Interview with Tim Reid

TV Interview!

 

Actor/Director/Producer Tim Reid (from his Facebook page)

Interview with Tim Reid of “Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall” on Lifetime by Suzanne 8/6/24

This is my second one-on-one interview with actor/director/producer Tim Reid; he’s always so fun and interesting to speak with. He knows a lot about history, black history, and more, as well as the entertainment industry.  He directs this movie, so it was great to get his perspective on it, and on Miss Cleo herself. If you remember her, or even if you just like to watch biopics, you should definitely watch it because it’s fascinating, and you’ll probably learn a lot.

 

MORE INFO:  Official Site  Trailer

Key art for "Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall" on Lifetime

Lifetime Announces Biopic “Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall” Starring Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen Premiering 8/10

LIFETIME CHANNELS ICONIC TELEVISION PSYCHIC IN NEW BIOPIC
MISS CLEO: HER RISE AND FALL
PREMIERING SATURDAY AUGUST 10

 STARRING ROBIN “THE LADY OF RAGE” ALLEN,
SHANE JOHNSON AND IAN BOHEN
DIRECTED BY TIM REID

WATCH TRAILER NOW

LIFETIME WILL ALSO AIR THE DOC CALL ME MISS CLEO
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE MOVIE

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 15, 2024) – Lifetime expands the network’s summer movie slate with all-new biopic about beloved television personality and cult icon, Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall, premiering on Lifetime Saturday, August 10 at 8/7c, followed by the documentary Call Me Miss Cleo at 10/9c. Starring Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen (On Ten, Tha Dogg Pound & Snoop Dogg: Who da Hardest) along with Shane Johnson (Power) and Ian Bohen (Yellowstone) and directed by Tim Reid (Sister, Sister) the epic journey picks up in the late 90s’ when, single mom Youree Dell Harris finds herself desperate to take care of her family and takes a job at the Psychic Readers Network — only to become one of the networks most beloved personalities, Miss Cleo. But her challenges don’t end there and when the network faces allegations of fraud and deception, they turn their sights on Miss Cleo.  For the first time ever, Miss Cleo’s side of the story will finally be told.

Known for her work during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s with the Psychic Readers Network, this professional telephone and television psychic Youree Dell Harris (Allen) was launched into the pop culture zeitgeist when the network’s infomercials took off, making her a cult icon as the TV persona Miss Cleo.  Fondly remembered for donning a colorful turban in a candlelit room, Miss Cleo dutifully listened to callers detailing the most intimate details of their lives. Miss Cleo ultimately became the face of the Psychic Readers Network, earning the trust and loyalty for those that called her.  Years later, Harris’ world was turned upside down with complaints that the Psychic Readers Network was fraudulent and spread false advertising. Facing angry fans, Harris was forced to defend her reputation to clear her name and escape financial devastation.

Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall also stars Daphne Maxwell Reid, Cocoa Brown, Dwayne Boyd, Towanda Braxton, Jaida Standberry, Marley Taylor, Amelia Young, Stevie Baggs Jr., and Leslie Black.  Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall is produced by Hillionaire Productions for Lifetime and produced by Jami McCoy-Lankford and Samone Norsworthy, Anthony Standberry, Ahmed Hussain and Jami McCoy-Lankford serve as executive producers and William J. Cone serves as consulting producer. Tim Reid directs a screenplay by Camara Davis.

Call Me Miss Cleo the documentary chronicles the icons rise, fall, and reinvention of the ’90s TV psychic Miss Cleo.  Known for her larger-than-life persona and memorable accent, Miss Cleo, born Youree Dell Harris, garnered a nationwide cult following on the Psychic Readers Network, a popular telephone hotline that later came under fire for its alleged deceptive practices. Featuring interviews with celebrities and those closest to the self-proclaimed voodoo priestess, the film explores the many layers behind a complicated and charismatic figure. Call Me Miss Actor/Director/Producer Tim Reid (from his Facebook page)Cleo was produced by Gunpowder & Sky for HBO Max.  Van Toffler, Floris Bauer, Barry Barclay, Anne Loder, Jennifer O’Connell, and Lizzie Fox serve as executive producers.  The documentary is directed by Celia Aniskovich and Jennifer Brea.

Timothy Lee Reid Sr. is an American actor, comedian and film director best known for his roles in prime time American television programs, such as Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati, Marcel “Downtown” Brown on Simon & Simon, Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister and William Barnett on That ’70s Show.

Previous interview with Tim Reid

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Interview with Tahmoh Penikett

TV Interview!

 

Tahmoh Penikett, star of "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" on LIfetime. Photo from his Instagram.

Interview with Tahmoh Penikett of “The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 6/27/24

It was a lot of fun to speak with Tahmoh! He seems really nice and loves to chat. I’ve admired his work for a long time. He’s been in so many shows I’ve watched, so I’m a big fan.  Don’t miss this Lifetime movie tomorrow, Saturday, 6/29! It’s a good story, based on real life events that are pretty shocking.

MORE INFO:  Official Site  Trailer

Key art for "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" on Lifetime

The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story follows Ruth (Hatcher) and her husband, Ed’s (Tahmoh Penikett), tranquil life in Wichita, Kansas which is suddenly turned upside down when Ed suffers a heart attack.  As Ed fights for his life in the hospital, Ruth’s starts to receive mysterious threats, leaving her in a state of panic. With the city held hostage by the terror of the BTK killer, Ruth finds herself enveloped in paranoia, convinced that she will be the next victim, as the menacing phone calls escalate into chilling letters.  Amidst the frenzy of the police’s pursuit of BTK, Ruth is abducted, sending shockwaves through the community. Yet her sudden reappearance shortly after the kidnapping leaves investigators baffled and scrambling for answers. As suspicion mounts and new evidence comes to light, the authorities entertain the unsettling notion that the perpetrator may be someone intimately connected to Ruth.

The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story Images Search Icon Homepage A&E HISTORY Corporate Communications Lifetime LMN FYI, ViceTV A+E Studios A+E Factual Studios International Contacts Press Releases The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story Premieres Saturday, June 29 at 8p/7c Photos Tahmoh Penikett and Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Tahmoh Penikett and Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Tahmoh Penikett and Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" L to R: Teri Hatcher & Tahmoh Penikett in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" A+E Networks logo Our Family of Brands A+E Networks logo Follow A+E Networks aetv logo history logo lifetime logo lmn logo fyi logo viceland logo Biography History en Espanol Military History Crime and Investigation LRW Advertise With Us Copyright Policy Privacy Policy Corporate Information Employment Opportunities Terms Of Use © 2024, A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story | A+E Networks Tahmoh Penikett and Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story is produced by Housewife Productions Inc. for Lifetime. Navid Soofi produces with Tim Johnson and Stacy Mandelberg serving as executive producers and Lisa Alford as co-executive producer. The film is written by Katie Gruel and directed by Greg Beeman.

Tahmoh Penikett is a Canadian actor. He is known for playing Karl “Helo” Agathon on SyFy’s 2004 television series Battlestar Galactica. He has appeared in TV series Supernatural, Dollhouse, the Showcase time travel show Continuum, and as the antagonist Darius in the 2006 racing video game Need for Speed: Carbon.

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Interview with Denise Richards

TV Interview!

 

Denise Richards, Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford speak about "Hunting Housewives", which premieres 3/9/24 on Lifetime

Interview with Denise Richards, Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford of “Hunting Housewives” on Lifetime by Suzanne 3/5/24Denise Richards, Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford of "Hunting Housewives" 3/9/24 on Lifetime

This was a Lifetime Press Panel for this fun new Lifetime movie, “Hunting Housewives.” It’s a thriller with a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor. If you watch the “Real Housewives” and shows like that, then you’re no doubt familiar with Denise Richards and perhaps some of the other actors in the movie, and the type of women they portray here. It’s worth watching, and it sounds like there might be a sequel in the future. I loved Denise Richards in “The Bold and The Beautiful” and other shows. She does a good job here, even though she’s basically playing herself. At least, that’s how it seems. I was able to ask the very last question on the video. Enjoy this video. The movie airs tonight, March 9.

MORE INFO: Trailer  Official Site

Key art for the film "Hunting Housewives", which premieres 3/9/24 on Lifetime

In Hunting Housewives, four friends Karla Dodds (Denise Richards), Rebel Carron-Whitman (NeNe Leakes), Joli Symons (Kym Johnson Herjavec) and Sharell Bouvier (Melyssa Ford) head for a much-needed spa retreat weekend away from their husbands, children and busy schedules when suddenly they find themselves downed in a plane crash. With no knowledge of basic survival, the housewives must use their wits and whatever is in their designer bags to try to survive in the rugged wilds. When they realize they are not alone, even frenemies must align to outwit their hunters.

Hunting Housewives is produced by Brain Power Studio in association with Nicely Entertainment for Lifetime. Beth Stevenson, Nancy Yeaman, Stan Hum and Vanessa Shapiro executive produce. Paula Tiberius wrote the script and Marco Deufemia directs.

 

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Denise Richards, Kym Johnson Herjavec and Melyssa Ford of "Hunting Housewives" 3/9/24 on Lifetime

Interview with Megan Best

TV Interview!

 

Megan Best stars in "Confessions of a Cam Girl" on Lifetime - photo from IMDB.

