News

This year, you’ll likely see many people wearing mocha mousse, the warm, rich chocolate color Pantone has named color of the year for 2025.

Starting the year right, Sasha Pieterse was one of the first celebs to don this year’s color. She showed up on the set of Good Morning America wearing a brown corset and matching Michael Kors mules to discuss her new movie, A Carpenter Christmas Romance.

Sasha Pieterse Stuns in a Mocha Mousse Corset and Satin Maxi Skirt on GMA

Sasha Pieterse isn’t one to shy away from whimsical patterns, striking colors, and bold silhouettes that often highlight her curves. She frequently blends traditional pieces with playful accents, showcasing her mastery of style.

However, for her most recent TV appearance, Sasha opted to keep things understated in brown and black. She wore a brown bustier corset top with exposed seam stitch details and structured bra cups highlighting her cleavage.

Actor Waymond Lee, known for his role in Workaholics, has passed away. He was 72 years old.

Per TMZ, Lee died on Wednesday, Dec. 18, with his passing confirmed by his sister, Norine Lee, and his wife, Diane. According to his loved ones, Lee's passing was attributed to complications from Als, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The actor was first diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease in October, though it wasn't until earlier this month when he was diagnosed with Als.

Lee's family also stated that the actor was able to return home for a little over a week after his updated diagnosis, but returned to the hospital when he had difficulties with breathing and swallowing. After spending a little under a week hospitalized, he died with his wife by his side. His family added that Lee will be remembered as a "soft-hearted" and "sentimental person" who always loved his work as an actor,...

Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert [mage @sashapieterse on Instagram]

Sarah Drew dubbed A Carpenter Christmas Romance as “sexy Christmas” as she penned the movie’s script for Lifetime. The holiday movie is also executive-produced by Drew and is Nsfw. Meanwhile, the movie stars Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert and will premiere on December 21. Read on to learn more about the movie and its cast, and enjoy a trailer.

A Carpenter Christmas Romance on It’s a Wonderful Lifetime Sasha Pieterse [Image Lifetime on YouTube]

According to the Futon Critic, the Sarah Drew penned movie A Carpenter Christmas Romance tells the story of Andrea, a novelist who wants to do something her fans don’t want her to. She plans to kill off her main character in her series of novels, which has upset her fan base badly. In fact, they refuse to accept it. Due to this, the pressure is on for Andrea, who...

It’s A Wonderful Lifetime is premiering another Sarah Drew penned “sexy Christmas” movie A Carpenter Christmas Romance. This stars Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert. Also, executive produced by the Grey’s alum, this is another Nsfw holiday movie like Jana Kramer’s 2023 popular A Cowboy Christmas Romance.

Drew penned this movie while she was going to and from the Mistletoe Murders set over the past summer. What is this steamy new holiday movie about?

Photo: Sarah Drew Credit: ©2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Peter Stranks What Is Lifetime’s A Carpenter Christmas Romance About?

Firstly, what is this new Lifetime holiday movie A Carpenter Christmas Romance about? According to The Futon Critic, Andrea is a novelist who wants to do something her fans don’t want her to do. Andrea is planning on killing off her main character. This news has caused a commotion in her fan base. Moreover, they are not going to take it.

The “It’s A Wonderful Lifetime” holiday movie extravaganza is already in full swing as the Lifetime Channel continues to showcase new Christmas flicks every Saturday and Sunday night, which started on November 16.

Festive film fans need to mark Sunday, December 8, on their calendar as ‘How to Fall in Love by Christmas’ is set to debut on Lifetime at 8 p.m. Et, and will be available on the Lifetime App as of the next day. Cts has all the scoop about what to expect, below.

It’s A Wonderful Lifetime: ‘How To Fall In Love By Christmas’ – The 411

Dan Payne and Teri Hatcher star in the new holiday movie, and as per The Futon Critic, Hatcher plays the role of Nora Winters, a CEO of a lifestyle brand, who appears to ‘have it all’.

Still, failure can be a mere social media post away, so Nora realizes she has to do...

Lifetime is known for its ripped-from-the-headlines movies inspired by real-life events. But those movies are mostly true crime stories. This time, the network unveiled the trailer for its new holiday rom-com, which sounds familiar.

Christmas in the Spotlight is about a pop star who falls in love with a football player backstage at her show. This movie was clearly inspired by Taylor Swift’s long-term relationship with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Travis Kelce.

Pop Culture Romance

There’s been growing interest in Swift’s romance with Kelce. Hallmark Channel was the first to release its Christmas rom-com, Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, which stars Kelce’s mom, Donna.

Lifetime wanted to join in on the fun as well. Christmas in the Spotlight follows a world-famous pop star, Bowyn (Jessica Lord), who falls in love with a professional football player, Drew (Laith Wallschleger). Jeannie Mai and Haley Kalil are also...

