Lifetime is more reality-crazed, renews ‘Army Wives’ and ‘Drop Dead Diva’
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Lifetime announced Tuesday it is picking up 11 unscripted programs, among other new projects for its 2011-2012 programming slate.
And, Tim Gunn, you’ll be happy to know the ‘Project Runway’ brand is making it work, in fact, it’s working overtime. Upcoming series include “Project Runway All Stars,” which sees past contestants competing again, and “Project Accessory,” a spin-off that will pit fashion accessory designers against each other.
Also in the unscripted arena: SallyAnn Salsano, the mastermind behind “Jersey Shore,” is offering her reality golden touch to the weight-loss/relationship program “Love Handles.” In “Dance Moms,” the world of overbearing mothers in the dance competition world is showcased. And who could forget about Roseanne Barr’s upcoming reality show, “Roseanne’s Nuts,” which chronicles her life on a macadamia nut farm?
But what would Lifetime be without a little drama? Drama pilot “Modern Love” from writer-executive producer Jenny Bicks (“Sex and the City”) is based on a series of columns published in the New York Times. And premiering this summer are “The Protector,” about a divorcee (Ally Walker of “Profiler,” “Sons of Anarchy”) juggling her two kids and her life as a Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective, and “Against the Wall” about a Chicago police detective (Rachael Carpani of “NCIS: Los Angeles”) who ruffles feathers when she decides to join the department’s Internal Affairs division.
For those who rely on the network for the movies, there are plans for 24 original flicks across Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network, including “Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story” and a biopic of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
The network also announced “Army Wives” would return for a sixth season and “Drop Dead Diva” would return for a third.
Here’s more on the other reality pickups:
“Vanished,” hosted by Beth Holloway, explores the mysteries of families who have experienced abductions, disappearance and “unspeakable crimes.” It’s scheduled to debut after the premiere of the network’s original movie “Justice for Natalee Holloway.” (May 9)
“Brighton Beach” follows women and men who in the famous Brooklyn neighborhood that is home to a vibrant Russian-American community.
“The Conversation” showcases British television personality Amanda de Cadenet as she hosts this modern take on celebrity interviews. De Cadenet sits down with famous women to discuss topics universal to all women. De Cadenet also serves as executive producer, along with Demi Moore.
“The Day that Changed My Life” showcases true stories of people whose lives took unexpected turns -- from chance encounters to “mind-bending miracles.” It features interview segments and reenactments.
“To Live & Buy” follows best friends and interior designers Tracy Hutson and Tanya McQueen (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”) as they travel America to find cool relics to restore and transform into stunning pieces for their Los Angeles home decor store.
In “The Tracey Gold Project’ (working title), the “Growing Pains” alum uses her personal experience fighting anorexia to help women overcome eating disorders.
-- Yvonne Villarreal
