Exclusive: In its first foray into the unscripted programming space, Hallmark Media is launching an inspirational series hosted by Christmas movie favorite Lacey Chabert.
Celebrations with Lacey Chabert will feature the actress as she surprises kids, families and adults who are making a positive impact in their communities by throwing them the celebration of a lifetime. Chabert will also executive produce the 10-episode series, which will debut late next year on Hallmark Media’s subscription streaming service.
Chabert will work with party planners, family members and volunteers to create one-of-a-kind events in three days.
“We’re proud to announce our foray into the unscripted programming space,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, executive VP programming, Hallmark Media. “The Hallmark brand lends itself to a wide array of opportunities to tell stories that bring inspiration, comfort, joy and happiness to our viewers, so tapping into this genre allows us to evolve and expand...
Celebrations with Lacey Chabert will feature the actress as she surprises kids, families and adults who are making a positive impact in their communities by throwing them the celebration of a lifetime. Chabert will also executive produce the 10-episode series, which will debut late next year on Hallmark Media’s subscription streaming service.
Chabert will work with party planners, family members and volunteers to create one-of-a-kind events in three days.
“We’re proud to announce our foray into the unscripted programming space,” said Lisa Hamilton Daly, executive VP programming, Hallmark Media. “The Hallmark brand lends itself to a wide array of opportunities to tell stories that bring inspiration, comfort, joy and happiness to our viewers, so tapping into this genre allows us to evolve and expand...
- 11/27/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: A+E Networks is the latest entertainment company to undergo a shake-up.
Deadline understands that the company has made a small number of cuts to its programming team.
Amy Winter, EVP and Head of Programming at Lifetime, is leaving the company with Elaine Frontain Bryant, who is EVP and Head of Programming at A&e, now overseeing the Married At First Sight broadcaster.
Tanya Lopez, who is Executive Vice President of Scripted Content at Lifetime, is also leaving and will be transitioning into a production deal with A+E Networks, where she will continue to package and produce Lifetime Original Movies.
Elsewhere, we hear that John Verhoff, an exec producer at History, is also exiting.
Eli Lehrer is also adding music services to his job as EVP and Head of The History Channel Programming Genres and Music Services
Winter joined in 2020, from UpTV, where she was EVP and General Manager. In her three year tenure,...
Deadline understands that the company has made a small number of cuts to its programming team.
Amy Winter, EVP and Head of Programming at Lifetime, is leaving the company with Elaine Frontain Bryant, who is EVP and Head of Programming at A&e, now overseeing the Married At First Sight broadcaster.
Tanya Lopez, who is Executive Vice President of Scripted Content at Lifetime, is also leaving and will be transitioning into a production deal with A+E Networks, where she will continue to package and produce Lifetime Original Movies.
Elsewhere, we hear that John Verhoff, an exec producer at History, is also exiting.
Eli Lehrer is also adding music services to his job as EVP and Head of The History Channel Programming Genres and Music Services
Winter joined in 2020, from UpTV, where she was EVP and General Manager. In her three year tenure,...
- 8/9/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television’s nonfiction group is expanding. Eli Holzman, Sony’s President of Nonfiction Entertainment and co-president Aaron Saidman have revealed Gena McCarthy’s Unconventional Entertainment has signed an overall deal with Spt.
As part of the agreement, Unconventional will develop, sell, and produce original formats in core genres including relationships, home, food, survival, Americana, competition, and crime, with Spt providing all associated production services.
Known for her extensive resume which includes several long-running franchises like “Married at First Sight” and “Project Runway,” McCarthy has held senior positions at Discovery, TLC, We TV, Lifetime, and Fyi.
Holzman and Saidman said, “Gena’s incredible body of work is undeniable. Throughout her career, she has consistently made hits that resonate with wide audiences while innovating in the nonfiction space. Gena and Unconventional represent a fantastic addition to Spt’s growing portfolio, and we look forward to leveraging our partnership to build...
As part of the agreement, Unconventional will develop, sell, and produce original formats in core genres including relationships, home, food, survival, Americana, competition, and crime, with Spt providing all associated production services.
Known for her extensive resume which includes several long-running franchises like “Married at First Sight” and “Project Runway,” McCarthy has held senior positions at Discovery, TLC, We TV, Lifetime, and Fyi.
Holzman and Saidman said, “Gena’s incredible body of work is undeniable. Throughout her career, she has consistently made hits that resonate with wide audiences while innovating in the nonfiction space. Gena and Unconventional represent a fantastic addition to Spt’s growing portfolio, and we look forward to leveraging our partnership to build...
- 2/14/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Sony Pictures Television is adding to its roster of non-scripted production companies.
The studio’s non-fiction group has struck an overall deal with Unconventional Entertainment, the new label from former Lifetime exec Gena McCarthy.
It comes two years after A+E Networks veteran McCarthy left the company, where she was EVP and Head of Programming at Lifetime Unscripted and Head of Programming at Fyi. She was at the company for ten years, having previously been at Discovery Channel and weTV.
McCarthy’s company will develop and produce original formats across genres including relationships, home, food, survival, Americana, competition, and crime.
In her last gig she oversaw series such as Married At First Sight and was also responsible for Lifetime series including Project Runway and Dance Moms. She was also the original series exec producer of Dirty Jobs at Discovery and worked on Mythbusters and Deadliest Catch.
The move comes as Sony...
The studio’s non-fiction group has struck an overall deal with Unconventional Entertainment, the new label from former Lifetime exec Gena McCarthy.
It comes two years after A+E Networks veteran McCarthy left the company, where she was EVP and Head of Programming at Lifetime Unscripted and Head of Programming at Fyi. She was at the company for ten years, having previously been at Discovery Channel and weTV.
McCarthy’s company will develop and produce original formats across genres including relationships, home, food, survival, Americana, competition, and crime.
In her last gig she oversaw series such as Married At First Sight and was also responsible for Lifetime series including Project Runway and Dance Moms. She was also the original series exec producer of Dirty Jobs at Discovery and worked on Mythbusters and Deadliest Catch.
The move comes as Sony...
- 2/14/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
A+E Networks executive Gena McCarthy is stepping down as head of programming for Lifetime’s unscripted department and sister network Fyi, TheWrap has confirmed.
Her exit comes after more than a decade with the company, having previously worked on shows like “Project Runway,” “Dance Moms” and “Married at First Sight.” McCarthy has served as head of programming for Fyi since 2013, adding oversight of Lifetime’s unscripted slate in 2018 following the departure of then-programming boss Liz Gateley.
Per Lifetime, McCarthy is exiting to “pursue new creative adventures.” No replacement has been named.
“It’s been a true pleasure serving as a teammate and team leader in two successful chapters of the Lifetime story,” McCarthy said in a statement. “And launching fyi remains a collaborative, joyful and inventive milestone. I thank A+E Networks for both opportunities, and thank Paul Buccieri for his vision and guidance.”
“Gena is an exceptional person and creative executive,...
Her exit comes after more than a decade with the company, having previously worked on shows like “Project Runway,” “Dance Moms” and “Married at First Sight.” McCarthy has served as head of programming for Fyi since 2013, adding oversight of Lifetime’s unscripted slate in 2018 following the departure of then-programming boss Liz Gateley.
Per Lifetime, McCarthy is exiting to “pursue new creative adventures.” No replacement has been named.
“It’s been a true pleasure serving as a teammate and team leader in two successful chapters of the Lifetime story,” McCarthy said in a statement. “And launching fyi remains a collaborative, joyful and inventive milestone. I thank A+E Networks for both opportunities, and thank Paul Buccieri for his vision and guidance.”
“Gena is an exceptional person and creative executive,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Exclusive: A+E Networks veteran Gena McCarthy is stepping down as EVP and Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted and Head of Programming. fyi, and is leaving the company after 10 years. Search is underway for her replacement.
“Gena is an exceptional person and creative executive,” said Paul Buccieri, President of A+E Networks Group. “We thank her for her leadership, and for her many lasting contributions to the company, and wish her ongoing success.”
McCarthy joined Lifetime in 2010 as SVP Reality and Alternative. She developed and produced the network’s first wave of homegrown hit reality shows following the acquisition of Project Runway, including Dance Moms, Bring It!, Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, Project Runway All-Stars, Preachers’ Daughters, and The Week the Women Went. She also managed ongoing production of Project Runway.