Jessica Lord has released new Taylor Swift-inspired music right before the Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift-inspired It’s A Wonderful Lifetime movie, Christmas In The Spotlight. Just before this Christmas movie premiere, Lord has released a new music video that is launching her musical career. The 25-year-old actress and singer has a new song, “Tread Carefully.”

Check out the new video below, and information on Jessica Lord and Wallschleger’s new Christmas movie. Here is everything fans need.

Christmas In The Spotlight used with Lifetime’s permission Jessica Lord Releases Music On The Eve Of Christmas Movie Premiere

On the eve of the It’s A Wonderful Lifetime’s Christmas In The Spotlight, the star of this movie, Jessica Lord, has released her first song ever including the music video. This is the Taylor Swift-inspired song, “Tread Carefully.”

Jessica told People Magazine that playing this new role inspired her...

As most know, ‘It’s A Wonderful Lifetime’ is an annual holiday tradition for the Lifetime Channel, where they showcase 12 new Christmas movies every Saturday and Sunday from November 16, until the ‘big day’ – December 25 – arrives.

‘Sincerely, Truly Christmas’ is one of the 12 movies slated for the ‘It’s A Wonderful Lifetime’ event, and Cts has all the details around this feel-good holiday flick.

It’s Wonderful Lifetime’s ‘Sincerely, Truly Christmas’: What’s It All About?

Sincerely, Truly Christmas stars Jake Epstein, Paula Brancati, and Howard Hoover, and is about an event planner who’s magically given the super-power of hearing what everyone wants for Christmas.

Brancati plays the event planner named Christina, who is fired right before Christmas, which happens to be her busiest season for her job. Despite the bad news, she still makes a Christmas wish – and it comes true.

Christina wishes she knew what people wanted...

“Hot Frosty” has come to life on Netflix, and yes, you’ve definitely swooned over him before. But, if you’re having trouble placing him, don’t worry, we got you.

Now streaming, the movie follows Kathy (Lacey Chabert) and Jack (Dustin Milligan) as they fall in love in a little town called Hope Springs. The thing is, Jack is a snowman. Yes, actually. He comes to life after Kathy unwittingly gives him a magic scarf, and he spends the rest of the movie wooing her while also trying desperately not to melt.

And he’s pretty good at that wooing. That’s because, as we mentioned above, he’s played by Dustin Milligan.

Odds are, you’ll most immediately recognize the actor as Ted Mullens, from “Schitt’s Creek.” He was a local veterinarian that Alexis Rose (Annie Murphy) quickly fell for in town. So obviously, he’s not exactly...

Hallmark Channel has its usual big list of new holiday classics for audiences to cozy up with, but what else can you stream?

The calendar may say October, but the holiday season is just around the corner. That means your favorite cable networks and streaming services are gearing up to roll out seasonal holiday shows and movies, with new titles and beloved classics on the schedule. From Hallmark Channel’s annual Countdown to Christmas to Great American Family’s Great American Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Lifetime, there’s a huge number of new and returning Christmas and holiday-themed titles headed to your TV.

The unquestioned leader in the holiday rom-com industry is Hallmark, and across the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, and the newly rebranded Hallmark+, the feel-good brand is rolling out a slate of nearly 50 titles starting on Friday, Oct. 18. Upstart cable and streaming competitor Great American Family has...

It’s A Wonderful Lifetime’s first weekend concludes with Holiday In Happy Hollow. This Christmas romcom stars Tamara Almeida and Cody Ray Thompson. “Real estate developer Gracie’s new project faces an unexpected roadblock.”

Here is more about the upcoming holiday romcom.

Holiday In Happy Hollow – used with permission from Lifetime What Is Lifetime’s Holiday In Happy Hollow About?

Lifetime’s second holiday movie is Holiday In Happy Hollow. What is this Christmas romcom about? According to the official synopsis, Gracie is a real estate developer who has a special project that is holiday-related. She has purchased a Christmas tree farm! The place looks and smells like Christmas. It is absolutely magical there.

Moreover, this is the most fantastic project for the holiday season. Everything seems perfect until Gracie discovers something from the history of the farm. However, what she discovers is a disaster.

It turns out that...

Lifetime is continuing to add spice to their eggnog.

In 2023, “A Cowboy Christmas Romance” became the first Christmas TV movie to feature a sex scene, written by Sarah Drew. This year, Drew wrote and executive produced another one of the network’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” movies — and it’s even sexier than the last.

“A Carpenter Christmas Romance,” stars Mitchell Slaggert and Sasha Pieterse and plays with “the vibe of adding spicy to the sweet to the Christmas season,” she told Variety on Thursday at our annual Power of Women event in Los Angeles. “There’s more steam this year than last year, so get ready. Mitchell Slaggert, he’s shirtless. He’s also just absolutely perfect in this role… He has so much heart and so much charisma on screen. And Sasha Pieterse is amazing.”

