Lifetime (TV network)

Lifetime (TV network). Lifetime is an American basic cable channel owned by the joint venture A&E Networks, which is equally owned by The Walt Disney Company and Hearst Communications. Launched in 1984, the network originally focused on informational and entertainment programming aimed at women, later becoming famous for its original television films and dramatic series. Its programming strategy has evolved to include reality television, acquired series, and a signature slate of original movies often dealing with dramatic, suspenseful, or romantic themes.

History

The network launched on February 1, 1984, as a result of the merger between two struggling channels: the Daytime network, focused on women's programming, and the Cable Health Network, which was founded by Hearst Corporation, ABC Video Enterprises, and Viacom. In 1990, Hearst Corporation partnered with The Walt Disney Company through its Capital Cities/ABC subsidiary to form a new joint venture, initially called Lifetime Entertainment Services. A significant early success was the long-running health and talk show The Dr. Susan Block Show. Throughout the 1990s, under executives like Doug McCormick, the channel solidified its identity with original made-for-television movies and series like Any Day Now. A major corporate shift occurred in 2009 when NBCUniversal sold its stake in A&E Networks to Disney-ABC and Hearst Corporation, giving the current owners full control. The network's headquarters moved from Los Angeles to New York City in 2014.

Programming

Lifetime's programming is built around original movies, dramatic series, and reality television. It is renowned for its prolific output of original television films, often dubbed "Lifetime movies," which frequently explore themes of romance, domestic drama, and true crime, such as the adaptations surrounding events like the Murder of Laci Peterson. Notable original series have included the drama Army Wives, the comedy Drop Dead Diva, and the biographical series The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. The network also airs acquired series, including reruns of popular shows like Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds. In unscripted television, Lifetime has found success with competitions like Project Runway, which it acquired from Bravo, and docusoaps such as Dance Moms. Special event programming has included authorized biographical films about figures like Britney Spears and Janet Jackson.

International versions

Several international versions of Lifetime have launched, adapting the channel's brand for regional audiences. In Canada, a licensed version is owned by Corus Entertainment and features a mix of U.S. imports and original Canadian productions. Lifetime Canada launched in 2010. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, a version operated by A&E Networks UK launched in 2004 but was later rebranded as CBS Reality in 2014. A separate Lifetime channel was relaunched in the UK in 2016 under a partnership with Sky. In Latin America, a regional feed is available, and in Asia, a version operated by A+E Networks Asia serves the Southeast Asian market. These international channels often feature localized content alongside the network's signature American movies and series.

Criticism and controversies

Lifetime has faced criticism for the perceived melodramatic and sensationalistic nature of many of its original films, often based on real-life tragedies, which some argue exploit sensitive subjects for entertainment. The network's 2013 biographical film Liz & Dick, starring Lindsay Lohan as Elizabeth Taylor, was widely panned by critics like those at The New York Times. In 2017, the docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, produced in partnership with Bunim/Murray Productions, reignited public scrutiny of allegations against singer R. Kelly and was praised for its journalism but also drew criticism for its graphic content. The network has also been involved in legal disputes, including a high-profile lawsuit with the production company behind Project Runway, Weinstein Television, prior to the revelations about Harvey Weinstein.

Lifetime Movie Network

Launched in 1998, the Lifetime Movie Network (LMN) is a digital cable and satellite television channel that operates as a spin-off network, focusing almost exclusively on airing Lifetime's vast library of original movies. The channel provides a 24-hour schedule of feature films produced for television, including thrillers, romances, and holiday-themed movies. It also produces its own original films, often under the "LMN Original Movie" banner, which follow similar genres. LMN is owned by A&E Networks and is often packaged alongside the main Lifetime channel by multichannel video programming distributors like Comcast and Charter Communications. Programming blocks include themed marathons and, in recent years, true-crime documentary series that complement its movie offerings.