In 2013, McCarthy moved to A+E’s Bio as content chief ahead of the network’s transformation into lifestyle brand fyi 10 months later.
“Gena is an exceptional person and creative executive,” said Paul Buccieri, President of A+E Networks Group. “We thank her for her leadership, and for her many lasting contributions to the company, and wish her ongoing success.”
McCarthy joined Lifetime in 2010 as SVP Reality and Alternative. She developed and produced the network’s first wave of homegrown hit reality shows following the acquisition of Project Runway, including Dance Moms, Bring It!, Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, Project Runway All-Stars, Preachers’ Daughters, and The Week the Women Went. She also managed ongoing production of Project Runway.
In 2013, McCarthy moved to A+E’s Bio as content chief ahead of the network’s transformation into lifestyle brand fyi 10 months later.
- 2/17/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime released the trailer for its upcoming Wendy Williams biopic on Thursday, revealing star Ciera Payton as she re-creates some of the landmark moments from the iconic daytime talk show host’s career, including her interview with Whitney Houston to fainting on live TV in a Statue of Liberty costume.
Executive produced by Williams herself, “Wendy Williams: The Movie” charts the host’s “scrappy upstart days in urban radio” to her current status has host of her own syndicated talk show. “Despite all the naysayers and obstacles Wendy encountered throughout her life, her strength and determination have allowed her to thrive,” the description reads.
The trailer also ventures off-the-air to explore Williams’ battle with addiction and her troubled marriage with ex-husband Kevin Hunter.
The film is set to premiere on Saturday, Jan. 30 following a two-hour documentary delving into Williams’ life and career. Watch the trailer, along with an interview with director Darren Grant,...
Executive produced by Williams herself, “Wendy Williams: The Movie” charts the host’s “scrappy upstart days in urban radio” to her current status has host of her own syndicated talk show. “Despite all the naysayers and obstacles Wendy encountered throughout her life, her strength and determination have allowed her to thrive,” the description reads.
The trailer also ventures off-the-air to explore Williams’ battle with addiction and her troubled marriage with ex-husband Kevin Hunter.
The film is set to premiere on Saturday, Jan. 30 following a two-hour documentary delving into Williams’ life and career. Watch the trailer, along with an interview with director Darren Grant,...
- 12/4/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
In today’s TV news roundup, Disney Plus shared a trailer for its “On Pointe” docuseries, and Lifetime announced the premiere date for Season 12 of “Married at First Sight.”
Dates
Lifetime announced that “Married at First Sight” will return on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. for a three-hour Season 12 premiere. The show introduces 10 single people are paired together and married, as the title suggests, at first sight. For the next eight weeks, the couples then live together as the show documents their experiences. At the end of the season, they choose whether or not they’d like to divorce or remain a married couple. Dec. 30 will see the matchmaking special, which introduces the cast and explains how the matchmaking process works. And on Jan. 6, the kickoff special shows behind-the-scenes insight into the selection process with a panel of experts. Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Ally Simpson, Montre Burton, Toni Gallagher and Gena McCarthy executive produce the show.
Dates
Lifetime announced that “Married at First Sight” will return on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. for a three-hour Season 12 premiere. The show introduces 10 single people are paired together and married, as the title suggests, at first sight. For the next eight weeks, the couples then live together as the show documents their experiences. At the end of the season, they choose whether or not they’d like to divorce or remain a married couple. Dec. 30 will see the matchmaking special, which introduces the cast and explains how the matchmaking process works. And on Jan. 6, the kickoff special shows behind-the-scenes insight into the selection process with a panel of experts. Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Ally Simpson, Montre Burton, Toni Gallagher and Gena McCarthy executive produce the show.
- 11/25/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
We now pronounce you series and premiere date. Lifetime has set January 13 for the three-hour Season 12 debut of its reality-nuptials stalwart Married at First Sight, which has relocated to Atlanta for 2021.
The cable net also said today that its latest Kevin Frazier-hosted Mafs: Matchmaking Special will premiere December 30, followed by the Mafs: Kick-Off Special on January 6.
Here is the logline for Season 12: Ten brave-but-loveless singles meet their new spouse at the altar and enter a legally binding marriage at first sight. With one groom pushing 40 and another who has been divorced — both Mafs firsts — new insights are brought to a journey that is always full of high-stakes. While some marriages will survive, one couple confronts a bombshell that no one saw coming.
As the season continues, each week will feature two-hour episodes and capture each couple’s emotional journey as they go from wedding to honeymoon, early nesting...
The cable net also said today that its latest Kevin Frazier-hosted Mafs: Matchmaking Special will premiere December 30, followed by the Mafs: Kick-Off Special on January 6.
Here is the logline for Season 12: Ten brave-but-loveless singles meet their new spouse at the altar and enter a legally binding marriage at first sight. With one groom pushing 40 and another who has been divorced — both Mafs firsts — new insights are brought to a journey that is always full of high-stakes. While some marriages will survive, one couple confronts a bombshell that no one saw coming.
As the season continues, each week will feature two-hour episodes and capture each couple’s emotional journey as they go from wedding to honeymoon, early nesting...
- 11/25/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ciera Payton and Morocco Omari are set as the leads in Wendy Williams: The Hot Topic (working title), Lifetime’s biopic about the outspoken television host and former radio star executive produced by Will Packer and Sheila Ducksworth. Payton will star in the title role as Williams, and Omari will play Wendy’s ex-husband Kevin Hunter. Additionally, Darren Grant is set to direct. Debuting in 2021, the film will be paired with a feature-length documentary on Williams. Production begins this month.
Executive produced by Williams, the authorized biopic reveals the highs and lows Williams has experienced throughout the years, from her scrappy upstart days in urban radio to the success of her own syndicated talk show.
A feature-length documentary about the self-anointed Queen of all Media will follow the movie. In it, Williams sheds her private persona...
Executive produced by Williams, the authorized biopic reveals the highs and lows Williams has experienced throughout the years, from her scrappy upstart days in urban radio to the success of her own syndicated talk show.
A feature-length documentary about the self-anointed Queen of all Media will follow the movie. In it, Williams sheds her private persona...
- 9/3/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, CBS revealed that new episodes of “The Young and the Restless” will premiere starting Aug. 10, and Lifetime announced “Married at First Sight: Unmatchables,” set to be released in 2021.
Dates
CBS has announced that the popular daytime soap “The Young and the Restless” will be back to premiere new episodes Aug. 10 through Aug. 14. The five new episodes set to air will follow Sharon’s (Sharon Case) battle with cancer and a scandal involving new couple Billy (Jason Thompson) and Lily (Christel Khalil). The series, which has been on broadcast television since 1973 and is in its 47th season, has spent the past 31 years as television’s top daytime drama, based on ratings. It was created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell and is produced, in association with Sony Pictures Television, by Bell Dramatic Serial Company,
HBO Max unveiled an Aug. 20 launch date for the...
Dates
CBS has announced that the popular daytime soap “The Young and the Restless” will be back to premiere new episodes Aug. 10 through Aug. 14. The five new episodes set to air will follow Sharon’s (Sharon Case) battle with cancer and a scandal involving new couple Billy (Jason Thompson) and Lily (Christel Khalil). The series, which has been on broadcast television since 1973 and is in its 47th season, has spent the past 31 years as television’s top daytime drama, based on ratings. It was created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell and is produced, in association with Sony Pictures Television, by Bell Dramatic Serial Company,
HBO Max unveiled an Aug. 20 launch date for the...
- 8/3/2020
- by Eli Countryman
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime has released a preview of its forthcoming documentary series “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein,” a lengthy deep dive into deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The show will premiere its first episode on the eve of the anniversary of the former billionaire’s death in his jail cell, where he was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, and the series arrives on the heels of the recent arrest of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former business partner and alleged accomplice. The FBI arrested Maxwell on July 2 on charges of enticement of minors, sex trafficking of children, and perjury. According to the show’s directors and producers, who spoke during a Lifetime TCA panel Monday, the team continued filming throughout the last few weeks and delivered the final cut on Sunday.
Per Lifetime’s synopsis: “On the anniversary of disgraced financier and alleged sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein’s death, Lifetime will debut the...
Per Lifetime’s synopsis: “On the anniversary of disgraced financier and alleged sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein’s death, Lifetime will debut the...