Interview with Megan Best of “Confessions of a Cam Girl” on Lifetime by Suzanne 1/23/24

It was lovely to speak to Megan. You may know her from “The Watchful Eye” last year on Freeform, where she played the meeker of the two sisters, Darcy. She’s playing a very different character here.  She does very well as a young woman who thinks she knows what she wants and goes after it, even though she may be risking her life or reputation. It’s an exciting Lifetime drama, so you don’t want to miss it, Saturday, 1/27/24, 8/7c.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

"Confessions of a Cam Girl" key artInspired by real stories, Confessions of a Cam Girl follows the eighteen-year-old fashion savant Kristen (Megan Best, Dawn) who is set to become the first in her family to graduate college. Her working-class parents are furious when she reveals a plan to attend fashion school instead of college. Her parents refuse to use her college fund for her farfetched dream. Determined to pay for it herself, Kristen secretly creates an online explicit content page to raise $10,000 for dream program. Confident that she can keep her side hustle under wraps, Kristen’s secret unravels and threatens not just her future, but the safety of her family as well.

Confessions of a Cam Girl is produced by Sepia Films for Lifetime. Sheri Singer serves as executive producer. Siobhan Devine directs from a script written by Miriam van Emst.

Megan Best is known for Nobody (2021), Seance (2021) and Vandits (2022). Visit her on Instagram

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Megan Best stars in "Confessions of a Cam Girl" on Lifetime

 

Interview with Larry Thompson

TV Interview!

 

Taylor Ann Thompson who also stars in Ladies Of The '80s: A Divas Christmas with Larry Thompson, Executive Producer Courtesy of Larry Thompson Entertainment

Interview with Larry A. Thompson, producer of “Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas” on Lifetime by Suzanne 10/23/23

In a normal year, I would have been able to interview one of the great actresses in this movie, or possibly all of them. However, this interview was during the SAG-Aftra strike, so I was only allowed to speak to the movie’s executive producer. However, it was a great chat because he’s been around a long time. He worked with the Beatles when he was just starting out as a lawyer for EMI! He’s not only a producer, but a manager. In fact, he manages William Shatner, whom I love and would very much like to interview one day. It was awesome to hear his stories in this interview. I hope you enjoy it, too!

The movie is very fun – especially if you enjoy romantic Christmas movies, or if you watched primetime soaps like “Knots Landing,” “Dallas,” “Desperate Housewives,” etc. because the “ladies” of the title are LInda Grey (Sue Ellen on “Dallas”), Loni Anderson (Jennifer of “WKRP in Cincinnati, among other roles – the only “lady” not known for soaps), Morgan Fairchild (of Falcon Crest, Paper Dolls and many daytime soaps), Nicolette Sheridan (Paige of “Knots Landing” and Edie of “Desperate Housewives”), and Donna Mills (Abby in “Knots Landing”). It was great to see them all in this charming film. Thompson’s daughter, Taylor Ann, is the ingenue of the movie.  Christopher Atkins has a small role as Grey’s son (This is hilarious to me because in “Dallas,” their characters had an affair!).  I enjoyed it. It’s fun and very Christmasy. The male lead, Travis Burns, is very handsome and has a killer Aussie accent. Happy Holidays! Don’t miss the movie tomorrow, December 2nd, 2023!

 

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

"Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas" key artIn Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas, five glamorous ‘80s soap opera stars reunite to share the spotlight to shoot the final Christmas episode of their long-running soap opera. The producer, Alex (Travis Burns) and director Nell (Taylor Ann Thompson), old college friends, do their best to keep things on the rails but as the ladies come together, old rivalries resurface that threaten to tear the whole production apart. With the show nearly canceled before it even begins due to the ladies’ famous diva behavior, they reluctantly agree to set aside their differences and past secrets to “act” as if they all still love each other.  When old sparks reignite between Alex and Nell, the ladies become eager to play cupid and conspire to bring the couple together. Along the way, the divas also discover that the love between them all is still very strong too.

The movie’s theme song Ladies of the ’80s was written by Song Writer Hall of Fame’s Steve Dorff and Michael Jay, produced by Steve Droff, and performed by ’80s pop sensation Tiffany (I Think We’re Alone Now).

Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas is executive produced for Lifetime by Larry A. Thompson (Liz & Dick, Amish Grace). Christie Will Wolf (Christmas on Candy Cane Lane, The Art of Passion) directs from a script by James Berg & Stan Zimmerman (The Golden Girls, Gilmore Girls) with Robert G. Endara II and Ed Polgardy producing.

About Larry Thompason

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Larry Thompson, Executive Producer, has his hands full while producing Lifetime's Ladies Of The '80s: A Divas Christmas starring (L-R, Linda Gray, Loni Anderson, Larry Thompson, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild, and Nicollette Sheridan). - Courtesy of Larry Thompson Entertainment

 

Interview with Stan Brooks

TV Interview!

 

Stan Brooks, director of "Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story" on Lifetime

Interview with Stan Brooks, director of “Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 9/15/23

This is an interesting movie, although sad. What makes it stand out from many other TV movies is how accurate it is to the original story. From what the director says here, they went to great pains to make it as close to the original as possible. I believe it because it really does feel real.  All the actors were outstanding in this, particularly the leads, Wendi McLendon-Covey (Vicky) and Rossif Sutherland (Casey).  If you’ve only seen Wendi in comedies, you’ll be surprised at how great she is in this.  I loved Rossif in last year’s “Three Pines” on Prime Video, so I was very happy to see him show up in this. He’s the son of Donald Sutherland and brother to Kiefer Sutherland. He’s definitely inherited the family’s talent and looks.

It was a joy to speak with director Stanley M. Brooks because he’s worked for years as a producer in movies and TV, such as “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” (ABC) and “The Lizzie Borden Chronicles” (Lifetime).  He has some amazing stories that you’ll love. I wish I could have picked his brain for hours.  Please watch this Lifetime movie because it’s worth watching. Enjoy our video interview!

 

MORE INFO: Trailer   Official Site

"Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story" key art

Based on a true story, the movie follows Vicky White (Wendi McLendon-Covey), a lonely corrections officer who falls
for a prisoner (Rossif Sutherland), but before she can ensure their happily ever after, she must first break him out of
prison.

Every day for divorced prison corrections officer Vicky White (McLendon-Covey) is like the movie Groundhog DayWendi McLendon-Covey and Rossif Sutherland star in "Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story" premiering Saturday, October 21 at 8p/7c. – mundane, and every day just like the previous. But when new prisoner Casey White (Sutherland) is brought to her facility, the two develop a secret infatuation. Vicky gives Casey special attention, believing he’s the only man to see her the way she wants to be seen. But when Casey’s inevitable transfer to a lengthy prison sentence approaches, Vicky decides to take desperate action. Risking everything, Vicky manages to break Casey out of jail and takes him on the run, eluding authorities on an eleven-day dash for freedom. For Vicky, even the probable tragedy ahead of them is worth the chance to live life fully once more.

Bad Romance: The Vicky White Story is executive produced for Lifetime by Wendi McLendon-Covey, Tom Patricia, Gladys Gonzalez of John Carrabino Management and Howard Braunstein with Stan Brooks directing from a script by Gregory Small and Richard Blaney with Juliette Hagoplan producing the movie. Wendi is repped by UTA manager, Gladys Gonzalez, and attorney David Krintzman.
Stanley M. Brooks is an American film and television producer. He has produced more than 60 productions for film and television as well as several critically acclaimed miniseries including Broken Trail and Prayers for Bobby.

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Stan Brooks with Judith Light and other woman (from his Instagram)

 

Interview with Rebecca Morris

TV Interview!

 

Author Rebecca Morris

Interview with Rebecca Morris, Executive Producer of “Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 9/20/23

This is an intriguing movie airing tomorrow, September 30 on Lifetime. Rebecca is not only one of the EPs – she co-wrote the book about this case on which the movie is based, “A Killing in Amish Country: Sex, Betrayal and a Cold-blooded Murder” (along with author Gregg Olsen). In fact, she’s a New York Times Bestselling Author! It was my privilege to speak with her about this movie and this case.

I apologize if my questions during this interview made it sound like I expected her to be more involved with the movie itself. I really wasn’t told ahead of time about the extent of her involvement (I probably should have asked, so that’s on me). I’m very glad we spoke, though, as it was educational as well as entertaining.

At any rate, I enjoyed speaking with her. I hope you enjoy this interview. You should definitely check it out. It has a good story and an amazing cast! Luke Macfarlane , Kirsten Vangsness, Miranda MacDougallClare Filipow and the others do a really great job. When you watch this movie, you will learn things you probably didn’t know about the modern Amish community. The ending of the movie is chilling, since it is about a real case. Lovers of true crime will no doubt really enjoy this movie. If you’re a fan of Luke Macfarlane, you will be shocked by his performance (he’s also an EP). It’s a very different role than the others you’ve seen him play.

 

MORE INFO: Trailer Lifetime Site

"Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story" key art

About Rebecca Morris

New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Morris is a veteran journalist who worked in radio and television news in New York City; Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, Washington and was a free-lance writer for The Seattle Times, The Oregonian, People, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, and many other publications.

Her newest book, Boy Missing: The Search for Kyron Horman, is the only book about the
seven year old boy who vanished from his Portland, Oregon school on June 4, 2010. She spent three years interviewing his family and friends and trying to answer two questions: Where is Kyron, and why hasn’t the woman believed responsible for his disappearance been charged? The book helps make the case that no-body cases can be prosecuted.

