the Attic: The Origin Nielsen Live+SD, 9/27/21-8/7/22, ranked on (000s) among all scripted cable series; excludes specials, 1 t/c, SVOD/AVOD series with linear plays.
3. For Flowers in the Attic: The Origin Nielsen Live+7 Most Current, 7/9/22-7/30/22, P2+ Reach (000s), 1+ min qualifier, Total Day 6a-6a, 18 telecasts on Lifetime (includes all premiere and repeat telecasts of Origin Parts 1-4); Unique Video Viewers as of 8/8/22; Parts 1-4, Adobe Analytics; Includes US-only longform viewing on On-Domain sites/apps.
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ABOUT LIFETIME
Celebrating over 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality scripted series, and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers, and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television(R), LMN(R), Lifetime Real Women(R) and Lifetime Digital(TM) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
Variety and Lifetime’s “Power of Women: The Changemakers” Special
Variety and Lifetime’s “Power of Women: The Changemakers” Special to Feature Halle Berry, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Misty Copeland, Laverne Cox, Idina Menzel, Julianne Moore and Katy Perry
This year’s broadcast special showcases past honorees highlighting a woman from their charity of choice who inspires them.
[via press release from Lifetime]
Variety and Lifetime’s “Power of Women: The Changemakers” Special to Feature Halle Berry, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Misty Copeland, Laverne Cox, Idina Menzel, Julianne Moore and Katy Perry
Premiering September 22
Los Angeles, CA (September 14, 2022) – Lifetime continues their partnership with Variety for the one-hour special Power of Women: The Changemakers, set to premiere September 22 at 10 pm ET/PT. Featuring stories of inspiration, optimism, and hope by connecting celebrity honorees with women working every day to affect positive change, this year’s special will include appearances from Halle Berry (Jenesse Center), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (UNICEF), Misty Copeland (Misty Copeland Foundation), Laverne Cox (New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project), Idina Menzel (A Broader Way), Julianne Moore (Everytown for Gun Safety), and Katy Perry (Firework Foundation).
Since 2009, Lifetime and Variety have honored celebrities for their charitable work. This year’s broadcast special showcases past honorees highlighting a woman from their charity of choice who inspires them. These featured changemakers have overcome adversity and dedicated their life to making the world a better place through frontline work on important social issues. The changemakers spotlighted in the special are Karen Earle for Jenesse Center, Viktoriia Gnap and Yuliia Hudz for UNICEF, Bianca Johnson for the Misty Copeland Foundation, Shay Huffman for New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, Toryea Beard and Ayodele Casel for A Broader Way, Shannon Watts and Melody McFadden for Everytown for Gun Safety, and Angela Lerche and Brooklyn Molden for Firework Foundation.
The special will air on Lifetime in advance of Variety’s Power of Women: Los Angeles event on September 28. Presented in partnership with Lifetime, the event gathers an intimate group of philanthropic women who have been selected as Variety’s honorees as well as the most powerful women working in media and entertainment.
Power of Women: The Changemakers is produced by the Category 6 Media(TM) group. Executive producers are Sharon Scott, Kristy Sabat and Annie Allen for Category 6 Media(TM) group. Amy Winter, Brie Bryant and Shura Davison executive produce for Lifetime. Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, Dea Lawrence, John Ross and Dayna Wolpa produce for Variety.
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ABOUT LIFETIME
Celebrating over 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality scripted series and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television(R), LMN(R), Lifetime Real Women(R) and Lifetime Digital(TM) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
Lifetime Expands Foray of Movies Inspired by Best-Selling True Crime Author Ann Rule
Lifetime Expands Foray of Movies Inspired by Best-Selling True Crime Author Ann Rule Novels with Two New Greenlights
“Desperate Hours” (wt) and “A Rose for Her Grave” (wt) are both on tap from the network.