- 8/3/2020
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Lifetime has given a six-season renewal to its popular reality series “Married at First Sight,” also ordering an eight-episode spinoff series called “Married at First Sight: Unmatchables.”
The new spinoff joins previously ordered relationship shows “Battlefield of Love” and the Sarah Jessica Parker/Pretty Little Matches produced “Swipe Swap” for 2021. “Married at First Sight” is currently airing its 11th season on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Et/Pt. Lifetime also previously ordered another “Married at First Sight” spinoff, the remotely shot “Couples Cam,” in April, which airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. Et/Pt. “Married at First Sight: Australia” airs right after it on Thursdays at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
Also Read: Lifetime Picks Up 'Married at First Sight: Australia'
Below is the synopsis for “Unmatchables.”
“Over 65,000 people have applied to participate in the hit series, Married at First Sight…but some people are simply harder to match. Everyone deserves a chance at love,...
The new spinoff joins previously ordered relationship shows “Battlefield of Love” and the Sarah Jessica Parker/Pretty Little Matches produced “Swipe Swap” for 2021. “Married at First Sight” is currently airing its 11th season on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Et/Pt. Lifetime also previously ordered another “Married at First Sight” spinoff, the remotely shot “Couples Cam,” in April, which airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. Et/Pt. “Married at First Sight: Australia” airs right after it on Thursdays at 9 p.m. Et/Pt.
Also Read: Lifetime Picks Up 'Married at First Sight: Australia'
Below is the synopsis for “Unmatchables.”
“Over 65,000 people have applied to participate in the hit series, Married at First Sight…but some people are simply harder to match. Everyone deserves a chance at love,...
- 8/3/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In one of the largest orders ever, Lifetime has picked up six new seasons — Seasons 12-17 — of its flagship reality series Married at First Sight.
Additionally, Lifetime has greenlighted a new spinoff series, Married at First Sight: Unmatchables with an eight-episode order and has given a blind commitment to another series from the Married at First Sight franchise producer, Kinetic Content. Along with the recent pickup of 16 additional episodes from new offshoot Married at First Sight: Couples Cam, this brings the total order to Kinetic Content to almost 400 hours. Lifetime is expected to make an announcement during its portion of the summer press tour this morning.
The massive renewal follows a two-season pickup Married at First Sight received last year, which included the series undergoing a supersizing with more couples and longer episodes.
It also comes as Married at First Sight‘s eleventh season, which launched July 15, is delivering strong ratings.
Additionally, Lifetime has greenlighted a new spinoff series, Married at First Sight: Unmatchables with an eight-episode order and has given a blind commitment to another series from the Married at First Sight franchise producer, Kinetic Content. Along with the recent pickup of 16 additional episodes from new offshoot Married at First Sight: Couples Cam, this brings the total order to Kinetic Content to almost 400 hours. Lifetime is expected to make an announcement during its portion of the summer press tour this morning.
The massive renewal follows a two-season pickup Married at First Sight received last year, which included the series undergoing a supersizing with more couples and longer episodes.
It also comes as Married at First Sight‘s eleventh season, which launched July 15, is delivering strong ratings.
- 8/3/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has released a new trailer for investigative documentary “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein,” which is set to air on Aug. 9 and 10.
The one-minute trailer introduces eight survivors who are the narrators of the film. They speak of being “touched aggressively” by Epstein in their teenage years and speak up for the “thousands of [sexual abuse] survivors.”
“I didn’t want to share this with anybody,” an unnamed interviewee says in the trailer, which you can watch above. “I would have taken this to my grave.”
Following in the footsteps of “Surviving R. Kelly” and “Surviving R. Kelly II: The Reckoning,” “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein” investigates the charges of sexually abusing young girls against the New York financier and features firsthand accounts and insights from those who have spent time with him.
The new project is part of the network’s “Stop Violence Against Women” initiative to empower women. As such, Lifetime has partnered with...
The one-minute trailer introduces eight survivors who are the narrators of the film. They speak of being “touched aggressively” by Epstein in their teenage years and speak up for the “thousands of [sexual abuse] survivors.”
“I didn’t want to share this with anybody,” an unnamed interviewee says in the trailer, which you can watch above. “I would have taken this to my grave.”
Following in the footsteps of “Surviving R. Kelly” and “Surviving R. Kelly II: The Reckoning,” “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein” investigates the charges of sexually abusing young girls against the New York financier and features firsthand accounts and insights from those who have spent time with him.
The new project is part of the network’s “Stop Violence Against Women” initiative to empower women. As such, Lifetime has partnered with...
- 7/20/2020
- by Janet W. Lee
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sarah Jessica Parker has teamed up with Love Island producer ITV America for a dating social experiment in development at Lifetime.
Deadline understands that the Sex and the City star will exec produce Swipe Swap (w/t) via her Pretty Matches Productions and has teamed up with ITV Entertainment, the ITV America company behind CBS’ Love Island, for the project.
Swipe Swap is a social experiment in love and location, following two hopeful singles who trade places and adopt each other’s lifestyles – from living in one another’s homes and visiting each other’s favorite local haunts, to connecting with one another’s closest friends and family – all in the pursuit of romance in their new cities. There are plenty of eligible partners out there – what if these hopefuls have just been looking for their match in the wrong place?
Parker, who will not be on camera, is...
Deadline understands that the Sex and the City star will exec produce Swipe Swap (w/t) via her Pretty Matches Productions and has teamed up with ITV Entertainment, the ITV America company behind CBS’ Love Island, for the project.
Swipe Swap is a social experiment in love and location, following two hopeful singles who trade places and adopt each other’s lifestyles – from living in one another’s homes and visiting each other’s favorite local haunts, to connecting with one another’s closest friends and family – all in the pursuit of romance in their new cities. There are plenty of eligible partners out there – what if these hopefuls have just been looking for their match in the wrong place?
Parker, who will not be on camera, is...
- 7/1/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Marrying Millions is back. The reality series, which hails from the creators of 90 Day Fiancé, has five new couples joining returning duos Bill and Brianna of Dallas, and Gentille and Brian of Las Vegas for the second season. In case you weren't tipped off by the show's title, Marrying Millions follows couples who are on opposite sides of the wealth spectrum. One part is incredibly wealthy, the other is, well, not. Each couple faces scrutiny from family and friends who wonder wither it's love or money that are keeping them together. "Marrying Millions continues to expand our unique relationship content," Gena McCarthy, EVP of unscripted development and programming at Lifetime, said in a...
- 6/29/2020
- E! Online
In today’s TV news roundup, Showtime announced “The Good Lord Bird” will premiere in August, and Netflix released the trailer for the final batch of “Fuller House” episodes.
Dates
Showtime has announced “The Good Lord Bird” will premiere on Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. The limited series from Blumhouse Television is based on James McBride‘s best-selling novel of the same name and told from the point of view of Onion (Joshua Caleb Johnson), a fictional enslaved boy who becomes a member of abolitionist John Brown’s (Ethan Hawke) motley family of soldiers during Bleeding Kansas. Onion eventually finds himself participating in the 1859 raid on the U.S Armory at Harpers Ferry. “The Good Lord Bird” is executive produced by Jason Blum, Ethan Hawke, Ryan Hawke, Mark Richard, Padraic McKinley, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Albert Hughes, James McBride, Brian Taylor, Marshall Persinger and David Schiff. Watch a trailer for the new series below.
Dates
Showtime has announced “The Good Lord Bird” will premiere on Aug. 9 at 10 p.m. The limited series from Blumhouse Television is based on James McBride‘s best-selling novel of the same name and told from the point of view of Onion (Joshua Caleb Johnson), a fictional enslaved boy who becomes a member of abolitionist John Brown’s (Ethan Hawke) motley family of soldiers during Bleeding Kansas. Onion eventually finds himself participating in the 1859 raid on the U.S Armory at Harpers Ferry. “The Good Lord Bird” is executive produced by Jason Blum, Ethan Hawke, Ryan Hawke, Mark Richard, Padraic McKinley, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Albert Hughes, James McBride, Brian Taylor, Marshall Persinger and David Schiff. Watch a trailer for the new series below.
- 5/13/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime has greenlit a new “Dance Moms” series, subtitled “Abby’s Virtual Dance Off,” Variety has learned exclusively.