Her first book, Ted and Ann, continues to be a bestseller on Amazon (and is also available as an e-book and audio book), and her e-book, Bad Apples – Inside the Teacher/Student Sex Scandal Epidemic, is the only book to look at the trend of female teachers having sex with underage students.

She is also the author of a true crime memoir, A Murder in My Hometown (2018), as well as
A Killing in Amish Country – Sex Betrayal and a Cold-Blooded Murder (St. Martin’s, 2016) and If I Can’t Have You – Susan Powell, Her Mysterious Disappearance and the Murder of Her Children (St. Martin’s 2014). She and Gregg Olsen are the authors of the Notorious USA series, including The Boy Who Fired the First Shot, The Girl and the Horrors of Howard Avenue, and The Stranger and the World’s Bravest Little Girl.

Rebecca attended Oregon State University, received a B.A. in Journalism from Seattle
University, and has an M.F.A. in Playwriting from Brown University. She speaks about her work at libraries, schools, and writers’ conferences. She has taught writing, journalism, and playwriting at colleges and universities across the country. She currently teaches at Seattle’s Hugo House and at North Seattle College.

She appears frequently on network and cable television as a crime expert.

Lifetime Announces “Truly Unbelievable Movies” A Ripped From the Headlines Event – New Movies Every Saturday Beginning September 16

LIFETIME ANNOUNCES “TRULY UNBELIEVABLE MOVIES” 
A RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES EVENT WITH NEW ORIGINALS 
EVERY SATURDAY BEGINNING THIS SEPTEMBER  

BILL PULLMAN TO HEADLINE LIFETIME’S MILESTONE
500TH ORIGINAL MOVIE
MURDAUGH MURDERS: THE MOVIE
DEBUTING OCTOBER 14 AND 15 AS A TWO-NIGHT EVENT

SARAH DREW EXECUTIVE PRODUCES AND STARS
ALONGSIDE DELILAH HAMLIN IN
HOW SHE CAUGHT A KILLER
ON SEPTEMBER 16

EMILY OSMENT AND ANNA HOPKINS HEADLINE
STOLEN BABY: THE MURDER OF HEIDI BROUSSARD PREMIERING SEPTEMBER 23 

LUKE MACFARLANE EXECUTIVE PRODUCES AND STARS
WITH KIRSTEN VANGSNESS IN
AMISH STUD: THE ELI WEAVER STORY
SET FOR SEPTEMBER 30 

MEAGAN GOOD EXECUTIVE PRODUCES AND STARS ALONGSIDE
ARIANA MADIX IN BUYING BACK MY DAUGHTER DEBUTING OCTOBER 7

WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY EXECUTIVE PRODUCES AND STARS IN
BAD ROMANCE: THE VICKY WHITE STORY PREMIERING OCTOBER 21 

MELISSA JOAN HART EXECUTIVE PRODUCES AND STARS IN
WOULD YOU KILL FOR ME? THE MARY BAILEY STORY DEBUTING OCTOBER 28

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 6, 2023) – This fall, Lifetime unveils “Truly Unbelievable Movies,” a Ripped from the Headlines Event , a slate of seven new original movies featuring top talent. All produced earlier this year, the lineup includes Lifetime’s milestone 500th original movie, the two-night event Murdaugh Murders: The Movie starring Bill Pullman as Alex Murdaugh who, on the surface is a prominent and respected South Carolina lawyer, loving husband and father but behind closed doors, lived a drug-filled secret life that ultimately led to murder. The two-part movie will premiere as the tent-pole of fall slate, premiering on October 14th and 15th at 8p/7c. New original movies will all debut Saturdays at 8p/7c from September 16 – October 28.

AMISH STUD: THE ELI WEAVER STORY – Premieres September 30
Devoted to her husband, kids and faith, Barbara Weaver (Miranda MacDougall, The Flash) was content leading a traditional life in her conservative Ohio Amish community—with no modern conveniences.  Her husband Eli (EP, Luke Macfarlane, Bros), however, wanted the things that were forbidden to him as an Amish man. He gave into the temptations of women and technology, leading a secret life with the online alias “Amish Stud” to meet with women outside of his marriage bed.  Eli found his pick of curious women fascinated by the Amish lifestyle, and often spoke to his mistresses about his desire to kill his wife.  When Barbara is found dead from a shotgun wound, all eyes turn to Eli. But with his rock solid alibi, investigators had nowhere to turn, until they discover Eli had a secret cell phone. Their investigations led them to Barb Raber (Kirsten Vangsness, Criminal Minds), a married Conservative Mennonite who had been having an affair with Eli and who was plotting with him to murder his wife. Ultimately, it is up to the detectives investigating the crime to find justice for Barbara Weaver. Amish Stud is based on the book, “A Killing in Amish Country: Sex, Betrayal and a Cold-Blooded Murder” by bestselling authors Gregg Olsen and Rebecca Morris.

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Luke Macfarlane and Miranda MacDougall as Eli and Barbara Weaver in "Amish Stud: The Eli Weaver Story" on Lifetime

 

Interview with Brec Bassinger, Donna Mills, Jesse Metcalfe, Joey McIntyre, and Khobe Clarke

TV Interview!

 

Panel with Brec Bassinger, Donna Mills, Jesse Metcalfe, Joey McIntyre, and Khobe Clarke of "V.C. Andrews' Dawn" on Lifetime

Interview with Brec Bassinger, Donna Mills, Jesse Metcalfe, Joey McIntyre, and Khobe Clarke of “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn” on Lifetime by Suzanne 6/26/23

If you like V.C. Andrews’ books and Lifetime’s adaptations of them, you’ll probably like this one as well. I only saw the first episode, but it was enjoyable.  It was great to see these actors in the panel. Unfortunately, I don’t think Donna Mills and Jesse Metcalfe are in the later segments, just the first part. This particular book was not written by V.C. Andrews. She died in the 80’s. It’s written by Andrew Neiderman, who writes all of the “V.C. Andrews” books now, with permission from her trust.  There is a short introduction here from him.

 

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Key Art for "V.C. Andrews' Dawn" on Lifetime

Dawn follows the story of Dawn Longchamp (Brec Bassinger), who after growing up in humble surroundings with a very hardworking family including her devoted father Ormand (Jesse Metcalfe) and older brother Jimmy (Khobe Clarke), suddenly has everything she loves ripped away from her. After discovering the shocking truth about the people who raised her, 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 (Donna 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 inescapable curse looms over the Cutlers.

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Dawn is escorted out by the local police detective while her grandmother watches, smugly.

 

Interview with Tatyana Ali, Alpha Nicky Mulowa and Ni’Cola Mitchell

TV Interview!

 

Tatyana Ali, Alpha Nicky Mulowa and Ni'Cola Mitchell of "Giving Hope: The Ni'Cola Mitchell Story" on Lifetime

Interview with Tatyana Ali, Alpha Nicky Mulowa and Ni’Cola Mitchell of “Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 3/8/23

This was an interesting movie because it was based on a real story of a woman who went through poverty, traumaTatyana Ali stars in "Giving Hope: The Ni'Cola Mitchell Story" on Lifetime and loss, yet she was saved by her inner intelligence, strength and perseverance. She went on to use this drive and determination to help young girls who are at-risk, even though she was a single mother with very little funds. It’s truly an inspirational story. Ali did a wonderful job with the role, and it was great to not only talk to her about the movie, but also the film’s director, and the real-life Ni’Cola Mitchell, on whom the movie is based. You can learn more here about Mitchell’s organization, Girls Who Brunch.

 

 

MORE INFO: Trailer Official Site

poster for "Giving Hope: The Ni'Cola Mitchell Story" on LifetimeTatyana Ali stars in Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story, the emotional true story of best-selling author and inspirational speaker Ni’Cola Mitchell, who after experiencing sexual violence as a young girl, founded an organization dedicated to saving at risk girls from abuse and exploitation.

Ni’Cola Mitchell (Tatyana Ali), successful author, publisher and speaker, realizes at a book signing that her calling is to help disadvantaged girls. Ni’Cola understands what it is like to overcome huge hurdles in life including a difficult childhood and a cancer diagnosis, and after putting her own writing career on hold, she launches Girls Who Brunch, events designed to make young women feel seen and empowered. With the support of her sister Nene (Nadine Whiteman Roden) and daughters Diamond (Kudakwashe Rutendo) and Destani (Mikalah Reid-Beckette), she pours everything she has into the organization, including her own money and mobilizes volunteers, coaches and community leaders to help host events. Ni’Cola is named A Woman of Worth by L’Oréal and sponsorship opportunities begin to come in, helping Girls Who Brunch expand nationally and travel to dozens of cities across the country, reaching tens of thousands of girls in the process.

Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story is produced by Champlin Media. Executive producers are Barbara Fisher, Tom Berry, Suzanne Chapman and Ni’Cola Mitchell. Producers are Adam Gowland, Jordana Aarons and Cassandra Keenan. Alpha Nicky directs from a script written by Adam Rockoff.

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Tatyana Ali, Kudakwashe Rutendo and Mikalah Reid-Beckette in "Giving Hope: The Ni'Cola Mitchell Story" on Lifetime

 

Interview with Stephanie Mills, Keeya King, Thomas Miles and Erica Campbell

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cast from "Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story" on Lifetime

Interview with Stephanie Mills, Keeya King, Thomas Miles and Erica Campbell of “Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story” on Lifetime by Krista 3/28/23

Lifetime had a press day with the actors from this drama. It’s part of a series of movies about the Seven Deadly Sins. They previously had “Greed” and “Wrath.” You can find more information about the film in the press release below. I enjoyed watching it and being able to ask my question. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!