[via press release from Lifetime]
LIFETIME EXPANDS FORAY OF MOVIES INSPIRED BY BEST-SELLING TRUE CRIME AUTHOR ANN RULE NOVELS WITH TWO NEW GREENLIGHTS
FROM DIRECTOR GINA GERSHON, “DESPERATE HOURS” FEATURES SAMANTHA MATHIS, HARRISON THOMAS AND DAVID CONRAD
“A ROSE FOR HER GRAVE” STARS CHRISHELL STAUSE, COLIN EGGLESFIELD, AND LAURA RAMSEY
LOS ANGELES, CA (September 8, 2022) – Building off its Ripped from the Headlines movies and Life & Crime unscripted series, Lifetime continues to dive deep into true crime content, greenlighting two all-new movies, Desperate Hours (wt) and A Rose For Her Grave (wt), inspired by books by New York Times best-selling true crime author, Ann Rule.
DESPERATE HOURS (wt)
Desperate Hours (wt) marks Gina Gershon’s long-form directorial debut and her return to Lifetime having previously starred as Donatella Versace in House of Versace in 2013 and in the LMN miniseries Everything She Ever Wanted in 2009, which was also based on an Ann Rule’s novel. Gershon directs Samantha Mathis (Billions), Harrison Thomas (Better Call Saul) and David Conrad in the film.
Adapted from Ann Rule’s Last Chance, Last Dance true crime collection, Desperate Hours follows Val (Samantha Mathis), a mother who finds herself and her young children held hostage by Denny (Harrison Thomas) when he forces his way into her house after committing murder earlier that day. In order to save them and her husband Mark (David Conrad), who was due home at any moment, Val offers to drive Denny wherever he wants and becomes his unwilling accomplice as he goes on a rampage of destruction. Despite the traumatic events, Val builds a rapport with her captor and uses the relationship to help save the lives of bystanders, herself and even the life of her captor.
A ROSE FOR HER GRAVE (wt)
A Rose For Her Grave (wt) is headlined by Chrishell Stause (Selling Sunset, Days of Our Lives), Colin Egglesfield (Something Borrowed, The Client List) and Laura Ramsey (She’s the Man) and follows the crimes of notorious serial wife-killer Randy Roth and the fearless woman who finally brings him to justice.
In A Rose For Her Grave (wt), following the death of her husband, single mom Cindy (Ramsey), finally finds love again with mechanic Randy Roth (Egglesfield) but her wedded bliss soon turns dark when she discovers another side of Randy. Despite the pleas of her best friend Lori (Stause) to leave her marriage, Cindy never gets that opportunity after she drowns during a trip to a lake with Randy and the kids. Emotionless following Cindy’s death, Randy orders her immediate cremation, takes custody of Cindy’s kids and attempts to collect on her life insurance policy. Determined to honor Cindy and find the truth, Lori uncovers more of Randy’s past, discovering that Cindy may not have been the first wife murdered at his hands.
Desperate Hours (wt) and A Rose For Her Grave (wt) will both debut in 2023 on Lifetime and are produced by Allegheny Image Factory and Best On Best. Conor Allyn and Benjamin Anderson serve as executive producers and Jeff Tinnell and Bob Tinell serve as producers for both films. Allyn and Anderson wrote the script for Desperate Hours and For A Rose From Her Grave. This marks the fifth and sixth Ann Rule adaptation Allyn and Anderson have Executive Produced, including Sleeping With Danger, Circle Of Deception, A Murder To Remember and A House on Fire, which the latter they also penned.
The new greenlights brings Lifetime to ten projects based on the prolific author’s body of work throughout the network’s history. Other Lifetime movies adapted from Ann Rule’s works include Too Late to Say Goodbye with Rob Lowe; Hunt for the I-5 Killer starring John Corbett; Everything She Ever Wanted with Gina Gershon; Capture of the Green River Killerstarring Tom Cavanagh; Sleeping with Danger (adapted from Mortal Danger) featuring Elisabeth Rohm; Circle of Deception(adapted from Practice to Deceive) starring Diane Neal and directed by Ashley Williams; A Murder to Remember (adapted from Empty Promises) directed by Robin Givens, and A House on Fire (adapted from Bitter Harvest) starring Stephanie March.