The cabler and Abby Lee Miller are inviting dancers from across the country to submit their best moves to see who has what it takes to be dubbed “The Abby Dancer” in this new 12-episode series premiering this summer.
Creativity is encouraged, whether it comes to fancy footwork or an interesting at-home backdrop. As Lifetime puts it, “a hip-hop routine in the kitchen or a ballet recital in the backyard — anything goes!”
“I see everybody out there, dancing in their living rooms,” Miller said in the series announcement video, which you can watch above. “Well, submit to ‘Abby’s Virtual Dance Off’ on Lifetime!’
Selected videos will then be shown in each episode, with Miller critiquing each self-submitted performance and ultimately Skyping with the winner to reveal whose routine earned her highest accolade.
The cabler and Abby Lee Miller are inviting dancers from across the country to submit their best moves to see who has what it takes to be dubbed “The Abby Dancer” in this new 12-episode series premiering this summer.
Creativity is encouraged, whether it comes to fancy footwork or an interesting at-home backdrop. As Lifetime puts it, “a hip-hop routine in the kitchen or a ballet recital in the backyard — anything goes!”
“I see everybody out there, dancing in their living rooms,” Miller said in the series announcement video, which you can watch above. “Well, submit to ‘Abby’s Virtual Dance Off’ on Lifetime!’
Selected videos will then be shown in each episode, with Miller critiquing each self-submitted performance and ultimately Skyping with the winner to reveal whose routine earned her highest accolade.
- 4/22/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime has picked up a new remotely shot spinoff of “Married at First Sight,” the network announced on Wednesday.
Titled “Couples Cam,” the six-episode series will feature self-recorded footage from eight fan-favorite couples from across the show’s 10 seasons. The series will premiere May 20.
“Lifetime viewers fell in love with these couples when they were on Mafs and in the unprecedented time facing the world, ‘Married at First Sight: Couples Cam’ now allows us to continue to provide intimate access to these couples as their relationships have continued to grow, even after their seasons ended,” said Gena McCarthy, executive vice president of unscripted at Lifetime. “With the uncertain times we are all facing and having to pivot our production practices, we are thrilled to be able to deliver this special and exciting new series to give our fans even more of what they love.”
Also Read: TLC Sets '90 Day...
Titled “Couples Cam,” the six-episode series will feature self-recorded footage from eight fan-favorite couples from across the show’s 10 seasons. The series will premiere May 20.
“Lifetime viewers fell in love with these couples when they were on Mafs and in the unprecedented time facing the world, ‘Married at First Sight: Couples Cam’ now allows us to continue to provide intimate access to these couples as their relationships have continued to grow, even after their seasons ended,” said Gena McCarthy, executive vice president of unscripted at Lifetime. “With the uncertain times we are all facing and having to pivot our production practices, we are thrilled to be able to deliver this special and exciting new series to give our fans even more of what they love.”
Also Read: TLC Sets '90 Day...
- 4/8/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Lifetime has given a green light to Married At First Sight: Couples Cam, new spinoff to hit reality series Married at First Sight.
The series order comes as the network adapts to the new production realities forced by the coronavirus pandemic. Married at First Sight: Couples Cam will be self-shot by the couples themselves, as it follows their ongoing stories in real time. Using mounted cameras, diary cams and virtual group chats, the series will follow the highs, lows, humor and drama and domestic life of eight fan-favorite Married at First Sight couples from ten seasons on the air.
More from Deadline'i Was Lorena Bobbitt': Dani Montalvo & Luke Humphrey To Star In Lifetime MovieAmy Winter Joins Lifetime As Head of ProgrammingMilitary Couples Docuseries 'Battlefield Of Love' Gets Series Order At Lifetime
The spinoff will feature never-before-seen footage captured by the couples, including births of their Mafs babies,...
The series order comes as the network adapts to the new production realities forced by the coronavirus pandemic. Married at First Sight: Couples Cam will be self-shot by the couples themselves, as it follows their ongoing stories in real time. Using mounted cameras, diary cams and virtual group chats, the series will follow the highs, lows, humor and drama and domestic life of eight fan-favorite Married at First Sight couples from ten seasons on the air.
More from Deadline'i Was Lorena Bobbitt': Dani Montalvo & Luke Humphrey To Star In Lifetime MovieAmy Winter Joins Lifetime As Head of ProgrammingMilitary Couples Docuseries 'Battlefield Of Love' Gets Series Order At Lifetime
The spinoff will feature never-before-seen footage captured by the couples, including births of their Mafs babies,...
- 4/8/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has tapped UPtv Evp and General Manager Amy Winter as Evp and Head of Programming. Based in New York, she will oversee all programming for the network inclusive of movies, scripted and unscripted for Lifetime and Lmn, reporting to Rob Sharenow, President of Programming at A+E Networks. Winter will start her new job in March.
With Winter’s hire, Lifetime is reinstating the Evp/Head of Programming role, which was phased out in 2018 following the exit of Liz Gateley. At the time, her duties were split between Gena McCarthy, who was named Evp, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, fyi, and Tanya Lopez, who was promoted to Evp, Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime and Lmn. McCarthy and Lopez are staying on and now will report to Winter.
“I’ve long admired Amy and all of the success she’s had throughout her career, and I...
With Winter’s hire, Lifetime is reinstating the Evp/Head of Programming role, which was phased out in 2018 following the exit of Liz Gateley. At the time, her duties were split between Gena McCarthy, who was named Evp, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, fyi, and Tanya Lopez, who was promoted to Evp, Movies, Limited Series & Original Movie Acquisitions, Lifetime and Lmn. McCarthy and Lopez are staying on and now will report to Winter.
“I’ve long admired Amy and all of the success she’s had throughout her career, and I...
- 2/25/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Peacock’s limited series “Angelyne” got the titular woman as an executive producer, and Netflix announced premiere dates for “Ugly Delicious” and “Unorthodox.”
Dates
Netflix announced the premiere dates of new and returning shows coming this March: “Ugly Delicious” Season 2 is premiering March 6; “Marc Maron: End Times Fun” will launch March 10; “Dirty Money” will return March 11 with Season 2; Season 3 of “Elite” will premiere March 13; and “Unorthodox” launches March 26. “Ugly Delicious comes from David Chang and Morgan Neville, revolving on Chang as he offers viewers a recipe of a specific dish and then shows them variations from across the globe. Maron’s “Ent Times Fun” is the performer’s third comedy special with the streamer. “Dirty Money” is delivering six episodes that examine cases of corporate corruption. “Elite” is a Spanish-language drama following a group of teenagers attending a private high school where the...
Dates
Netflix announced the premiere dates of new and returning shows coming this March: “Ugly Delicious” Season 2 is premiering March 6; “Marc Maron: End Times Fun” will launch March 10; “Dirty Money” will return March 11 with Season 2; Season 3 of “Elite” will premiere March 13; and “Unorthodox” launches March 26. “Ugly Delicious comes from David Chang and Morgan Neville, revolving on Chang as he offers viewers a recipe of a specific dish and then shows them variations from across the globe. Maron’s “Ent Times Fun” is the performer’s third comedy special with the streamer. “Dirty Money” is delivering six episodes that examine cases of corporate corruption. “Elite” is a Spanish-language drama following a group of teenagers attending a private high school where the...
- 2/20/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime is expanding its relationship content with an eight-episode order for Battlefield of Love, a new docuseries that focuses on military couples.
The most popular search on dating apps is for active duty military members, according to Lifetime. Battlefield of Love focuses on members of the military who have fallen in love with civilians that they’ve met online. Most of these relationships began when the soldiers were on active duty and the couples had not yet met in person.
“Battlefield of Love is another authentic offering in our core relationship genre,” said Gena McCarthy, Evp and Head of Lifetime Unscripted. “This dating phenomenon really happens, and the series blends aspects of Army Wives with Married at First Sight, with incredibly high stakes and a legitimate ticking clock.”
The series follows nine diverse military couples on their journey for love across continents, war zones, cultural divides and family objections...
The most popular search on dating apps is for active duty military members, according to Lifetime. Battlefield of Love focuses on members of the military who have fallen in love with civilians that they’ve met online. Most of these relationships began when the soldiers were on active duty and the couples had not yet met in person.
“Battlefield of Love is another authentic offering in our core relationship genre,” said Gena McCarthy, Evp and Head of Lifetime Unscripted. “This dating phenomenon really happens, and the series blends aspects of Army Wives with Married at First Sight, with incredibly high stakes and a legitimate ticking clock.”