Although TV Christmas movies are traditionally G-rated, Drew knows that the audience is there for a bit more.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story has inspired a love story just in time for the holidays. Christmas in the Spotlight, which takes inspiration from the famous couple, will be part of Lifetime’s star-studded “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup. The release date has been announced for the film, as well as streaming information.

Love, Music, & Football For The Holiday Season

The film doesn’t directly involve Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, but presents a familiar love story involving a pop star and a football player. In the film, Jessica Lord plays Bowyn, a musician who has made a career singing about life. The irony is, however, that her music career has ended up getting in the way of her love life.

However, Bowyn might just find a chance at love when she meet a football player, Drew, backstage at one of her concerts, while with his niece.

Lifetime has announced the final film in its “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday lineup: BeBe Winans’ We Three Kings. The film, starring and executive produced by gospel and R&b icon BeBe Winans and his niece Deborah Joy Winans, centers on a father using music and family memories to reunite his estranged daughters during the holiday […]

Lifetime Announces Final Film for “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” Slate: BeBe Winans’ “We Three Kings”...

Lifetime has just announced its Christmas movie line-up, “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime.” Many of these specials boast a variety of stars, including Tia Mowry. One film will also be based on a real-life celebrity pair.

New Movies Will Come Out On Saturday & Sunday

The holiday movie schedule will start off on November 16. Until December 22, the network will premiere a new holiday-themed movie each Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. Et/Pt.

Many prominent stars will headline these holiday stories. This includes Tim Mowry, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Teri Hatcher, and others.

Tia Mowry – YouTube

People gave a schedule of the films, complete with descriptions. The line-up starts with Christmas at Plumhill Manor, which will premiere on November 16. Starring Maria Menounos, the plot revolves around a New York architect who inherits an English manor. While there, she learns a Christmas secret and even falls in love.

Christmas in the Spotlight is a...

Lifetime is back with another steamy It’s A Wonderful Lifetime Christmas movie written by Sarah Drew. This new Nsfw holiday movie is called A Carpenter Christmas Romance. The lead pair in this movie is Pretty Little Liars stars Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert.

What is this holiday romcom about? Here are all the details!

Lifetime – YouTube Lifetime Announces A Carpenter Christmas Romance

On Tuesday, Deadline reported that Sarah Drew has penned and produced a new Nsfw Lifetime Christmas movie A Carpenter Romance. This stars Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert, and is directed by the multi-talented Jake Helgren. Many fans remember Drew’s It’s A Wonderful Lifetime Nsfw movie A Cowboy Christmas Romance starring Jana Kramer. That wound up being the network’s top holiday movie.

In this movie, Andrea, who is a bestselling novelist has returned home for the holidays. She winds up having a steamy fling with her ex-crush Seth,...

Jennifer Love Hewitt loves the holiday season, and she's had tremendous success in her collaborations with Lifetime.

So who better to direct, produce, and star in a Christmas flick for the network's 2024 It’s a Wonderful Lifetime movie slate?

Deadline reported today that Hewitt will be pulling triple duty on a Yuletide flick with the working title of The Holiday Junkie.

The project is a personal one for Hewitt, as it's inspired in part by her love of the holiday season, as well as the loss of her mother, who passed away in 2012.

Additionally, Hewitt's husband, Brian Hallisay, will be co-starring, and the couple's children will also appear in the film.

“To be able to direct and be in this movie with my husband is such a special opportunity. And to be back home with Lifetime feels as right as Christmas magic!” Hewitt said, in a statement issued to Deadline.

Exclusive: Sarah Drew – best known for playing fan favorite Dr. April Kepner on Grey’s Anatomy – is about to headline her own series for Hallmark Media.

Drew has been cast as Emily Lane in Mistletoe Murders, which is based on the Audible global hit podcast of the same name. Emily is described as smart, tough, and observant, but also kind, empathetic, and charming with a great — albeit dry — sense of humor.

When Emily isn’t busy running her charming small-town Christmas-themed store, “Under the Mistletoe,” she finds herself compelled to investigate local murders with the help of handsome local police detective and his teen daughter. On the surface, Emily is a perfectly lovely, good-natured mystery lover – but she is hiding a secret past that, if exposed, threatens to destroy the new life she has built in Fletcher’s Grove.

The series comes from eOne Canada and Headspinner Productions and will be distributed by Lionsgate Television.

When big-time real estate closer Lexie must seal a major business deal one week before the holidays, she’s sent back to the one place she swore she would never return: home on the range in Arizona, where she must convince local rancher Coby to give up his family land. The holidays are heating up at Lifetime with “A Cowboy Christmas Romance,” starring Jana Kramer and Adam Senn, the latest Christmas movie on the network’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” slate and its first ever to feature a sex scene. The new film will premiere on Lifetime on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. Et. You can watch A Cowboy Christmas Romance and Lifetime with a 7-Day Free Trial of Philo. You can also watch with Directv Stream, Sling TV, or Hulu Live TV.