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ABOUT LIFETIME
Celebrating over 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality scripted series and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television(R), LMN(R), Lifetime Real Women(R) and Lifetime Digital(TM) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
Academy Award Winner Helen Hunt to Narrate Lifetime’s New Series “Meet Marry Murder”
Academy Award Winner Helen Hunt to Narrate Lifetime’s New Series “Meet Marry Murder”
What happens when the one you commit to spend your life with, ends up taking it instead?
[via press release from Lifetime]
ACADEMY AWARD WINNER HELEN HUNT TO NARRATE LIFETIME’S NEW SERIES “MEET MARRY MURDER”
SERIES JOINS LIFETIME’S ROSTER OF NEW TRUE CRIME LINEUP FOR LIFE & CRIME MONDAYS, PREMIERING OCTOBER 3
LOS ANGELES, CA (September 7, 2022) – As part of Lifetime’s expansion of unscripted true crime content, Academy Award(R) and Emmy(R) winner and true crime enthusiast Helen Hunt (Mad About You) lends her voice as the narrator of the new series Meet Marry Murder set to debut on Monday, October 3 at 9p/8c.
What happens when the one you commit to spend your life with, ends up taking it instead? Narrated by Academy Award(R) winner, Helen Hunt, Meet Marry Murder explores several US homicide cases of spouses insidiously killed by their partners. Each story is told by the family, friends, and colleagues who best knew them, and the investigators committed to finding out the truth of twisted lies. With chilling storylines of romance, betrayal and greed, detective intrigue, and more, Meet Marry Murder digs into relationships that have shockingly turned deadly. The series takes a deep dive into several cases and uncovers a world of scenarios that end in murder – from a husband who broadcasts his intent to kill his wife on YouTube, to a woman driven to commit murder for a life insurance payout, and a successful Louisiana attorney slain by the man she met after a car crash brought them together.
The series is the newest offering of the network’s Life & Crime true crime slate, joining previously launched series, #TextMeWhenYouGetHome, Phrogging: Hider in My House and Sleeping with a Killer. Ten episodes have been ordered for this season.
Meet Marry Murder is produced by First Look TV with Will Hanrahan serving as executive producer. Amy Winter, Brie Miranda Bryant, Nicole Vogel and Shura Davison executive produce for Lifetime.
Additional information and episode descriptions for Meet Marry Murder: https://www.mylifetime.com/shows/meet-marry-murder
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ABOUT LIFETIME
Celebrating over 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality scripted series and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television(R), LMN(R), Lifetime Real Women(R) and Lifetime Digital(TM) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
Lifetime Announces Three Additional Movies for 2022
Lifetime Announces Three Additional Movies for 2022 “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” Holiday Slate
Adding to the already star-studded lineup is the return of seven-time Grammy award winner and entrepreneur Toni Braxton as the executive producer of “A Christmas Spark,” starring Emmy award winning actress, Jane Seymour in a reunion with her “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman” romantic co-lead, Joe Lando.
[via press release from Lifetime]
LIFETIME ANNOUNCES THREE ADDITIONAL MOVIES FOR 2022 “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFETIME” HOLIDAY SLATE
SEVEN-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER TONI BRAXTON EXECUTIVE PRODUCES “A CHRISTMAS SPARK” STARRING EMMY WINNER JANE SEYMOUR IN A REUNION WITH JOE LANDO
16-TIME GRAMMY WINNING GOSPEL ARTIST KIRK FRANKLIN RETURNS TO LIFETIME TO EXECUTIVE PRODUCE “KIRK FRANKLIN’S THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” STARRING NATURI NAUGHTON AND LUKE JAMES
JODIE SWEETIN JOINS THE LIFETIME HOLIDAY FAMILY WITH “MERRY SWISSMAS” ALONGSIDE TIM ROZON TO KICK OFF SLATE ON NOVEMBER 5
Los Angeles, CA – September 1, 2022 – A round of Santa-plause for Lifetime as the network announces three more holiday movies for its 2022 It’s a Wonderful Lifetime movie slate! Adding to the already star-studded lineup is the return of seven-time Grammy(R) award winner and entrepreneur Toni Braxton as the executive producer of A Christmas Spark, starring Emmy(R) award winning actress, Jane Seymour in a reunion with her Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman romantic co-lead, Joe Lando. 16-time Grammy(R) winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin returns to executive produce and star in his second holiday movie for Lifetime, Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas. The film will feature Naturi Naughton (Power, Power Book II: Ghost) and Luke James (Star, The Chi).