 

MORE INFO: Trailer  Official Site

"Pride" press day poster from LifetimeLifetime Announces “Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story” – The Next Movie Title in its “7 Deadly Sins” Movie Anthology

FROM EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS T.D. JAKES,
DERRICK WILLIAMS AND SHAUN ROBINSON,
LIFETIME PRESENTS THE NEXT TITLE IN ITS
SEVEN DEADLY SINS MOVIE ANTHOLOGY

PRIDE: A SEVEN DEADLY SINS STORY
STARRING GRAMMY WINNERS STEPHANIE MILLS & ERICA CAMPBELL
THOMAS “NEPHEW TOMMY” MILES & KEEYA KING 

PREMIERES APRIL 8

Los Angeles, CA (February 8, 2023) – Following the immensely popular Seven Deadly Sins movies—LustEnvyWrath and Greed—Lifetime continues the anthology with a new sin and new movie, Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story. Executive produced by T.D. Jakes, Derrick Williams and Shaun Robinson, and inspired by actual events, the movie centers on the story of a famous bakery owner and reality TV star Birdie Moore (Grammy-Award winner, Stephanie Mills) whose past secrets threaten the enormous success she has achieved.  Joining Mills are co-stars Thomas “Nephew Tommy” Miles as Birdie’s son, Gabe Moore; Keeya King as her granddaughter, Ella Boudreaux; and Grammy-Award winner Erica Campbell as Pastor Trey. Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story premieres on Saturday, April 8 at 8/7c.

The prior 7 Deadly Sins Lifetime original movies – LustEnvy, Wrath and Greed – attracted close to 7 million total viewers in 2022.

Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story tells the story of reality TV star Birdie Moore (Stephanie Mills), whose carefully constructed world starts to crumble — like the baked goods that catapulted her to fame — when her family secrets are brought to light. To salvage her legacy, Birdie must let go of the pride that estranged her from her daughter. Birdie’s pride also prevents her from seeing that her son Gabe Moore (Thomas Miles) is actually a thieving opportunist and that her granddaughter Ella Boudreaux (Keeya King) is just a lost twenty-something trying to build up her life after some missteps. While pride helped drive Birdie’s success, it also made her blind to what was happening around her.  Will Birdie finally be able to see and admit the truth, or face the consequences of her pride?

Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story is produced by Neshama Entertainment, T.D. Jakes Enterprises, DNA Media Group and RobinHood Productions in association with MarVista Entertainment. T.D. Jakes, Derrick Williams, and Shaun Robinson serve as executive producers along with Larry Grimaldi, Hannah Pillemer and Fernando Szew for MarVista Entertainment, and Arnie Zipursky and Suzanne Berger for Neshama. Pride is directed by Troy Scott from a script written by Felicia Brooker. Award-winning composer and music director, Ray Chew, is the movie’s composer.

In addition to Stephanie Mills, Thomas Miles and Keeya King, the movie also stars Lucia Walters (Virgin River) as Shanice; and Jaime M. Callica (Ruthless) as Khalil.

The Seven Deadly Sins movie anthology is inspired by novels from author Victoria Christopher Murray, who is a consulting producer on Pride.

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cast from "Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story" on Lifetime

 

Interview with Tamala Jones, Brian White and Jackée Harry

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Tamala Jones and Brian White star in "Every Breath She Takes" on Lifetime

Interview with Tamala Jones, Brian White and Jackée Harry of “Every Breath She Takes”Jackée Harry in "Every Breath She Takes" on Lifetime on Lifetime by Suzanne 3/8/23

This is from our Lifetime Press Day. This was my favorite of the 4 movies we saw. It’s very suspenseful! I love all of these actors, and they did a great job. Harry was not originally scheduled to be there, so it was a pleasant surprise!

 

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Key art for "Every Breath She Takes" on LifetimeOfficial Site

After suffering years of mental and verbal abuse by her husband Billy (Brian White), Jules Baker (Tamala Jones) thinks she is finally free when a fierce physical struggle ends in a massive fire that destroys their home and takes Billy’s life. As Jules begins to rebuild her life, dark rumors haunt her when she hears whispers around town that she is “the one that killed her husband.” Things take a turn for the worse when problems with insurance arise after it’s found that the fire was intentionally set, and all signs point to Jules. She’s pushed to the edge as a series of frightening events threaten her mental stability and she thinks she’s seeing Billy at every turn. When people around her begin to have mysterious accidents, Jules start to question everything… including her sanity.

Every Breath She Takes is produced by Poke Prod in association with MarVista Entertainment for Lifetime. Sean Dwyer and Elizabeth Cullen executive produce for Poke Prod, along with Tamala Jones. Deena Sternand Fernando Szew executive produce for MarVista. Mary Beth McAdaragh and Flo and Ken Chotiner also serve as executive producers. Darin Scott directs the screenplay from Amy Taylor and Jennifer Edwards.

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Tamala Jones and Lamon Archey star in "Every Breath She Takes" on Lifetime

Interview with Keshia Knight Pulliam and Danika Frederick

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Keshia Knight Pulliam and Danika Frederick of "The Hillsdale Adoption Scam" on Lifetime

Interview with Keshia Knight Pulliam and Danika Frederick of “The Hillsdale Adoption Scam” on Lifetime by Suzanne 3/8/23

I love these Lifetime Press Days that the network has periodically. I get to interview quite a few people.  This is your typical Lifetime movie where a woman and her family are terrorized by villains. It has some nice twists, though. I didn’t like just one thing about it: when two of the characters each went to confront the villain, alone, at her place…are people really that stupid in real life? I don’t know, but it seems like they should avoid that kind of bad plot device. Why wouldn’t they just call the police, or take someone with them (or take a gun)? Ah, well. It’s not the worst movie and the rest of it is pretty good. Keshia Knight Pulliam is always great. As I found out in our interview, she was very pregnant during the filming, which is kind of funny, considering the other actress was playing someone who was pregnant. Enjoy the movie and this interview!

 

 

MORE INFO: Official Site

Inspired by true events, Bethany (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and Terrence have a thriving business, lots of friends, and a beautiful family. Unable to have more kids, Bethany thinks it’s a blessing when Georgia, who is pregnant, shows up on their porch looking for help. Though Terrence is hesitant about Georgia, Bethany dives in headfirst with the idea of adopting Georgia’s unborn baby. As the pregnancy progresses, it starts to feel like things don’t seem right, and they begin to discover unsettling things about Georgia and her cunning and unscrupulous motives.

The Hillsdale Adoption Scam is produced by The Cartel for Lifetime. Stan Spry, Eric Woods, Samantha DeGagne and Devan Towers serve as executive producers and Anthony Fankhauser served as Producer with Asia Youngman directing from a script written by Justin D. James.

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Keshia Knight Pulliam and Michael Strickland play husband and wife Bethany and Terrence in "The Hillsdale Adoption Scam" on Lifetime

Interview with Garcelle Beauvais, Linda Park, Iyana Halley, Taylor Mosby and Derrica Wilson

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Garcelle Beauvais and Taylor Mosby of "Black Girl Missing" on Lifetime

Interview with Garcelle Beauvais, Linda Park, Taylor Mosby Iyana Halley and Derrica Wilson of “Black Girl Missing” on Lifetime by Suzanne 2/2/23

This is a powerful movie about a woman losing one of her children, and the lengths she goes through to find her, and to make the police and press take her seriously. It’s fictional but based on many true stories. This is part of Lifetime’s “Ripped From the Headlines” press panels. It first airs Saturday, March 4th.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site and Trailer

Beauvais and other cast in "Black Girl Missing" on LifetimeWhen Cheryl (Garcelle Beauvais) gets into an argument with her daughter Lauren (Iyana Halley) over her desire to drop out of college, she initially thinks Lauren is simply ignoring her calls and texts, but Cheryl soon realizes Lauren is missing.  While she attempts to get help from authorities and the media, they quickly dismiss the case, labeling Lauren as a runaway while they are all too consumed with another case – that of a missing white girl. Desperate to find Lauren, Cheryl and her 15-year-old daughter Marley (Taylor Mosby) enlist the help of a dedicated community of amateur internet sleuths to try to find Lauren. Cheryl also discovers the Black and Missing Foundation and is horrified to discover the disparity in how missing persons of color cases are treated with significant lack of media attention and law enforcement resources.

The movie also stars Linda Park, as Elise, a local reporter who tries to help Cheryl, against the orders of the news director.

Derrica and Natalie Wilson, founders of Black and Missing Foundation, serve as consultants on the film. Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMF) has been established as a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color, provide vital resources and tools to missing person’s families and friends and to educate the minority community on personal safety. Garcelle Beauvais will also be featured in a new PSA in support of Black and Missing Foundation’s efforts.

Black Girl Missing is produced for Lifetime by Johnson Production Group in association with Motion Content Group.  Garcelle Beauvais, Tim Johnson, Stacy Mandelberg, Gordon Gilbertson, Jason Egenberg, Richard Foster and Chet Fenster are executive producers. Delmar Washington (Outsiders) directs from a script written by Kale Futterman (Samir).

As a companion to the movie, Lifetime will debut the special, Beyond the Headlines: Black Girl Missing, following true stories of black and missing women featuring interviews with their families and Black and Missing Foundations’s involvement in the cases. Produced by AMS, Andy Streitfeld serves as EP and Kim Clemons is the showrunner. Natalie and Derrica Wilson of the Black and Missing Foundation are also consultants.