How to Watch ‘A Cowboy Christmas Romance’ Featuring Lifetime's First Sex Scene in a Christmas Movie When: Saturday,...

Two stories from the entertainment industry made it onto Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” with Colin Jost and Michael Che taking on the Frozen sequels and the Lifetime movie sex scene.

Disney’s Jennifer Lee recently teased that while working on the third installment of the Frozen saga, the story was “so epic” they would need a fourth film, something CEO Bob Iger had confirmed before.

Jost made a joke stemming from the news adding, “By the time they come out they only thing frozen would be Elsa’s eggs.”

After the reaction from the live audience, Jost added, “She wants a career.”

Later on in the segment, Che brought up that Lifetime would be airing its first Christmas movie sex scene to which he quipped, “The sex scene will finally explain why Santa named that one reindeer Vixen. It’s a weird name for a reindeer.”

The Lifetime...

Lifetime is spicing up its Christmas movies by including a risqué sex scene in "A Cowboy Christmas Romance," a departure from their family-friendly films. The network believes that there is an audience hungry for grown-up romance and is excited to add some smolder to their usual holiday content. The movie deviates from typical Lifetime Christmas movie clichés and focuses on real family dynamics and relationships rather than the usual festive elements.

Move over Hallmark Channel, Lifetime is looking to spice things up this Christmas by featuring the first ever sex scene in one of their wholesome holiday movies. Debuting on December 9th, A Cowboy Christmas Romance will be the first film in Lifetime’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Lifetime’ franchise to add a little sizzle to its production, and the network is secure in its decision to include something for grown-ups.

Lifetime SVP of scripted content, Tia Maggini, told Variety in...

Lifetime Channel is featuring a first in their holiday programming.

The “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” slate of 12 new movies features a film called A Cowboy Christmas Romance, and the movie features the franchise’s first sex scene.

“We think that there’s an audience out there that’s hungry for grown-up romance, and we’re looking forward to adding some smolder to the usual holiday sugar and spice,” Tia Maggini, SVP of scripted content at Lifetime, said to Variety.

“We love trying new things, and we’re excited about this new ‘first’ for us for a holiday movie.”

Keep reading to find out more…

The movie stars Jana Kramer and Adam Senn and premieres on Saturday, December 9 at 8 p.m.

Here’s a synopsis: One week before Christmas, a huge business deal sends real estate “closer” Lexie Crenshaw (Kramer) back to a place she swore she’d never return to: her hometown of Tubac,...

Lifetime Channel is moving on from the almost-kiss — well, sort of.

This season’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” slate of 12 new movies includes “A Cowboy Christmas Romance,” a holiday movie that features the franchise’s first sex scene.

“We think that there’s an audience out there that’s hungry for grown-up romance, and we’re looking forward to adding some smolder to the usual holiday sugar and spice,” Tia Maggini, SVP of scripted content at Lifetime, exclusively tells Variety. “We love trying new things, and we’re excited about this new ‘first’ for us for a holiday movie.”

The movie, starring Jana Kramer and Adam Senn and debuting on Dec. 9, follows a real estate agent who returns home to Arizona to reclaim land belonging to a rancher. Not only do sparks fly, but she also gets a chance to reconnect with her family — all the fixings for the perfect Christmas movie.

Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Thursday, November 9, 2023.

Lifetime continues to spread holiday cheer with first looks at some of its upcoming holiday movies.

We're talking Ladies of the '80s, Christmas Plus One, and more!

Christmas Plus One premieres Sunday, November 18, at 8 p.m. Et and features a stellar storyline.

"When sisters Cara (Emily Alatalo) and Amy (Vanessa Smythe) make a pact to find their soulmates by next Christmas, they're not expecting anything to come from it," the logline teases.

"However, one year later, Amy's winter wedding is approaching, and Cara finally finds her own perfect man, Chase (Andrew Bushell), who agrees to attend as her plus one.

"But after immediately losing his number, all hope is lost.

"Will she find him in time to make her Christmas wish come true?

"Or does love have other plans for Cara when magazine writer...

Lifetime has unwrapped it’s upcoming holiday movie schedule of new features!

The network’s annual It’s a Wonderful Lifetime programming kicks off on Saturday, November 18th and will feature 12 all new movies throughout the season.

“This year, the nostalgia is strong, and the cozy vibes are high as Lifetime reunites divas past and present for new movies every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas,” reads the official press release.

Movies this year feature some big names in the holiday movie space, including Tia Mowry, Jana Kramer, Tatyana Ali, Vivica A Fox, Jackée Harry, Teri Hatcher, Jesse Kove, and even Loni Anderson, Morgan Fairchild, Linda Gray, Donna Mills, and Nicollette Sheridan.

They’ve even got the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro!