Beloved television star, Jodie Sweetin, kicks off the holidays at Lifetime on November 5th at 8/7c with her movie, Merry Swissmas, also starring Tim Rozon (Schitt’s Creek).
These films join previously announced movies Santa Bootcamp starring Rita Moreno and directed by Melissa Joan Hart, Steppin’ into the Holidays with Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer, A New Orleans Noel starring Patti LaBelle and Keshia Knight Pulliam from EP Whoopi Goldberg and A Country Christmas Harmony with Brooke Elliott.
The full It’s a Wonderful Lifetime slate and airdates will be announced this fall.
A CHRISTMAS SPARK
Recently widowed Molly (Seymour) has lost her zest for life and given up on ever finding love again. But when she decides to visit her daughter for Christmas she has no idea what holiday magic is in store for her. A former drama teacher, Molly reluctantly takes on the job of directing the town’s Christmas pageant and soon finds herself falling for her leading man, Hank (Lando), the town’s most eligible bachelor. As Molly and the irrepressible Hank fall in love, she rediscovers her inner free spirit and finds a new lease on life. And when the star of the pageant loses her voice moments before the show, it will be up to Molly to step into the spotlight and shine brightly for the first time in her life.
A Christmas Spark is produced by Lighthouse Pictures and is being distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Toni Braxton, Stephen Bulka, and Jamie Goehring are executive producing. Rhonda Baraka directs from a script by Eirene Tran Donohue.
KIRK FRANKLIN’S THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
While driving on Christmas Eve, estranged mother and daughter, Journee (Naturi Naughton) and Nia (Lorea Turner) are caught in a snowstorm that forces them to take refuge inside a church where parishioners are reeling from the cancellation of their annual holiday concert. The spirit of the season takes hold as Journee and Nia weather the wintry storm together with the other churchgoers, including Adam (Luke James) a handsome youth pastor and a heavenly music teacher (Kirk Franklin), who motivate the mother and daughter to reconcile their differences through music, faith, and love. With the help from this unlikely yet spirited group of strangers, Journee and Nia then band together in the hope of helping the church salvage not only their holiday traditions, but also their show-stopping Christmas day performance despite the raging storm outside.
Kirk Franklin’s The Night Before Christmas is produced by Swirl Films and Big Dreams Entertainment. Kirk Franklin, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, Eric Tomosunas, Angela Plasschaert, Leslie Greif and Alex Kerr serve as executive producers. Tailiah Breon directs from a script by Tara Knight.
MERRY SWISSMAS
NOVEMBER 5 AT 8/7C
Alex (Jodie Sweetin) has wonderful memories of Christmas with her best friend Beth (Mikaela Lily Davies), until Beth started dating Alex’s ex, Jesse (David Pinard). Because she has missed the last few Christmases with family due to her demanding job as an architect, Alex is excited to spend the holidays with her mother Caroline (Jane Wheeler), who is opening an inn in Switzerland. Much to her dismay, she learns that Jesse and Beth are also visiting for the Inns’ opening. When Alex meets Liam (Tim Rozon), a single father and the manager of her mother’s inn, Liam attempts to show her all the Christmas traditions and culture of Switzerland and helps Alex open herself up to love and forgiveness this holiday season.
Merry Swissmas is produced in association with Reel One Entertainment for Lifetime. Executive producers include Tom Berry, Barbara Fisher, Kenneth Hirsch, Laura Francis, Serge Desrosiers, and John L’Ecuyer, who also directs from a script by Lauren Balson Carter.
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ABOUT LIFETIME
Celebrating over 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality scripted series and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television(R), LMN(R), Lifetime Real Women(R) and Lifetime Digital(TM) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.