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Linda Park in "Black Girls Missing" on Lifetime

Interview with Gina Gershon, Samantha Mathis, David Conrad and Harrison Thomas

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Samantha Mathis and Harrison Thomas star in 12 Desperate Hours, premiering Saturday, February 25th at 8/7c on Lifetime.

Interview with Gina Gershon, Samantha Mathis, David Conrad and Harrison Thomas of “12 Desperate Hours” on Lifetime by Suzanne 2/2/23

This is a very enjoyable movie that premieres Saturday, Feb. 25 on Lifetime (and I’m sure it will repeat many times). Gershon, famous for her many acting roles, directed it.  Well-known actress Mathis is the main star of this movie as Val, a mother taken hostage and then kidnapped by a deranged young man, Denny (brilliantly played by Thomas). Conrad plays her husband, Mark, who searches for her, along with the police. He’s most well-known for “Ghost Whisperers.” This is the last of the Lifetime Press Day movies from Feb. 2, but it’s certainly the only one where the villain was sympathetic.  Make sure you watch it!

 

MORE INFO: Official Site

"12 Desperate Hours" key art

12 Desperate Hours 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, 12 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.

12 Desperate Hours and A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story 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 Tinnell 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.

Gina L. Gershon (born June 10, 1962) is an American actress. She has had roles in the films Cocktail (1988), Red Heat (1988), Showgirls (1995), Bound (1996), Face/Off (1997), The Insider (1999), Demonlover (2002), P.S. I Love You (2007), Five Minarets in New York (2010), Killer Joe (2011) and House of Versace (2013). She has also had supporting roles in FX‘s Rescue Me and HBO‘s How to Make It in America. She portrayed Gladys Jones on The CW teen drama series Riverdale.

Samantha Mathis was born in 1970 in New York, to Donald Mathis and Austrian-born Bibi Besch, an aspiring actress at the time. Her maternal grandmother was actress Gusti Huber. Her first acting job was in a commercial for baby products with her mother. Since her parents divorced when she was only three years old, Samantha was very exposed to the acting industry from a very young age, which made her almost destined to become an actress. Samantha’s first feature film was Pump Up the Volume (1990) opposite her on- and off-screen love at the time, Christian Slater.

David Conrad (born August 17, 1967) is an American actor, born  in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. From 2005 to 2010, he starred in the television series Ghost Whisperer alongside Jennifer Love Hewitt. He’s also known for Men of Honor (2000), Wedding Crashers (2005) and Anything Else (2003).

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David Conrad stars in 12 Desperate Hours, premiering Saturday, February 25th at 8/7c on Lifetime.

Interview with Colin Egglesfield, Chrishell Stause and Laura Ramsey

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Colin Egglesfield, Chrishell Stause and Laura Ramsey in "A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story" on Lifetime

Interview with Colin Egglesfield, Chrishell Stause and Laura Ramsey in “A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 2/2/23

This is a really good movie about a terrible and tragic real-life story. Some of it was very creepy. Colin Egglesfield has always been a great actor, in everything he’s done, such as “All My Children” and “Rizzoli & Isles.” He’s very handsome and charming, but he’s also got some great acting chops. Laura Ramsey is new to me, but she really reminds me a lot of soap actress Linsey Godfrey. The resemblance is amazing. They should play sisters. She does a wonderful job as Randy’s doomed wife. Chrishell Stause is also a talented actress who’s been on many soaps as well as reality shows.  I almost didn’t recognize her in this at first. I hope you enjoy this panel interview we did and the exciting movie tonight, February 18.

 

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key art for "A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story" on Lifetime

Official Site

Colin Egglesfield and Laura Ramsey in "A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story" on LifetimeFollowing the death of her husband, single mom Cindy (Laura Ramsey), finally finds love again with mechanic Randy Roth (Colin Egglesfield) but her wedded bliss soon turns dark when she discovers another side of Randy. Despite the pleas of her best friend Lori (Chrishell 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 son and attempts to collect on her life insurance policy. Determined to find the truth and get Cindy’s son away from his deceitful stepfather, Lori uncovers more of Randy’s past, discovering that Cindy may not have been the first wife murdered at his hands.

A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story and 12 Desperate Hours are both produced by Allegheny Image Factory and Best On Best. Conor Allyn and Benjamin Anderson serve as executive producers and Jeffrey Tinnell, Robert Tinnell and John Michaels serve as producers for the films. Allyn and Anderson wrote both scripts. A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story is directed by Maritte Go and 12 Desperate Hours is directed by Gina Gershon.

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Chrishell Stause in "A Rose For Her Grave: The Randy Roth Story" on Lifetime

Interview with Kara Robinson and Elizabeth Smart

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Survivors Kara Robinson and Elizabeth Smart

Interview with survivors Kara Robinson and Elizabeth Smart about “The Girl Who Escaped: The Kara Robinson Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 2/2/23

Katie Douglas of "The Girl Who Escaped" on Lifetime.This was from a Lifetime Press Panel about 4 “Ripped From the Headlines” movies coming up. This part of the panel was odd because, rather than talking to any of the actors, we spoke with Kara Robinson (on whose experiences the movie is based) and producer Elizabeth Smart. Both of these women were kidnapped in 2004 when they were young teens. Frankly, I would have preferred to speak to the actors (like we usually do). The actress who plays Kara, Katie Douglas , did an amazing job in this movie. It’s kind of spooky how much she looks like the real-life Kara, too. Cara Buono, whom I know from “Mad Men” and so many other shows, plays her mom. I don’t set these panels up, though!  I would like to say one thing: there is one scene where Kara is running and running, in a housing complex where everything looks the same, trying to get help. I have had a nightmare like that so many times! It’s an interesting movie, although a bit hard to watch. Of course, they do play up the uplifting parts, rather than anything too lurid or depressing. At any rate, you should watch the movie, and this panel is very interesting. Note that they call themselves “survivors” and not “victims.”

 

 

MORE INFO: Lifetime Official Site

Poster for "The Girl Who Escaped" on Lifetime

15-year-old Kara Robinson (Douglas) was watering plants in her best friend’s front yard in South Carolina when she was approached by a man who put a gun to her neck and forced her into a plastic storage bin and drove off.  He took Kara to his apartment where he held her captive and sexually assaulted her for 18 hours. With her survival instincts kicking in, Kara memorized as many details as possible throughout her ordeal and when her captor finally fell asleep, she escaped the restraints and fled his apartment. Kara was able to lead the police back to the apartment’s exact location and identify her captor as Richard Evonitz (Bruun), a serial killer who was also responsible for the unsolved murders of at least three other young girls. Cara Buono portrays Kara’s mother Debra.

Smart returns to Lifetime after narrating and executive producing the network’s highly rated 2018 film I Am Elizabeth Smart, and hosting the doc specials Elizabeth Smart: Finding Justice and Smart Justice: The Jayme Closs Case which featured Smart leading a roundtable discussion with other well-known victims of abduction including Kara Robinson.

The Girl Who Escaped:  The Kara Robinson Story is executive produced by Joseph Freed and Allison Berkley of Marwar Junction Productions, Howard Braunstein and Elizabeth Smart.  The film is produced by Juliette Hagopian.  Simone Stock directs from a script written by Haley Harris.

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Cara Buono and Katie Douglas of "The Girl Who Escaped" on Lifetime.

Interview with Steve Guttenberg, Cybil Shepherd, Jennifer Grey, Jaime King and Celina Sinden

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thumbnail for Lifetime's Notorious Women Panel

Interview with actors Steve Guttenberg, Cybil Shepherd, Jennifer Grey, Jaime King and Celina Sinden and Executive Vice President of Scripted Programming Tanya Lopez of 4 films on Lifetime by Suzanne 1/6/23

There are four movies coming up on Lifetime that they held this panel for. Each movie focus on a the real-life story of a woman who committed some crime(s). Cybil Shepherd stars in “How to Murder Your Husband: The Nancy Brophy Story.” Steve Guttenberg plays her husband, a chef. Nancy is a frustrated novelist.  In another movie, Celina Sinden plays the infamous murderer Jodi Arias in “Bad Behind Bars.” However, the star of the movie not really Jodi/Celina. It’s told from the perspective of one of her prison friends, Donavan Bering. Jodi manipulates her and another woman into doing her bidding as she awaits trial. I think these two movies were the best of the lot.. Jennifer Grey stars in “Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation.” Shamblin started a weight-loss program in her church, which became its own church and cult.  Jaime King stars in “Hoax: The Kidnapping of Sherri Papini.”  Papini faked her own kidnapping and conned people out of a lot of money, playing the victim. She seems to be the most sympathetic character among all of these women.

It was a very fun press call. Usually, Lifetime will have a series of panels that go on for a few hours in a day. For some reason, they decided to have us interview all of the women from these movies together. It made it a bit more fun. Cybill Shepherd and Steve Guttenberg were particularly entertaining.

There was a problem with the video at the very beginning.

 

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Cybil Shepherd as Nancy Brophy and Steve Guttenberg as Daniel.
How to Murder Your Husband: The Nancy Brophy Story
Saturday, January 14 at 8p/7c

Based on a true story, Nancy Crampton-Brophy (Cybill Shepherd), seemed to have a knack for writing about murder. The Portland-based romance-thriller novelist authored books about relationships that were tumultuous, while using seductive men on the covers to lure in her readers. Often, her books featured women protagonists who fantasized about killing their own husbands or fleeing their husbands and faking their own deaths. And then, in 2022 in a shocking turn of events, Brophy was convicted of killing her own husband (Steve Guttenberg).