This year, the slate of movies will also include some new, original music from Tiffany, Jackée Harry, Tatyana Ali and Max Ehrich.

Find out more about all of the upcoming new Lifetime holiday movies inside…...

Exclusive: Holy high waisted jeans! Lifetime has a big ’80s themed surprise in store for the holidays.

As the tentpole for its holiday movie slate, Lifetime will air Ladies of the 80s: A Divas Christmas, a festive romp starring Loni Anderson (Wkrp in Cincinnati), Morgan Fairchild (Falcon Crest), Linda Gray (Dallas), Donna Mills (Knots Landing) and Nicollette Sheridan (Knots Landing).

Filmed earlier this year, the movie follows five soap opera divas as they reunite to shoot the final Christmas episode of their long-running sudser. The producer, Alex (Travis Burns) and director Nell (Taylor Ann Thompson), who happen to be 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 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...

Updated: Lifetime announced several projects during A+E Networks’ 2023-24 upfront presentation Wednesday, including a follow-up docu to Janet Jackson, its two-part documentary that scored record ratings for the network, as well as TLC Forever, a simulcast with A+E celebrating the story of the iconic top-selling female group. Additionally, the network has greenlighted a Keyshia Cole biopic, starring Cole as herself and is in development on Merry Liddle Christmas Vacation starring Kelly Rowland, in the next installment of the Liddles for It’s a Wonderful Lifetime.

They join previously announced Real Love, an original movie executive produced by Grammy winner Mary J. Blige inspired by her best-selling song.

Janet Jackson: Family First, a follow-up to Janet Jackson, will chronicle the legendary singer, songwriter, producer, author, actor and philanthropist as she embarks on her 2023 “Together Again” tour, and her collaboration with brother Randy Jackson to reunite the family band after 40 years since their last performance.

The world of holiday programming continues to grow. While Hallmark Channel and Lifetime have seen major success with their “Countdown to Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” slates, respectively, Great American Family joined the discussion in 2021.

In June 2021, the network, originally tilted Great American Country (Gac), was acquired by Gac Media, a group formed by former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott and Hicks Equity Partners. In the fall of that year, the network was relaunched as Gac Family.

Under Gac Media, Great American Country changed to “Gac Family” and later to “Great American Family” — the title they have gone by since August 2022. The channel became similar in content to what Abbott had created at Hallmark, including original made-for-tv movies, holiday programming and big franchises. However, it also focuses more heavily on faith-driven programming.

Gaf acquired Season 2 of “When Hope Calls,” a spin-off of Hallmark Channel’s “When Calls the Heart,” as...

Lifetime has an early Christmas present for fans of CBS’ long-running Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

Jane Seymour is set to reunite with Dr. Quinn costar Joe Lando (aka Sully) in the made-for-tv Christmas movie A Christmas Spark.

More from TVLineNight Court Adds Nyambi Nyambi, aka New Clerk Wyatt, as Series Regular The Rookie Books The Originals' Danielle Campbell for Season 6 Arc - Exclusive DetailsTVLine Items: Clone High Season 2 Date, La Brea Star's New Series and More

Hailing from executive producer Toni Braxton, A Christmas Spark follows Seymour’s recently widowed Molly, who has “lost her zest for life and given...

Melissa Joan Hart will star in multiple new “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday movies, as well as the made-for-tv hoarder film “Dirty Little Secret” at Lifetime, as part of a new multi-year deal with the cable channel, Variety has learned exclusively.

Under her new pact, Hart will star in, direct and executive produce several movies for Lifetime. For the “Ripped From The Headlines” movie “Dirty Little Secret” (working title), which is set to debut this summer, Hart stars as a mother hiding her extreme hoarding tendencies that are destroying her family.

Additionally, Hart will star in and executive produce new movies for Lifetime’s 2022 and 2023 Christmas slates, having previously starred in six holiday films for the cabler, including “Mistletoe in Montana,” “Dear Christmas” and “A Very Merry Toy Store.” Hart has previously executive produced eight Lifetime films with her production company Hartbreak Films, including the recent “Christmas in Tune” starring Reba McEntire.

Jenna Dewan is currently appearing on ABC's The Rookie and The CW's Superman & Lois.

The beloved star will also be returning to Lifetime.

The cabler announced this week a two-picture deal with the entertainer to star in, and executive produce two new movies for Lifetime.

The projects are currently in development, and one will be a film for the for the network's annual It's a Wonderful Lifetime holiday movie slate.

Dewan previously starred in the series Witches of East End and highly rated movies She Made Them Do It and Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal for the network.

Dewan will produce through her company, Everheart Production, alongside executive Kyle McNally.

"We are thrilled to have Jenna return to Lifetime's air, but even more so, we are excited to have her step into a Broader Focus behind-the- camera role to executive produce the projects," said Tanya Lopez, EVP Scripted Content,...

Lifetime is trying to turn a commercial break into a holiday tradition.