The series follows nine diverse military couples on their journey for love across continents, war zones, cultural divides and family objections...
- 2/19/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
On the heels of its Emmy-nominated Surviving R. Kelly and follow-up Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning, Lifetime has given an official green light to four-hour documentary Surviving Jeffrey Epstein, set for premiere this summer.
The documentary, which hails from Emmy winner Robert Friedman’s Bungalow Media + Entertainment, investigates the billionaire New York financier who is alleged to have used his connections to the rich and famous to shield his predatory behavior with young girls. Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in August while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. The official pickup was announced Saturday as part of Lifetime’s presentation at the TCA Winter Press Tour. The project had been in development since July.
The documentary is directed by Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern.
The A+E Networks broadcaster says the documentary...
The documentary, which hails from Emmy winner Robert Friedman’s Bungalow Media + Entertainment, investigates the billionaire New York financier who is alleged to have used his connections to the rich and famous to shield his predatory behavior with young girls. Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in August while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. The official pickup was announced Saturday as part of Lifetime’s presentation at the TCA Winter Press Tour. The project had been in development since July.
The documentary is directed by Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern.
The A+E Networks broadcaster says the documentary...
- 1/18/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has officially ordered the four-hour documentary series “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein.”
The announcement was made at the Television Critics Association winter press tour on Saturday. The series was originally announced as in development last summer and is expected to air this summer on Lifetime.
Hailing from Emmy-winner Robert Friedman’s Bungalow Media + Entertainment, Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern will direct. Long-time contributor to The New York Times, New York Magazine, Town & Country and Architectural Digest, Christopher Mason is also attached to the project. Shura Davidson and Gena McCarthy executive produce for Lifetime.
The cabler previously found success with a similar docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly,” which detailed allegations of sexual abuse and assault against the singer. Kelly was subsequently indicted on a range of federal charges including child pornography and kidnapping.
Epstein was arrested in July 2019 and accused of sexually assaulting and trafficking numerous underage girls. The case drew worldwide...
The announcement was made at the Television Critics Association winter press tour on Saturday. The series was originally announced as in development last summer and is expected to air this summer on Lifetime.
Hailing from Emmy-winner Robert Friedman’s Bungalow Media + Entertainment, Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern will direct. Long-time contributor to The New York Times, New York Magazine, Town & Country and Architectural Digest, Christopher Mason is also attached to the project. Shura Davidson and Gena McCarthy executive produce for Lifetime.
The cabler previously found success with a similar docuseries, “Surviving R. Kelly,” which detailed allegations of sexual abuse and assault against the singer. Kelly was subsequently indicted on a range of federal charges including child pornography and kidnapping.
Epstein was arrested in July 2019 and accused of sexually assaulting and trafficking numerous underage girls. The case drew worldwide...
- 1/18/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime has greenlit Ripped from the Headlines true-crime film, I Was Lorena Bobbitt, and the return of the series Smart Justice, hosted by Elizabeth Smart.
Lorena Bobbitt became a household name and made tabloid headlines when, after alleging years of abuse by her husband, she cut off his penis with a knife in 1993. Now, nearly 30 years later, she tells her story for the first time with Lifetime. The fully authorized film, in which Bobbitt serves as an executive producer, follows her journey from an immigrant bride to a battered wife into an unlikely media sensation. I Am Lorena Bobbitt also documents her ultimately devoting her life to advocating for other abused women.
Produced by Cineflix International, executive producers are Bobbitt, Andy Streitfeld, Jeff Vanderwal and Charles Tremayne. I Was Lorena Bobbitt is written by Barbara Nance and will be directed by Danishka Esterhazy. Casting is underway on the movie series,...
Lorena Bobbitt became a household name and made tabloid headlines when, after alleging years of abuse by her husband, she cut off his penis with a knife in 1993. Now, nearly 30 years later, she tells her story for the first time with Lifetime. The fully authorized film, in which Bobbitt serves as an executive producer, follows her journey from an immigrant bride to a battered wife into an unlikely media sensation. I Am Lorena Bobbitt also documents her ultimately devoting her life to advocating for other abused women.
Produced by Cineflix International, executive producers are Bobbitt, Andy Streitfeld, Jeff Vanderwal and Charles Tremayne. I Was Lorena Bobbitt is written by Barbara Nance and will be directed by Danishka Esterhazy. Casting is underway on the movie series,...
- 1/18/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime is bringing more true-crime to primetime. The network has commissioned six “Smart Justice” specials with Elizabeth Smart to serve as companion docs for its “Ripped from the Headlines” true-crime movie slate.
In each “Smart Justice” special, Smart — the woman who became famous for escaping from her abductors after being kidnapped at the age of 14 — will analyze the details of the real-life case presented in each movie.
Two other projects greenlit from the headlines: the four-hour documentary “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein,” and a new authorized biopic “I Was Lorena Bobbitt” — based on the sensationalized ’90s slashing. Bobbit will serve as an executive producer on her own biopic.
Here is the description for “I Was Lorena Bobbit.”
“Lorena Bobbitt became a household name and made tabloid headlines when after years of abuse by her husband, she cut off his penis with a knife in 1993. Now nearly 30 years later, Lorena tells her story,...
In each “Smart Justice” special, Smart — the woman who became famous for escaping from her abductors after being kidnapped at the age of 14 — will analyze the details of the real-life case presented in each movie.
Two other projects greenlit from the headlines: the four-hour documentary “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein,” and a new authorized biopic “I Was Lorena Bobbitt” — based on the sensationalized ’90s slashing. Bobbit will serve as an executive producer on her own biopic.
Here is the description for “I Was Lorena Bobbit.”
“Lorena Bobbitt became a household name and made tabloid headlines when after years of abuse by her husband, she cut off his penis with a knife in 1993. Now nearly 30 years later, Lorena tells her story,...
- 1/18/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Robin Roberts. Gretchen Carlson. Alex Cooper. Wendy Williams. Jo Frost. Ashley Graham. As Lifetime hits its 35th anniversary as a network, it does so with a plethora of pivotal partnerships to further the brand’s promise to keep women’s perspectives the drivers of their narrative stories.
“Our women are survivors, not victims,” says Tanya Lopez, executive vice president, movies, limited series and original acquisitions, Lifetime and Lifetime Movies. “It’s something we’ve seen that we as a network — only on Lifetime — will do. And that’s the big theme that we have now used as a filter for everything that we are doing: Only on Lifetime will you hear this way of telling a story.”
Although Lifetime’s goal was always to put women’s stories at the forefront, Lopez feels the brand began evolving to its current theme in 2016 when it released “Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le,...
“Our women are survivors, not victims,” says Tanya Lopez, executive vice president, movies, limited series and original acquisitions, Lifetime and Lifetime Movies. “It’s something we’ve seen that we as a network — only on Lifetime — will do. And that’s the big theme that we have now used as a filter for everything that we are doing: Only on Lifetime will you hear this way of telling a story.”
Although Lifetime’s goal was always to put women’s stories at the forefront, Lopez feels the brand began evolving to its current theme in 2016 when it released “Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le,...
- 10/10/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Following the big ratings for the Season 1 finale of Marrying Millions, Lifetime has renewed the reality show for a second season. It will consist of 16 episodes, up from 10 for its freshman season, and is slated for premiere in 2020.
From the creators of 90 Day Fiancé, Marrying Millions follows relationships where one partner is incredibly wealthy and the other definitively is not.
“We’re so excited to see Marrying Millions break through and are expanding the franchise to super-serve women hungry for strong, provocative relationship content,” said Gena McCarthy, Evp and Head of Lifetime Unscripted.
Boosted by its lead-in, the highly rated Decision Day finale of Married at First Sight, the Season 1 finale of Marrying Millions on September 11 hit season-high marks in all key demos, delivering 433K with W25-54 in L3. Marrying Millions grew an additional 199k in its season finale within a three-day window, marking the highest lift of the season.
From the creators of 90 Day Fiancé, Marrying Millions follows relationships where one partner is incredibly wealthy and the other definitively is not.
“We’re so excited to see Marrying Millions break through and are expanding the franchise to super-serve women hungry for strong, provocative relationship content,” said Gena McCarthy, Evp and Head of Lifetime Unscripted.