How to Murder Your Husband: The Nancy Brophy Story is produced by Front Street Pictures and is being distributed by Sony Pictures Television. Judith Verno through Peace Out Productions serves as executive producer. Stephen Tolkin directs from a script which he penned.

Celinda Sinden, Tricia Black and Lynn Rafferty in "Bad Behind Bars: Jodi Arias."

Bad Behind Bars: Jodi Arias

Premieres Saturday, Jan. 21 at 8/7c and Stream Next Day

In this follow-up to one of Lifetime’s most successful true crime movies, Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret, we will see a whole new side of the infamous murderess and the story that has captivated the world for nearly a decade. Celinda Sinden stars in the new movie, Bad Behind Bars: Jodi Arias as Jodi, who has just been arrested and sent to prison while she awaits trial for murdering her boyfriend, Travis Alexander. When she arrived in jail, Jodi charms her way through prison and befriends a couple, Donavan Bering and Tracy Brown. The three inmates became inseparable, Donovan and Tracy doing anything and everything Jodi asked — even letting the murderess tattoo her name on one of them. Donovan was released from prison as Jodi’s trial drew near and agreed to be Jodi’s mouthpiece, posting on her social pages and defending her friend to the world. But when the details of the case and Jodi’s story were no longer adding up and Donovan refused to continue to do her former friend’s bidding, Jodi’s vengeful side emerged. Stars Celina Sinden, Tricia Black, Lynn Rafferty, Karl Campbell, Adesola Adesina, Michelle Haffey, Christine Noble, and Maggie Cassella (2023).

Jaime King, Matt Hamilton, and the actors who play their kids in "Hoax: The Kidnapping of Sherri Papini."

Hoax: The Kidnapping of Sherri Papini
Saturday, January 28 at 8p/7c

Jaime King stars as Sherri Papini in the film about the nation-wide, shocking story of a young mother of two, who disappears while jogging near her home, leading to national headlines as concerned citizens searched for her whereabouts. When she reappeared three weeks later on Thanksgiving Day, Sherri claimed she was abducted by two Hispanic women who chained and repeatedly abused her. While Sherri’s return was celebrated, the state never stopped searching for her kidnappers. Four years later, Sherri’s world came crashing down as evidence revealed her kidnapping was all a hoax perpetrated by Sherri herself to spend time with her ex-boyfriend. Sherri was arrested and ultimately sentenced to 18 months in prison for lying to federal agents, creating hysteria in the community and wasting police time and funding with her nearly successful, elaborate scheme. Matt Hamilton (Girl in Room 13) stars as Sherri’s devoted husband, Keith.

Hoax: The Kidnapping of Sherri Papini is written by Katie Boland is executive produced by Tim Johnson, Stacy Mandelberg and Jocelyn Freid and directed by Marta Borowski

Jennifer Grey as Gwen Shamblin and Vincent Walsh as Joe Lara in "Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation"

Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation
Saturday, February 4 at 8p/7c
Jennifer Grey stars as the controversial religious leader and Christian diet guru who positioned herself as God’s prophet and preached the virtues of being thin in the new Lifetime original movie, Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation. As the founder of the Tennessee-based Remnant Fellowship Church and the Weigh Down Workshop – a massively successful Christian-based diet program that preached the virtue of a slim waist and the power of prayer for weight loss – Gwen Shamblin Lara was a rare woman to lead a Southern megachurch. As her church grew across the nation, so did her iron-fisted grip as its leader— accumulating power and money, while creating a larger-than-life public persona with dramatically teased and towering hair. At the peak of her power and influence, Gwen demanded that church members alienate themselves from anyone who was not a member, banished those that became overweight, threatened legal action against dissenters, and advocated for strict punishment of those who failed to follow church tenets. But Gwen’s reign suddenly came to a tragic end in May 2021, when the plane that her husband Joe was flying crashed shortly after takeoff, killing Gwen, Joe, their son-in-law, and four other Church leaders.

Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation is produced by Muse Entertainment production for Lifetime and is executive produced by Nancy Bennett and Jesse Prupas. John L’Ecuyer directs from a script by Gregory Small and Richard Blaney. Muse Distribution International handles foreign sales.

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Lifetime press panel

Interview with Keshia Knight Pulliam, Brad James, Tim Reid and Angela Tucker

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Keshia Knight Pulliam, Brad James, Tim Reid and Angela Tucker of "A New Orleans Noel" on Lifetime

Interview with Keshia Knight Pulliam, Brad James, Tim Reid and Angela Tucker of “A New Orleans Noel” on Lifetime by Suzanne 11/7/22

This was a fun panel with these actors for a really nice holiday movie. The movie is set in New Orleans, of course, and the character of Loretta, played by Patti LaBelle, is based on a real person, Loretta Brown, who started the successful business Loretta’s Authentic Pralines. She was the first black woman to start a confectionery company in New Orleans. She passed away earlier this year.  Keshia Knight Pulliam, whom you may remember as Rudy from “The Cosby Show,” or her many other series and movies, stars as an architect, and her real-life husband Brad James plays a competing architect, former school rival and, of course, love interest in this rom-com Christmas movie. The legendary Tim Reid plays Loretta’s flame Marcel. It was fun to speak with them, along with writer/director Angela Tucker. Just be prepared to have your mouth water when you watch this movie! Pralines are delicious, and Lifetime kindly sent us a holiday gift basket that included some of Loretta’s yummy pralines. I was inspired to make some of my own this Christmas as well (although they’re not nearly as good).

Enjoy the video interview!

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"A New Orleans Noel" key art

Trailer and Lifetime Official Site

Grace Hill (Keshia Knight Pulliam) and Anthony Brown (Brad James) could not be more different. Despite having gone to college to study architecture together, their lives took them on completely separate paths. However, when they’re both hired to work together on the home of Loretta Brown (Patti LaBelle)—a New Orleans praline icon —the two find themselves working together at Christmas…and butting heads over more than just architecture. When Anthony and his family discover that Grace will be celebrating Christmas alone, they invite her to take part in their traditions and their celebrations. Soon, fiercely independent Grace begins to learn the importance of family and community, while modern Anthony learns to embrace tradition and the magic of Christmas. But when Grace is offered a new job far away from New Orleans she’ll have to decide if she’ll leave, or follow her heart.

Tim Reid stars as Marcel Lirette, a handsome, retired friend who moves back to town after years away and catches the eye of Lorretta.

A New Orleans Noel is produced by Evergreen Films with Daniel Lewis, Rick Carter, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Leonardis and Keshia Knight Pulliam serving as Executive Producers. Script by Angela Tucker and Alys Murray and directed by Angela Tucker.

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Scene from "A New Orleans Noel" on Lifetime

Interview with Kelsey and Spencer Grammer

TV Interview!

Interview with Kelsey and Spencer Grammer of "The 12 Days of Christmas Eve" on Lifetime

Interview with Kelsey and Spencer Grammer of “The 12 Days of Christmas Eve” on Lifetime by Suzanne 11/7/22

It was truly an honor to speak with Kelsey Grammer because he’s such a great actor. As I told him, “Frasier” is one of my favorite shows. I was in college when he was on “Cheers,” and then I kept watching him on “Frasier” (which was even funnier than “Cheers,” in my opinion), until the end. He was also amazing later in the drama “Boss.” His daughter, Spencer, who stars in this with him (as his daughter, natch), is also a really good actress in her own right. Daytime fans may recognize from when she played Lucy on “As The World Turns,” before she went on to primetime success. Anyway, this is a really good holiday movie. It’s a sort of mash-up between “Groundhog Day” and “A Christmas Carol,” but it’s got a modern spin and a lot of humor. Grammer plays Brian, the head of a Radio Shack-like company who has to mend fences with his daughter, Michelle, and granddaughter, and find the true meaning of Christmas, in 12 days.  Grammer handles both the drama and comedy in the movie easily. Uschi Umscheid plays Spencer’s daughter, Harkin, who’s just precious and a good actress (especially for her age). Diana Toshiko is a lot of fun as a zany startup woman, Nina, who wants to buy Brian’s company. Mitch Poulos does a wonderful job as Santa. I hope you enjoy the movie and this interview! You can’t help but be touched by the affection displayed by Kelsey and Spencer Grammer for each other.

MORE INFO: Lifetime Site

"The 12 Days of Christmas Eve" on Lifetime key art

The 12 Days of Christmas Eve is the story of Brian Conway (Kelsey Grammer), a successful businessman whose relationships with those around him have really suffered.  While this Christmas season has been the most successful for his business, he’s divorced, his relationship with his daughter Michelle (Spencer Grammer) is strained and he doesn’t have a meaningful connection with his only granddaughter.  After Brian gets into a car accident on Christmas Eve, Santa gives him twelve chances to re-do the day and repair the relationships in his life to find the true meaning of Christmas. For Brian, these twelve days are a journey of self-realization about life, love and happiness as he attempts to right the wrongs of his life in pursuit of the Christmas spirit.