Last year, the A+E Networks-backed cable outlet showcased a 15 minute “mini-movie” that starred actor Mario Lopez as KFC scion Col. Harland Sanders. The steamy short poked fun at the network’s famous soapy dramas. At 8 p.m. Friday, Lifetime will bring out a new short film, one that is devoted to showcasing Procter & Gamble’s Olay. “A Merry & Bright Makeover” features Monique Coleman, who has starred in Disney’s “High School Musical” and is slated to appear during the premiere of Lifetime’s “A Christmas Dance Reunion.”

“You won’t find a more engaged audience than Lifetime viewers hunkering down for ‘It’s A Wonderful Lifetime’ holiday movies, and we leverage that passion to the advantage of our partners,” said David DeSocio, executive vice president of ad sales and partnership marketing for A+E Networks, in a prepared statement.

We could all use a miracle right about now. Kicking off the holiday season with some hope and love, Lifetime's slate of holiday fare, It's a Wonderful Lifetime, is back on television with Miracle in Motor City. Foster mom Amber Dupont (Tia Mowry) has a full plate and adds on one more thing when she takes charge of her church's annual Christmas pageant. In the midst of organizing the event she inadvertently promises to deliver a special performance by Motown legend Smokey Robinson. Her best friends secretly enlist Amber's ex–boyfriend Eddie (Mark Taylor) to help with the task hoping that it might lead to a Christmas miracle reunion for the two. In a quest to find...

Are you still tied to cable, hoping that someone will put all of your favorite networks into one brilliant place?

Look no further than Frndly TV for live TV (with the ability to go back in time if you've missed what you love).

There's more to it than that, of course.

In a nutshell, Frndly TV is the first sub-$10 live, over-the-top television service built from the ground up with the American consumer in mind.

What does that mean to you?

Well, Frndly TV offers 30 top-rated live TV networks, including Hallmark Channel, Game Show Network, Insp, UPtv, Curiosity Stream, The Weather Channel, Gac Family, and others.

It delivers programming the whole family can enjoy at a price the whole family can love.

Today, A&e Networks and Frndly TV announced a partnership widening the scope of the streamer with a multi-year distribution agreement that brings A+E Networks' portfolio of...

Lifetime announced a two-picture deal with Sarah Drew, who will star, write and executive produce “Reindeer Games” and star in “Stolen Hearts: The Lizbeth Meredith Story” for the channel’s “It’s A Wonderful Lifetime” holiday film slate.

“I’ve absolutely loved working with Lifetime over the past few years and couldn’t be more thrilled to continue my relationship with them as an actor and now as a writer and producer as well. I’m delighted to announce my screenwriting debut with ‘Reindeer Games,’ a romantic comedy about love, loss, and the importance of true community. I’m looking forward to working with Lifetime to bring more stories like this to life,” Drew said.

“Reindeer Games” is currently in development and follows a fading Hollywood star who returns to his small hometown following his breakup. He’s begrudgingly roped into the town’s titular holiday fundraising tradition, but when he...

Reba McEntire is joining Lifetime’s 2021 original holiday movie slate as the star of “Christmas in Tune,” the A+E Networks-owned cable channel revealed Wednesday during the company’s virtual upfront presentation. And yes, she’ll be singing in it.

The Christmas movie is the first project in a two-picture deal that the Grammy winner signed with Lifetime to star in and produce films for the network.

Set up as a tentpole movie for Lifetime’s annual “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday slate, “Christmas In Tune” tells the story of Belle, a marketing executive who is worried she may lose her job.

Per Lifetime, “She decides to reunite a singing duo for a charity Christmas concert, but the problem is — the singers are actually her parents and they have not spoken to each other in years! Soon the at-odds couple is helping Belle get her life in order and she...

Janet Jackson’s life story will get the documentary treatment next year from Lifetime and A&e to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her first album.

At its virtual upfront today, the A+E Networks group highlighted its upcoming programming slate and announced that Lifetime and A&e have ordered a two-night, four-hour documentary event with the working titled “Janet.” Jackson’s first album, titled “Janet Jackson,” was released in 1982 when she was 16.

The documentary, co-produced by Workerbee and Associated Entertainment Corporation, promises to offer unprecedented access to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s life, and an intimate, honest and unfiltered look at the untold story of one of the highest-earning artists in music history.

Filming on “Janet” has been under way for three years. The doc follows Janet as her family is going through the loss of her father, Joseph, the patriarch of the Jackson dynasty who passed...

As a most unusual holiday season begins, it’s going to be harder for streaming services to demand our attention. With its new releases for December 2020, Amazon Prime is trying its best anyway.

This is actually an uncommonly jam-packed and intriguing roster of content for Bezos’s outfit. The list this month is highlighted by the release of The Expanse season 5 on Dec. 16. The beloved sci-fi series made the jump from Syfy to Amazon last year and things went well enough that it’s coming back for more. That returning show is complemented by another new genre series. The Wilds premieres on Dec. 11 and will follows a group of teenage girls lost (or Lost) on a deserted island.