Boosted by its lead-in, the highly rated Decision Day finale of Married at First Sight, the Season 1 finale of Marrying Millions on September 11 hit season-high marks in all key demos, delivering 433K with W25-54 in L3. Marrying Millions grew an additional 199k in its season finale within a three-day window, marking the highest lift of the season.
- 10/2/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime has ordered two new seasons — Seasons 10 and 11 — of its flagship reality series Married at First Sight, which is getting supersized with more couples and longer episodes. The news comes a week after the Season 9 Decision Day finale of the Kinetic Content-produced show last week hit a series high.
Starting with Season 10, which will be set in Washington D.C. area and will debut in January 2020, Married at First Sight will feature for the first time five new couples — up from three in Seasons 1-7 and four in Seasons 8-9 — and two-hour episodes, up from an hour originally and 90 minutes most recently. Season 11 is expected to take place in New Orleans. Seventeen two-hour episodes have been ordered for both new seasons.
Married At First Sight, in which couples meet for the first time at the alter, has ranked as Lifetime’s top series for the past two years. Last...
Starting with Season 10, which will be set in Washington D.C. area and will debut in January 2020, Married at First Sight will feature for the first time five new couples — up from three in Seasons 1-7 and four in Seasons 8-9 — and two-hour episodes, up from an hour originally and 90 minutes most recently. Season 11 is expected to take place in New Orleans. Seventeen two-hour episodes have been ordered for both new seasons.
Married At First Sight, in which couples meet for the first time at the alter, has ranked as Lifetime’s top series for the past two years. Last...
- 9/20/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime is beefing up its TV film slate for next year, increasing the total to 150 movies and bringing in Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah to help.
The high-profile female trio will executive produce a biopic on the Clark Sisters. The authorized movie will detail their humble beginnings, struggles to find their place, to later becoming the best-selling Gospel group in the music world. The movie will feature re-recordings of some of the Clark Sisters biggest hits like “You Brought The Sunshine” and stars SAG nominee Aunjanue Ellis.
Elsewhere on the scripted front, Lifetime has set a miniseries on the female rap duo Salt-n-Pepa.
Also Read: Julie Andrews to Receive Venice Film Festival's Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement
The miniseries follows the story of nursing students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton as they fall into the world of rap and hip hop, after recording for a friend’s school project.
The high-profile female trio will executive produce a biopic on the Clark Sisters. The authorized movie will detail their humble beginnings, struggles to find their place, to later becoming the best-selling Gospel group in the music world. The movie will feature re-recordings of some of the Clark Sisters biggest hits like “You Brought The Sunshine” and stars SAG nominee Aunjanue Ellis.
Elsewhere on the scripted front, Lifetime has set a miniseries on the female rap duo Salt-n-Pepa.
Also Read: Julie Andrews to Receive Venice Film Festival's Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement
The miniseries follows the story of nursing students Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton as they fall into the world of rap and hip hop, after recording for a friend’s school project.
- 3/27/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Lifetime is bringing back parenting reality series Supernanny for a 20-part order.
The A+E Networks-owned broadcaster will launch the revamped version of the British format in 2020. Original host Jo Frost, who was the original supernanny in the UK version, which aired on Channel 4, and also hosted a U.S. adaptation for ABC.
Frost will infuse her 30 years of expertise to the issues facing modern-day families. With new social and behavioral challenges parents face today, Frost will bring hope and uplift families with her advice, techniques, and tips to iron out the chaos in their homes.
Lifetime previously aired America’s Supernanny for two seasons between 2011 and 2013 with Frost’s former partner Deborah Tillman as host.
Frost has previously hosted series including Family Sos on TLC and also produced Nanny on Tour through her own Nanny Jo Productions for Up TV in 2016.
The new series will be produced by Warner Bros-owned Shed Media,...
The A+E Networks-owned broadcaster will launch the revamped version of the British format in 2020. Original host Jo Frost, who was the original supernanny in the UK version, which aired on Channel 4, and also hosted a U.S. adaptation for ABC.
Frost will infuse her 30 years of expertise to the issues facing modern-day families. With new social and behavioral challenges parents face today, Frost will bring hope and uplift families with her advice, techniques, and tips to iron out the chaos in their homes.
Lifetime previously aired America’s Supernanny for two seasons between 2011 and 2013 with Frost’s former partner Deborah Tillman as host.
Frost has previously hosted series including Family Sos on TLC and also produced Nanny on Tour through her own Nanny Jo Productions for Up TV in 2016.
The new series will be produced by Warner Bros-owned Shed Media,...
- 3/27/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Phylicia Rashad; upcoming series “David Makes Man,” “The Terror: Infamy” and “Los Espookys”; and some panels dedicated to female storytelling have joined the eighth annual Atx Television Festival.
Rashad will be honored with this year’s “Award in Television eXcellence” and will take part in a Q&A discussion around the event. This award celebrates her iconic roles on “The Cosby Show,” “Empire,” “This is Us” and “David Makes Man.”
Speaking of “David Makes Man,” the upcoming Own drama will host a pilot screening at the festival, followed by a panel discussion with showrunner Dee Harris-Lawrence and cast members Rashad and Akili McDowell. The show centers on a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty.
Atx will also feature a premiere screening and panel for HBO’s upcoming primarily Spanish-language comedy “Los Espookys.
Rashad will be honored with this year’s “Award in Television eXcellence” and will take part in a Q&A discussion around the event. This award celebrates her iconic roles on “The Cosby Show,” “Empire,” “This is Us” and “David Makes Man.”
Speaking of “David Makes Man,” the upcoming Own drama will host a pilot screening at the festival, followed by a panel discussion with showrunner Dee Harris-Lawrence and cast members Rashad and Akili McDowell. The show centers on a 14-year-old prodigy from the projects who is haunted by the death of his closest friend and relied on by his hardworking mother to find a way out of poverty.
Atx will also feature a premiere screening and panel for HBO’s upcoming primarily Spanish-language comedy “Los Espookys.
- 3/22/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Lifetime has tapped reality television veteran Cat Rodriguez to be VP of Unscripted Development and Programming. Rodriguez will be based in Los Angeles and report to Gena McCarthy, Evp of Unscripted and Development at Lifetime and Head of Programming for Fyi.
“I’m thrilled to have Cat on the Lifetime team,” McCarthy said in a statement. “Her breadth of work as a producer and showrunner is impressive and given her previous work on Lifetime and Fyi hit series Little Women and Seven Year Switch, I know she is going to be a huge asset for us.”
Rodriguez is a graduate of California State University Northridge, and has more than 20 years of experience in unscripted television. She began her career working on such MTV shows as Date My Mom, Parental Control, and Bam’s Unholy Union.
More recently she produced La Ink with Kat Von D and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
“I’m thrilled to have Cat on the Lifetime team,” McCarthy said in a statement. “Her breadth of work as a producer and showrunner is impressive and given her previous work on Lifetime and Fyi hit series Little Women and Seven Year Switch, I know she is going to be a huge asset for us.”
Rodriguez is a graduate of California State University Northridge, and has more than 20 years of experience in unscripted television. She began her career working on such MTV shows as Date My Mom, Parental Control, and Bam’s Unholy Union.
More recently she produced La Ink with Kat Von D and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
- 2/21/2019
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
For years, Lifetime’s unscripted brand had been associated primarily with Project Runway. Then in 2011, Dance Moms came along, followed by the Little Women franchise. In 2017, the breakout relationship series Married at First Sight moved to Lifetime from A+E Networks sibling Fyi. A year later, the network launched a Justice For Women programming block. That theme was punctuated by this year’s Surviving R. Kelly six-part documentary detailing sexual abuse allegations against Kelly, which was a ratings hit and triggered a social conversation that is still ongoing.
In an interview with Deadline, Gena McCarthy, Evp, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, Fyi, reveals Lifetime’s plans for following up on the success of Surviving R. Kelly with other docu series, talks about the return of Abby Lee Miller to Dance Moms and possible spinoffs of the hit reality series, and addresses whether the network would take on new...
In an interview with Deadline, Gena McCarthy, Evp, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, Fyi, reveals Lifetime’s plans for following up on the success of Surviving R. Kelly with other docu series, talks about the return of Abby Lee Miller to Dance Moms and possible spinoffs of the hit reality series, and addresses whether the network would take on new...