The concept for The 12 Days of Christmas Eve originated from Kelsey Grammer’s production company, Grammnet NH Productions, and developed in house by Lifetime.  Grammnet NH Productions produced alongside Johnson Production Group.  Kelsey Grammer, Tom Russo (Frasier, Light as a Feather, The Game) and Jordan McMahon (The Game) are executive producers. The script is written by Eirene Tran Donahue (A Sugar & Spice Holiday) and directed by Dustin Rikert (Two Tickets to Paradise).

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Kelsey Grammer, Spencer Grammer and Uschi Umscheid in "The 12 Days of Christmas Eve" on Lifetime

Interview with Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer

TV Interview!

Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer of "Steppin' into the Holiday" on Lifetime

Interview with Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer of “Steppin’ into the Holiday” on Lifetime by Suzanne 11/7/22

This is a fun Christmas movie with a lot of dancing. I’ve spoke with Jana before, but not Mario. It was nice to chat with them both, of course. This is a better movie than the last one I saw him in. I didn’t realize that he got his start dancing when he was very young. I also didn’t realize that he’s from Chula Vista, which is right near where I grew up! It sounds a little bit like he had a cold during the interview because he was sounding congested and drinking a lot of water. I hope he feels better!  Anyway, you should check out this festive movie. Two trailers below and then the interview.

MORE INFO: Trailer

Steppin' Into the Holiday key art

Former Broadway star Billy Holiday (Mario Lopez) returns to his hometown for Christmas after being abruptly fired as the host-producer-judge of the hit TV series “Celebrity Dance Off.”  While there, he encounters Rae (Jana Kramer), the charismatic owner of the local dance studio, where Billy’s 12-year-old nephew is her standout student. This Christmas, Rae is planning a dance recital fundraiser with the goal of taking her students to see a Broadway show in New York City. Billy volunteers to help Rae with the recital by reviving the town’s traditional Christmas Eve show, which was once a showcase for local talent. With Billy’s knack for producing and Rae’s knowledge of all things local, their collaboration clicks and romantic sparks start flying!

Cheri Oteri stars as Dallas, Billy’s high-powered, fast-talking, Hollywood agent. Dallas scrambles to find Billy work after he is fired by his boss, Wayne, played by Mario Cantone, a network executive who is equal parts charming and ruthless! Courtney Lopez , Mario’s real-life wife, also appears in the film as Joanna, the charismatic host of “Celebrity Dance Off,” who is tapped to replace Billy (her former fling) as executive producer and head judge after his popularity hits the skids.

Steppin’ Into the Holiday is produced by Via Mar and Roberts Media, LLC. in association with Motion Content Group.  Jeff Stearns, Mark Roberts, Mario Lopez, Jana Kramer, Richard Foster and Chet Fenster serving as Executive Producers. David Kendall directs from a script by Aliza Murrieta and Peter Murrieta.

Mario Lopez is an American actor and television host. He has appeared on several television series, in films, and on Broadway. He is known for his portrayal of A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell, Saved by the Bell: The College Years, and the 2020 sequel series. He has appeared in numerous projects since, including the third season of Dancing with the Stars and as host for the syndicated entertainment news magazine shows Extra and Access Hollywood. He has also hosted America’s Best Dance Crew for MTV. In 2012, he co-hosted the second season of the American version of The X Factor with Khloé Kardashian, and was the sole host for the third and final season.

Jana Rae Kramer is an American country music singer and actress. She is known for her role as Alex Dupre on the television series One Tree Hill. Kramer began her musical career in 2012 and has released two albums: Jana Kramer (2012) and Thirty One (2015). The albums produced seven charted singles on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including the top 10 hits “Why Ya Wanna” and “I Got the Boy”. She competed on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars, finishing in fourth place. (These two biographies are from Wikipedia)

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Mario Lopez and Jana Kramer dancing in "Steppin' into the Holiday" on Lifetime

Interview with Melissa Joan Hart, Emily Kinney, Justin Gaston, Rita Moreno and Marissa Jaret Winokur

TV Interview!

Melissa Joan Hart, Emily Kinney, Justin Gaston, Rita Moreno and Marissa Jaret Winokur of "Santa Bootcamp" on Lifetime

Interview with Melissa Joan Hart, Emily Kinney, Justin Gaston, Rita Moreno and Marissa Jaret Winokur of “Santa Bootcamp” on Lifetime by Suzanne 11/7/22

This was a very fun movie and more original than your average Christmas movie. It was a great honor to speak with Rita Moreno because I grew up singing along with the “West Side Story” Broadway album, and I loved the movie. She played Anita in the movie and won an Oscar for it. She’s the only EGOT I’ve ever interviewed. It was also nice to speak to the others, of course, especially Justin Gaston, who was on “Days of Our Lives” and is married to Melissa Ordaway (Abby on “Young and The Restless“). They were all fun, but Rita was hilarious in her answers.

MORE INFO:

Santa Bootcamp key art

Lifetime Site and Preview When event planner Emily Strauss (Emily Kinney, The Walking Dead) is hired by mall magnate Ed Mancini (Patrick Cassidy, Castle) to stage the ultimate Christmas Gala for his most important investors, Emily finds herself being sent to bootcamp – Santa Bootcamp – to find the perfect Santa and the inspiration she will need to make the evening a success. While there, Emily meets Belle (Rita Moreno, West Side Story), the bootcamp’s drill sergeant with a heart of gold, who helps Emily rediscover the magic of Christmas and find romance along the way. Additional stars include Tony® award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur, Justin Gaston, John Schuck, and deaf actors Deanne Bray and Zyra Singleton.

Santa Bootcamp is directed by Melissa Joan Hart, who also serves as executive producer, long with Irene Dreayer, Gina Rugolo Judd, and Paula Hart. The film is produced by Hartbreak Films Inc with a script written by Michael J. Murray.

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Emily Kinney and Rita Moreno in "Santa Bootcamp" on Lifetime

Interview with Brooke Elliott, Brandon Quinn and Danny Pintauro

TV Interview!

Brooke Elliott, Brandon Quinn and Danny Pintauro

Interview with Brooke Elliott, Brandon Quinn and Danny Pintauro of “A Country Christmas Harmony” on Lifetime by Suzanne 11/7/22

This is an enjoyable movie, but I really hate the title. The big song in the movie is called “Sweet Sixteen Christmas,” so that should have been the title. Perhaps they thought it would be confusing, since there are no teens in the movie? I don’t know. But please don’t let the forgettable title deter you from watching this. It really has very little to do with country music, even though the main character, Chrissy (played so well by Brooke Elliott) is supposed to be a Nashville star.  The music doesn’t sound very countrified to me.

It was great to speak to the actors. You may remember Brooke from her previous Lifetime series “Drop Dead Diva,” or her current show, “Sweet Magnolias” on Netflix. Her co-star in the latter, Brandon Quinn, also stars in this movie with her as Luke – the guy she left behind.  Danny Pintauro is most known for his role as a teen on “Who’s the Boss” years ago. In this new movie, he’s going back into acting. He does a fine job, but it’s a fairly small role. It was interesting to hear him talk about his life and how it led to this movie.

MORE INFO:

A Country Christmas Harmony key art

Lifetime’s Site

Before Chrissy Kessler’s (Brooke Elliott) meteoric rise to fame, the country music superstar was just a small-town girl with dreams of the big time. Now, with her record sales on a rapid decline, Chrissy is strong-armed by an unrelenting record executive to return to the hometown she left behind to perform a live Christmas concert. Accompanying her on this journey is her longtime supportive assistant Eugene (Danny Pintauro). Luke Covington’s (Brandon Quinn) quiet life is suddenly disrupted when he runs into Chrissy, his ex-girlfriend and former country music duo partner, who disappeared on him to pursue her solo career all those years ago. After a tempestuous rainstorm forces the ex-sweethearts to seek shelter in Luke’s ranch home, the two realize that the only way they’ll survive the holidays is with the other’s help.

A Country Christmas Harmony is produced by MarVista Entertainment and The Ninth House.  Megan Ellstrom, Larry Grimaldi, Hannah Pillemer and Fernando Szew Executive Produce for MarVista Entertainment, and Autumn Federici and Jake Helgren Produce for The Ninth House. Brooke Elliott also serves as Executive Producer. Gary Entin and Edmund Entin write and direct.

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A scene from "A Country Christmas Harmony"

Interview with Michael Consuelos

TV Interview!

Jennifer Irwin and Michael Consuelos of "Let's Get Physical" on Lifetime

Interview with Jennifer Irwin and Michael Consuelos of “Let’s Get Physical” on Lifetime by Krista 10/6/22

It was great to speak to these two actors from this movie. Michael’s parents are actors/talk show hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, who met while working on “All My Children” years ago, so it’s nice to see their grown son also as an actor. This was a panel that Lifetime had for the movie, where those of us in the press asked questions. The movie airs Saturday, 10/15 on Lifetime! Watch the trailer below before the interview…

MORE INFO:

Jenna Dewan, star of "Let's Get Physical" on Lifetime key art

Lifetime Announces Two New Ripped From the Headlines Movies from EPs Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Jenna Dewan Set to Star and EP

KELLY RIPA AND MARK CONSUELOS EXECUTIVE PRODUCE
TWO NEW RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES FILMS
THROUGH MILOJO PRODUCTIONS BANNER

JENNA DEWAN TO HEADLINE AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCE
ORIGINAL MOVIE
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
WITH JENNIFER IRWIN AND MICHAEL CONSUELOS
 

LEA THOMPSON, ZACH GILFORD, AND ALICIA WITT STAR IN
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF CARI FARVER

BOTH FILMS WILL DEBUT THIS OCTOBER

New York, NY – August 11 – Lifetime announces two new Ripped from the Headlines movies, Let’s Get Physical and The Disappearance of Cari Farver from executive producers Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, under their Milojo Productions banner as part of the previously announced partnership with Lifetime. Let’s Get Physical stars and is also executive produced by Jenna Dewan via her Everheart Productions with Kyle McNally, and features Jennifer Irwin and Michael ConsuelosThe Disappearance of Cari Farver stars Lea Thompson, Zach Gilford and Alicia Witt. Both films will debut this October on Lifetime.