Amazon’s original movies in December are just as intriguing. Riz Ahmed plays a heavy metal drummer losing his hearing in Sound of Metal on Dec. 4. Rachel Brosnahan stars as a mother...

Hard as it is to believe with everything going on right now, but Christmas is only about five weeks away, and the streaming market is already looking crowded. Although Netflix can probably expect to continue their dominance over subscribers through the end of 2020, Amazon Prime are releasing some notable titles for the last month of the year, including original films like I’m Your Woman and new episodes of The Expanse.

In terms of the former, it stars Rachel Brosnahan of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in a picture about a woman who has to go on the run after her husband gets into trouble with his business partner. We’ll also be seeing the much-anticipated Sound of Metal, which features Riz Ahmed as a heavy metal drummer who develops hearing loss. This one will receive a limited theatrical release before heading to Amazon on December 4th. And elsewhere, viewers can expect...

Halloween has come and gone and it’s time to start celebrating the holidays. Ok, well, Lifetime (and some of its competitors) began decking their lineups with new Christmas movies before Oct. 30 — but now it’s really time to start making the season bright.

See below for Lifetime’s full 2020 “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” slate of holiday movies, which includes 30 different original films this year. Two notable projects on the list are “A Christmas Setup,” which marks the cable channel’s first-ever holiday movie to feature a gay couple as the leads, and “A Sugar & Spice Holiday,” Lifetime’s first holiday film led by an Asian cast.

Christmas on Ice

Starring Abigail Klein, Ryan Cooper, Caroline Portu,

Will Lyman, Meara Mahoney Gross

10/23 at 8pm Et/Pt

Courtney Bennett (Abigail Klein), a former US figure skating hopeful, runs the city’s public skating rink but when the Mayor (Will Lyman) announces its closing,...

Thanksgiving is still about a month away, but at the Lifetime cable network, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The A+E Networks-backed outlet on Friday launched its annual “It’s A Wonderful Lifetime” holiday-movie extravaganza, which puts 1200 hours of content appropriate to the season on its schedule across ten weeks. But good cheer (and soapy stories of the sort for which Lifetime is known) aren’t going to be enough.

To make sure the network keeps viewers engaged, executives have enlisted a bevy of advertisers as well as celebrity home expert Sandra Lee to take part in tailored vignettes slated to show up in promo and commercial breaks; enlisted some of its top stars to take part in virtual live events; tapped Fran Drescher and others to take over Thursday’s 8 p.m. movie with a bingo game that asks viewers to play along at home and...

If you listen intently, you can hear the sound of jingle bells ringing.

The holiday season has come early for Lifetime, and a slew of Christmas films are underway.

On Saturday, October 24, it's the premiere of the Tiffany Haddish produced Christmas romance, Christmas Unwrapped.

We scored an exclusive first look at the film, and it's a fun, sweet minute and half clip giving us our first look at our lovely lead characters and what appears to be their first meetng.

Charity (Amber Stevens West) stumbles her way through the ice rink to a bench with the assistance of the handsome Erik (Marco Grazzini).

She wants to speak with the subject of her latest assignment about his Christmas charitable endeavors.

Charity is a reporter, and she wants to write a story about the mysterious, handsome, and generous founder of an organization called Never Stop Believing.

Charity comes prepared, running down everything she knows about Erik,...

Sandra Lee is getting into the Christmas spirit.

The Emmy-winning lifestyle expert has signed a deal to host broadcast and digital segments for Lifetime during the network’s holiday programming, titled “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime.”

The pieces will cover a range of holiday subjects, including decorating, baking and gift giving.

“For decades, Sandra has helped time-starved homemakers everywhere make delicious meals, give thoughtful gifts, and create beautiful homes,” Lifetime and Lmn’s EVP and head of programming Amy Winter said in statement. “As the authority on all things home and lifestyle, Sandra is the foremost trusted go-to source for simple, doable ideas with beautiful, attainable results. She’s the perfect addition to the Lifetime family and will provide incredible ideas with easy tips ensuring it’s a wonderful Lifetime for all our viewers this year.”

Lee’s segments will launch the week of Thanksgiving.

“I’ve been a lifelong fan...

In today’s TV news roundup, Amazon Prime Video unveiled a “Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2” trailer, and Variety exclusively learned that “FBI” actor Jeremy Sisto will be honored with the canopy award at the North Fork TV Festival.

First Looks

Amazon Prime Video released an official trailer for Rihanna‘s “Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2,” which premieres on the platform on Oct. 2. The fashion show features performances by Bad Bunny, Ella Mai, Miguel, Mustard, Roddy Ricch and Rosalia. Various dancers, celebrities and models will also be featured as they show off the line’s fall 2020 collection. The fashion line will be available for purchase on the Savage X Fenty website and on Amazon Fashion. The event will stream exclusively on Amazon throughout over 240 countries and territories. Watch the trailer below.