- 2/19/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
We’re getting a first look at Gretchen Carlson: Breaking The Silence, the first of three documentary specials to air as part of Carlson’s production deal with A+E Originals; A+E’s in-house nonfiction division. The two-hour docu special airs January 14 at 8 Pm on Lifetime.
In Gretchen Carlson: Breaking the Silence, Carlson travels the country uncovering untold stories of sexual harassment and abuse, from an exclusive look into the alleged abuse with fast-food giant McDonald’s to the work environment of a county fire department. Along the way, Carlson peels back the layers of her own story, reliving the emotional days following her lawsuit against Roger Ailes, CEO and Chairman of Fox News, and the toll it took on those closest to her, including her family.
In the special, Carlson meets with Tanya Harrell, Kim Lawson and Kristi Maisenbach, who are at the center of the on-going and...
In Gretchen Carlson: Breaking the Silence, Carlson travels the country uncovering untold stories of sexual harassment and abuse, from an exclusive look into the alleged abuse with fast-food giant McDonald’s to the work environment of a county fire department. Along the way, Carlson peels back the layers of her own story, reliving the emotional days following her lawsuit against Roger Ailes, CEO and Chairman of Fox News, and the toll it took on those closest to her, including her family.
In the special, Carlson meets with Tanya Harrell, Kim Lawson and Kristi Maisenbach, who are at the center of the on-going and...
- 12/17/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has given the green light to eight-part reality event series My Great Big Live Wedding with David Tutera. Produced by Thinkfactory Media, the series is slated to premiere in early 2019.
In the series, eight inspirational couples will work with renowned wedding and event planner Tutera, to receive the wedding of their dreams. Each week, one new couple will share their emotional and heart-warming story live from a different city or town across the country. Dramatic reveals will culminate in the live broadcast of the wedding, brought to life by Tutera, Lifetime says.
“We scoured the country to find the most amazing couples whose true stories of courage and survival against all odds define Real Love. We’re honored to celebrate these love stories with America.” said Gena McCarthy, Executive Vice President and Head of Programing for Lifetime Unscripted and fyi. “David Tutera is a best-in-class talent who delivers dream events.
In the series, eight inspirational couples will work with renowned wedding and event planner Tutera, to receive the wedding of their dreams. Each week, one new couple will share their emotional and heart-warming story live from a different city or town across the country. Dramatic reveals will culminate in the live broadcast of the wedding, brought to life by Tutera, Lifetime says.
“We scoured the country to find the most amazing couples whose true stories of courage and survival against all odds define Real Love. We’re honored to celebrate these love stories with America.” said Gena McCarthy, Executive Vice President and Head of Programing for Lifetime Unscripted and fyi. “David Tutera is a best-in-class talent who delivers dream events.
- 9/20/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Honored by Life & Style magazine as the "Best Celebrity Wedding Planner," David Tutera does not mess around when it comes to creating a couple's perfect walk down the aisle and of course, the blowout reception to follow. That's why we have no doubt that his new Lifetime series, My Great Big Live Wedding, will be the epitome of matrimonial bliss. The eight-part series — premiering in early 2019 — will follow a new couple each week on their wedding journey. However, unlike your typical wedding show, Mgblw will culminate in the live broadcast of the wedding brought to life by David himself! (Courtesy of A+E/Lifetime) In addition, the couples who have been chosen to participate are quite unique. "We scoured the country to find the most amazing couples whose true stories of courage and survival against all odds define real love. We're honored to celebrate these love stories with America," said Gena McCarthy,...
- 9/20/2018
- by Melissa Copelton
- Life and Style
Exclusive: Lifetime’s beauty competition American Beauty Star has tapped the expertise of legendary supermodel Christie Brinkley, Hearst Magazines Chief Beauty Director Leah Wyar, and fashion and beauty photographer Yu Tsai as the new judges for season 2.
The new season of the reality competition began production on its second season today in Atlanta. Brinkley, Wyar, and Tsai will join supermodel host Ashley Graham and celebrity makeup artist mentor Sir John. Each week, the new trio of judges will use their experience in the industry and perspective to determine who stays in and who packs up their brushes and goes home.
This season will include an exclusive partnership with Hearst Magazines, spearheaded by Holly Whidden, head of Hearst Magazines entertainment division. The partnership will include social and digital content across Hearst titles, unique challenges inspired by the high end magazines, which includes Cosmopolitan. The winner of season 2 will also have the...
The new season of the reality competition began production on its second season today in Atlanta. Brinkley, Wyar, and Tsai will join supermodel host Ashley Graham and celebrity makeup artist mentor Sir John. Each week, the new trio of judges will use their experience in the industry and perspective to determine who stays in and who packs up their brushes and goes home.
This season will include an exclusive partnership with Hearst Magazines, spearheaded by Holly Whidden, head of Hearst Magazines entertainment division. The partnership will include social and digital content across Hearst titles, unique challenges inspired by the high end magazines, which includes Cosmopolitan. The winner of season 2 will also have the...
- 8/23/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has announced two “Married at First Sight” spinoffs, both of which will premiere this fall, the network announced at the Television Critics Association summer 2018 press tour on Thursday.
The first spinoff, “Married at First Sight: Honeymoon Island,” will see previous “Married at First Sight” participants get a second chance at finding love. In eight, one-hour episodes, 20 singles — some previous fan favorites included — are invited to an island to connect with the other participants and see if they fall in love. By the end of their stay, couples must decide to break up or get married.
Also Read: 'Married at First Sight' Reunion: Ashley and Husband React to Pregnancy Surprise (Exclusive Video)
The series is produced by Kinetic Content, a Red Arrow Studios company, and executive produced by Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Cat Rodriguez and Ally Simpson from Kinetic Content and Gena McCarthy from Lifetime.
The second spinoff,...
The first spinoff, “Married at First Sight: Honeymoon Island,” will see previous “Married at First Sight” participants get a second chance at finding love. In eight, one-hour episodes, 20 singles — some previous fan favorites included — are invited to an island to connect with the other participants and see if they fall in love. By the end of their stay, couples must decide to break up or get married.
Also Read: 'Married at First Sight' Reunion: Ashley and Husband React to Pregnancy Surprise (Exclusive Video)
The series is produced by Kinetic Content, a Red Arrow Studios company, and executive produced by Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Cat Rodriguez and Ally Simpson from Kinetic Content and Gena McCarthy from Lifetime.
The second spinoff,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
Lifetime is adding two more spinoffs from its popular Married at First Sight franchise this fall and adding more episodes of Live Pd Presents: Women on Patrol as the net expands its unscripted slate.
The A+E Networks-owned cable channel said at TCA today that it has ordered Married at First Sight: Honeymoon Island and Married at First Sight: Happily Ever After to join the Real Love block on Tuesdays in fall. Honeymoon Island brings back unmatched candidates from past seasons of the franchise for another shot of love at first sight. Happily Ever After focuses on three couples from past seasons as cameras continue to follow their stories. No premiere date is set for the pair of spinoffs produced by Kinetic Entertainment. Both will get eight-episode rookie seasons.
Lifetime also has ordered 20 additional episodes of Live Pd Presents: Women on Patrol for its Justice for Women with Gretchen Carlson block on Mondays.
The A+E Networks-owned cable channel said at TCA today that it has ordered Married at First Sight: Honeymoon Island and Married at First Sight: Happily Ever After to join the Real Love block on Tuesdays in fall. Honeymoon Island brings back unmatched candidates from past seasons of the franchise for another shot of love at first sight. Happily Ever After focuses on three couples from past seasons as cameras continue to follow their stories. No premiere date is set for the pair of spinoffs produced by Kinetic Entertainment. Both will get eight-episode rookie seasons.
Lifetime also has ordered 20 additional episodes of Live Pd Presents: Women on Patrol for its Justice for Women with Gretchen Carlson block on Mondays.
- 7/26/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime has renewed the drama series “You” for a second season ahead of its series premiere on Sept. 9, the network announced Thursday at the TCA summer press tour.
The series is based on Caroline Kepnes’ follow up novel to “Hidden Bodies.” In Season 1, Penn Badgley stars as Joe Goldberg, the ultimate romantic, a man willing to cross any line in pursuit of true love. In Season 2, Joe ventures into even riskier, bolder territory as his quest takes him across the country from New York to Los Angeles. Now, he must face the darkest parts of his past as he tries to make a future for himself and the woman he loves.