Michael Consuelos of "Let's Get Physical" on LifetimeInspired by actual events, Let’s Get Physical is the story of fitness instructor Sadie (Jenna Dewan, The Rookie) who by day, taught fitness and dance to soccer moms, but by night led a double life running a sophisticated prostitution ring with a customer list that included very prominent men in the community. After an anonymous tip, authorities raided her studio, leading to Sadie’s indictment and ignited a firestorm in the small town leading everyone to ask, who exactly was on the client list.  Dewan executive produces and stars alongside Jennifer Irwin (The Goldbergs) and Michael Consuelos (Riverdale). Let’s Get Physical is set to premiere Saturday, October 15 at 8/7c.

Let’s Get Physical is executive produced by Milojo Productions, Johnson Management Group, Inc., and Everheart Productions. Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and Albert Bianchini serve as executive producers for Milojo. Michael Halpern serves as executive producer for Milojo. Jenna Dewan and Kyle McNally executive produce for Everheart Productions. Robin Hayes directs from a script written by Margaux Froley and Kelly Fullerton.

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Jenna Dewan, star of "Let's Get Physical" on Lifetime

Interview with Alicia Witt

TV Interview!

Alicia Witt, star of The Disappearance of Cari Farver on Lifetime

Interview with actress Alicia Witt and producer Linda Burnham of “The Disappearance of Cari Farver” on Lifetime by Krista 10/6/22

This was an enjoyable press call. Alicia is a really great actress. I’ve only seen her before in “That 70’s Show,” but she’s an underrated dramatic actress, as she proves in this film.

MORE INFO: Preview

The Disappearance of Cari Farver key artThe Disappearance of Cari Farver is based on a true story and the subject of Leslie Rule’s bestselling true-crime book A Tangled Web. Dave Kroupa (Zach Gilford, Good Girls, Friday Night Lights) is shocked when his new girlfriend, Cari Farver (Rebecca Amzallag), starts sending him demanding texts. When Dave ends the relationship, he finds himself on the receiving end of an onslaught of twisted messages from Cari, who has abruptly disappeared. Dave’s ex-girlfriend, Liz (Alicia Witt, Friday Night Lights, The Walking Dead), also begins receiving harassing texts from Cari, resulting in a dangerous situation for them both. Meanwhile, Cari’s mother Nancy (Lea Thompson, Back to the Future, Switched at Birth) continually searches for her, keeping the pressure on the police who eventually uncover a shocking discovery. The Disappearance of Cari Farver premieres Saturday, October 8 at 8/7c.

The Disappearance of Cari Farver is executive produced by Milojo Productions, Howard Braunstein Films, and Media Nation. Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and Albert Bianchini serve as executive producers for Milojo. Michael Halpern serves as producer for Milojo. Howard Braunstein and Linda Berman also executive produce. Danishka Esterhazy directs from a script written by Tawnya Bhattacharya and Ali Laventhol (Bel Air, My Life with the Walter Boys).

Producers Kelly Ripa and Mark ConsuelosLifetime Announces Two New Ripped From the Headlines Movies from EPs Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Jenna Dewan Set to Star and EP

KELLY RIPA AND MARK CONSUELOS EXECUTIVE PRODUCE
TWO NEW RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES FILMS
THROUGH MILOJO PRODUCTIONS BANNER

JENNA DEWAN TO HEADLINE AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCE
ORIGINAL MOVIE
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
WITH JENNIFER IRWIN AND MICHAEL CONSUELOS
 

LEA THOMPSON, ZACH GILFORD, AND ALICIA WITT STAR IN
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF CARI FARVER

BOTH FILMS WILL DEBUT THIS OCTOBER

New York, NY – August 11 – Lifetime announces two new Ripped from the Headlines movies, Let’s Get Physical and The Disappearance of Cari Farver from executive producers Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, under their Milojo Productions banner as part of the previously announced partnership with Lifetime. Let’s Get Physical stars and is also executive produced by Jenna Dewan via her Everheart Productions with Kyle McNally, and features Jennifer Irwin and Michael ConsuelosThe Disappearance of Cari Farver stars Lea Thompson, Zach Gilford and Alicia Witt. Both films will debut this October on Lifetime.

The Disappearance of Cari Farver is based on a true story and the subject of Leslie Rule’s bestselling true-crime book A Tangled Web. Dave Kroupa (Zach Gilford, Good Girls, Friday Night Lights) is shocked when his new girlfriend, Cari Farver (Rebecca Amzallag), starts sending him demanding texts. When Dave ends the relationship, he finds himself on the receiving end of an onslaught of twisted messages from Cari, who has abruptly disappeared. Dave’s ex-girlfriend, Liz (Alicia Witt, Friday Night Lights, The Walking Dead), also begins receiving harassing texts from Cari, resulting in a dangerous situation for them both. Meanwhile, Cari’s mother Nancy (Lea Thompson, Back to the Future, Switched at Birth) continually searches for her, keeping the pressure on the police who eventually uncover a shocking discovery. The Disappearance of Cari Farver premieres Saturday, October 8 at 8/7c.

Inspired by actual events, Let’s Get Physical is the story of fitness instructor Sadie (Jenna Dewan, The Rookie) who by day, taught fitness and dance to soccer moms, but by night led a double life running a sophisticated prostitution ring with a customer list that included very prominent men in the community. After an anonymous tip, authorities raided her studio, leading to Sadie’s indictment and ignited a firestorm in the small town leading everyone to ask, who exactly was on the client list.  Dewan executive produces and stars alongside Jennifer Irwin (The Goldbergs) and Michael Consuelos (Riverdale). Let’s Get Physical is set to premiere Saturday, October 15 at 8/7c.

The Disappearance of Cari Farver is executive produced by Milojo Productions, Howard Braunstein Films, and Media Nation. Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and Albert Bianchini serve as executive producers for Milojo. Michael Halpern serves as executive producer for Milojo. Howard Braunstein and Linda Berman also executive produce. Danishka Esterhazy directs from a script written by Tawnya Bhattacharya and Ali Laventhol (Bel Air, My Life with the Walter Boys).

Let’s Get Physical is executive produced by Milojo Productions, Johnson Management Group, Inc., and Everheart Productions. Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and Albert Bianchini serve as executive producers for Milojo. Michael Halpern serves as executive producer for Milojo. Jenna Dewan and Kyle McNally executive produce for Everheart Productions. Robin Hayes directs from a script written by Margaux Froley and Kelly Fullerton.

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Alicia Witt as Cari Farver in "The Disappearance of Cari Farver" on Lifetime

Interview with Ashley Jones

TV Interview!

Star Ashley Jones of "What Happened to My Sister?"

Interview with Ashley Jones of “What Happened to My Sister?” on Lifetime by Suzanne 9/16/22

This was a fun interview last week with Ashley! I interviewed her 9 years ago for another Lifetime movie (Gosh, where does the time go?).  She’s always very kind and beautiful. Don’t miss her new movie as well as the LMN marathon of her previous movies all day Friday, September 23! She is most known for being on the soaps, such as “The Bold and The Beautiful,” “General Hospital” and “The Young and The Restless.”

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

Star Ashley Jones of "What Happened to My Sister?"

LMN Favorite Ashley Jones Returns With New Thrillers

LMN FAVORITE ASHLEY JONES RETURNS WITH NEW THRILLERS

SECRET LIVES OF COLLEGE ESCORTS
MARKS ASHLEY JONES’ DIRECTORIAL DEBUT
AND STARS PILOT PAISLEY-ROSE, LAURIE FORTIER AND BRIANA CUOCO
FOR AN AUGUST 19 PREMIERE

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SISTER?
STARS ASHLEY JONES, LAURYN SPEIGHTS AND MONIQUE STRAW
AND PREMIERES SEPTEMBER 23

NEW YORK, NY (August 4, 2022) – LMN favorite Ashley Jones returns to the network with a two pack of films this summer including the premiere of Secret Lives of College Escorts starring Pilot Paisley-Rose, Laurie Fortier and Briana Cuoco on August 19 at 8/7c  which marks Daytime Emmy Award nominee Ashley Jones directorial debut, and What Happened to My Sister? on September 23 at 8/7c which Jones, Lauryn Speights and Monique Straw star in.  Additionally, LMN will run a marathon of movies featuring Jones on September 23 leading into the premiere of What Happened to My Sister?

What Happened to My Sister?
Friday, September 23 at 8/7c

Drea (Lauryn Speights, The Good Place), a freshman at college, decides to rush the same sorority her sister Gabi (Heather Harris, Broken Mirror) died rushing two years earlier in hopes of finding out the truth about her death.  Monique Straw (Fast Color) and Ashley Jones also star.

Ashley Jones Official Site Facebook Twitter Instagram

Star Ashley Jones (Bridget, Bold and the Beautiful) of "What Happened to My Sister?"

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Star Ashley Jones of "What Happened to My Sister?"