Development

Based on the 2019 film “The Gentlemen,” Miramax TV has confirmed the development of a new action comedy series with writer,...

Christmas might not be until December, but some networks are slapping on their mittens and gearing up for the holiday season as early as October.

Families often find themselves gathered around the TV binging some of Hallmark or Lifetime’s latest Christmas-themed films, and this year is no exception. With people around the country encouraged to stay indoors and avoid crowded locations, Variety breaks down a list of feel-good Christmas movies to tune into this year.

As part of Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” holiday movie slate, the channel will premiere 30 original TV movies beginning Oct. 23 and running through mid-December. In its efforts to diversify the stories it showcases, Lifetime said it worked with GLAAD and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) for its first-ever LGBTQ-led film “The Christmas Setup” and “A Sugar & Spice Holiday” centering on an Asian American family.

More films will be added to the list as networks announce them.

Real-life couple Ben Lewis (“Arrow”) and Blake Lee (“Fam”) have been cast in “The Christmas Setup,” Lifetime’s first-ever LGBTQ-lead original holiday movie, while Jacky Lai (“V-Wars”), Tony Giroux (“Motherland: Fort Salem”) and Tzi Ma (“Mulan”) will star in “A Sugar & Spice Holiday,” centered on an Asian American Family, the network announced Monday.

Lifetime also said it is working with GLAAD and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), on the respective movies, to ensure they represent the communities depicted accurately.

“The world we create on camera should reflect the world we live in. ‘The Christmas Setup’ and ‘A Sugar & Spice Holiday’ are important additions to the It’s a Wonderful Lifetime slate because they continue our effort to tell the stories of the diverse communities represented by our viewers,” said Amy Winter, executive vice president and head of programming, Lifetime and Lmn. “Our hope with these inclusive films and...

Lifetime’s 2020 slate for their “It’s A Wonderful Lifetime” holiday programming will feature 30 new movies with two pics serving diverse narratives, talent and characters. Starting mid-October and continuing through December, the network will offer over 1,200 hours of programming to give you some holiday cheer.

After last year’s Twinkle All the Way featured an on-screen, same-sex kiss between couple Lex and Danny (Brian Sills and Mark Ghanimé), Lifetime will continue to bolster their LGBTQ representation with The Christmas Set Up. This marks the network’s first movie with an LGBTQ romance as the lead story. In addition, Lifetime has greenlit A Sugar & Spice Holiday, its first holiday movie centered on a Chinese-American family. Jennifer Liao is set to direct with Eirene Donohue writing. Casting is currently underway on both movies, with production set to begin this month.

“We are thrilled to continue our legacy of creating a holiday destination that...

Lifetime will feature an LGBTQ romance at the center of one of its holiday movies, marking a first for the cabler.

The network plans to air 30 new movies during its annual "It's a Wonderful Lifetime" block and is touting some added diversity in the lineup, including a story about a Chinese American family and one starring disabled actress Ali Stroker. Tiffany Haddish will also executive produce a movie called Christmas Unwrapped.

"We are thrilled to continue our legacy of creating a holiday destination that is welcoming to all at Lifetime,” said Amy Winter, executive ...

ViacomCBS’ Entertainment & Youth Group is starting a new original movies and limited series unit to serve its portfolio of brands. The company has brought in A+E Networks’ Meghan Hooper White to run the unit as Evp and Head of Original Movies and Limited Series. She starts May 18 and will be reporting to Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and Chief Creative Officer.

The unit’s goal will be to mine the ViacomCBS library of IP for new original movies and limited series for networks in the portfolio as well as other outlets across the company, including CBS, Channel 5, Network 10 and the revamped streaming service that will succeed CBS All Access. The target is to do 100 movies annually.

They will be developed specifically for each brand. The ones for MTV will be primarily coming-of-age stories featuring top musicians and young Hollywood talent. Those for Comedy Central: will...

ViacomCBS Entertainment & Youth Group has tapped Lifetime veteran Meghan Hooper White to oversee a new unit for original movies and limited series, the company announced Tuesday.

The unit will produce original films to air on the group’s cable channels, including MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Network, with the goal of producing as many as 100 per year. The group will focus on ViacomCBS’s portfolio of IP and franchises and partner with other divisions in the company to produce the films.

Hooper White’s title will be executive vice president and head of original movies and limited series. She will report to the Entertainment & Youth Group’s president of content and chief creative officer, Nina L. Diaz, beginning May 18

Also Read: Bob Bakish Outlines 'Major Changes' for CBS All Access Rebrand This Summer

The launch of the new unit comes amid significant restructuring at ViacomCBS’s Entertainment & Youth Group, which...