The series also stars Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, and Luca Padovan. Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble, Sarah Schechter, Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo, and Marcos Siega serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Berlanti Productions, Man Sewing Dinosaur, and...
The series is based on Caroline Kepnes’ follow up novel to “Hidden Bodies.” In Season 1, Penn Badgley stars as Joe Goldberg, the ultimate romantic, a man willing to cross any line in pursuit of true love. In Season 2, Joe ventures into even riskier, bolder territory as his quest takes him across the country from New York to Los Angeles. Now, he must face the darkest parts of his past as he tries to make a future for himself and the woman he loves.
The series also stars Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, and Luca Padovan. Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble, Sarah Schechter, Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo, and Marcos Siega serve as executive producers. The series is produced by Berlanti Productions, Man Sewing Dinosaur, and...
- 7/26/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Gretchen Carlson has been tapped to host a new programming block on Lifetime, centered around “justice for women,” the network announced on Monday. The two hour block will become a regularly occurring feature of the network’s Monday night lineup.
“I’m excited that Mondays on Lifetime will be dedicated to strong women with Justice for Women with Gretchen Carlson,” said Gena McCarthy, executive vice president and head of programming for the network. “Gretchen’s passion for women’s rights is incredibly inspiring and we are excited for the robust partnership.”
The new block will include a spinoff of the wildly successful A&E hit “Live Pd” that will focus on women in law enforcement. “Live Pd Presents: Women on Patrol,” will air at 9:00 p.m. eastern and will be narrated by Carlson.
Also Read: 'Fox & Friends': Kim Jong Un 'Probably Doesn't Love' Murdering People (Video)
“I’m thrilled to...
“I’m excited that Mondays on Lifetime will be dedicated to strong women with Justice for Women with Gretchen Carlson,” said Gena McCarthy, executive vice president and head of programming for the network. “Gretchen’s passion for women’s rights is incredibly inspiring and we are excited for the robust partnership.”
The new block will include a spinoff of the wildly successful A&E hit “Live Pd” that will focus on women in law enforcement. “Live Pd Presents: Women on Patrol,” will air at 9:00 p.m. eastern and will be narrated by Carlson.
Also Read: 'Fox & Friends': Kim Jong Un 'Probably Doesn't Love' Murdering People (Video)
“I’m thrilled to...
- 6/4/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
Gretchen Carlson has signed on to host Lifetime’s new “Justice for Women” Monday night programming block, which bows June 18.
The two-hour showcase will open at 8 p.m. with the debut of “Live Pd: Women on Patrol,” a spinoff of the “Live Pd” ride-along police reality series that has been a success for Lifetime sibling A&E Network. Carlson will also narrate the show, which will weave together live feeds of female law enforcement officers on the job in Jackson, Wyo., Wilmington, N.C., Stockton, Calif., among other cities. Lifetime has ordered 20 half-hour episodes.
The fourth season of “Escaping Polygamy,” the docu series about three sisters who leave a polygamist group in Salt Lake City, will follow at 9 p.m.
The aim of the new themed night is to present shows featuring women who pursue justice and display courage as a routine part of their work. Carlson will serve as host...
The two-hour showcase will open at 8 p.m. with the debut of “Live Pd: Women on Patrol,” a spinoff of the “Live Pd” ride-along police reality series that has been a success for Lifetime sibling A&E Network. Carlson will also narrate the show, which will weave together live feeds of female law enforcement officers on the job in Jackson, Wyo., Wilmington, N.C., Stockton, Calif., among other cities. Lifetime has ordered 20 half-hour episodes.
The fourth season of “Escaping Polygamy,” the docu series about three sisters who leave a polygamist group in Salt Lake City, will follow at 9 p.m.
The aim of the new themed night is to present shows featuring women who pursue justice and display courage as a routine part of their work. Carlson will serve as host...
- 6/4/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
ABC has Shondaland Thursday, NBC has Chicago-branded Wednesday, now Lifetime is set to unveil Real Love relationship Tuesdays, beginning this summer. Anchored by breakout docuseries Married at First Sight, the new relationship block will air from 9-11 Pm starting in July.
Married at First Sight will kick things off on Tuesday, July 10 with a two-hour Season 7 premiere at 9 Pm. The following Tuesday, July 17, Seven Year Switch debuts its third season at 10 Pm. Seven Year Switch follows four couples who partake in an extreme experiment of switch therapy, swapping partners in an attempt to salvage their broken relationship.
“Personal connection is at the heart of what Lifetime delivers to our audience, and we’re committed to offering a weekly destination for high-quality, non-fiction, romance and real relationship-based programming,” said Gena McCarthy, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, Fyi. “With the enormously successful Married at First Sight anchoring the night,...
Married at First Sight will kick things off on Tuesday, July 10 with a two-hour Season 7 premiere at 9 Pm. The following Tuesday, July 17, Seven Year Switch debuts its third season at 10 Pm. Seven Year Switch follows four couples who partake in an extreme experiment of switch therapy, swapping partners in an attempt to salvage their broken relationship.
“Personal connection is at the heart of what Lifetime delivers to our audience, and we’re committed to offering a weekly destination for high-quality, non-fiction, romance and real relationship-based programming,” said Gena McCarthy, Executive Vice President, Head of Programming, Lifetime Unscripted & Head of Programming, Fyi. “With the enormously successful Married at First Sight anchoring the night,...
- 5/23/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Gretchen Carlson has signed an overall deal with A+E Networks to create and host a series of documentary specials for A+E Originals, the recently launched non-fiction content development company.
The first special under the pact is The Brave with Gretchen Carlson (working title) for Lifetime. It will focus on how Carlson’s actions to confront sexual harassment in the workplace has served as a catalyst for other women to come forward.
“It has now been confirmed that our voices are amplified and actually get heard when we stand together, and I am proud to partner with Lifetime to make change happen by presenting the heartbreaking, but previously untold, stories of everyday working women,” said Carlson. “We need to shine a light on the predators and their enablers, rather than ostracizing and blacklisting the innocent victims whose dreams and careers have been destroyed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to...
The first special under the pact is The Brave with Gretchen Carlson (working title) for Lifetime. It will focus on how Carlson’s actions to confront sexual harassment in the workplace has served as a catalyst for other women to come forward.
“It has now been confirmed that our voices are amplified and actually get heard when we stand together, and I am proud to partner with Lifetime to make change happen by presenting the heartbreaking, but previously untold, stories of everyday working women,” said Carlson. “We need to shine a light on the predators and their enablers, rather than ostracizing and blacklisting the innocent victims whose dreams and careers have been destroyed. I’m grateful for the opportunity to...
- 4/23/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lifetime’s head of programming Liz Gateley has stepped down after three years, the network announced on Thursday. Citing personal issues, Gateley announced in a memo to staff that she would be leaving the network to focus on her family, but will remain on board for a few “exciting passion projects” which have yet to be announced. In her place, Lifetime has promoted Tanya Lopez to executive vice president, giving her oversight of movies, limited series and movie acquisitions at Lifetime and Lmn. Gena McCarthy, currently executive vice president of programming at sister network Fyi, has expanded her role to include head of unscripted...
- 2/22/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Paul Greenberg is exiting his position as head of A+E Networks’ Fyi digital channel to launch digital video consulting firm Butter Works, Deadline has confirmed. Greenberg confirmed the move in a Twitter post today. As first reported by Deadline sister publication Variety, Greenberg, who has been exec VP and general manager of Fyi (former Biography) for two years, as well as head of A+E’s in-house digital content studio, will be replaced by Gena McCarthy, Fyi's exec VP of…...
- 1/24/2018
- Deadline TV
Are you suffering from a post-Easter candy coma or searching for something savory? Fyi has announced the second season of its Food Porn TV series will premiere Sunday, May 14, 2017 at 10:00pm Et/Pt. Check out photos, below. Restaurateur Michael Chernow continues his search for the most delicious dishes in America, in the 13 episodes of Food Porn, season two, on Fyi. Nick Rigg, David George, Karen Kunkel Young, and Brent Montgomery executive produce for Loud TV. Bethenny Frankel executive produces for B Real Productions. Gena McCarthy and James Bolosh executive produce for Fyi. Read More…...
- 4/17/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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