Lifetime Expands Original Movie Slate with Queen Latifah and Taraji P. Henson

Lifetime has announced new original movie deals featuring Queen Latifah and Taraji P. Henson, enhancing its programming lineup. Queen Latifah will executive produce three films through her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, while Henson will produce two films via TPH Entertainment in collaboration with Fox Entertainment Studios. This initiative aligns with Lifetime's strategy to feature powerful narratives centered on women, as emphasized by Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming at A&E, Lifetime, and LMN.

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In a significant shift, Lifetime is venturing into the vertical storytelling format with its upcoming micro-drama, "Tides of Temptation." This project serves as a digital extension of the original movie "Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise with You." The micro-drama, featuring a cast that includes Q Stenline and Troy Brookins, aims to deepen the narrative established in the associated film. Rob Sharenow, President of Programming at A+E Global Media, noted that this approach allows Lifetime to meet audiences in innovative ways while maintaining high storytelling standards.

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The network's 2026 film slate includes several notable projects:

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• "Love, Again": Starring Valerie Bertinelli and Eric McCormack, this film explores themes of love and loss as a woman navigates her husband's early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

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• "When I Said I Do": This film, produced by Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black, follows a widowed K-9 handler as she confronts her past and the meaning of commitment.

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• "Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise with You": Featuring Taye Diggs, this film tells the story of an NFL star and an interior decorator whose lives intertwine on the Caribbean island of Nevis.

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• "Angel in the Rubble": Based on the true story of Genelle Guzman, who survived the 9/11 attacks, this film recounts her miraculous rescue after being trapped for 27 hours.

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While the new initiatives have been generally well-received, some critics argue that Lifetime's focus on micro-dramas may dilute the quality of storytelling traditionally associated with full-length films. Concerns have been raised about whether shorter formats can deliver the same emotional depth as longer narratives.

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Elaine Frontain Bryant expressed enthusiasm for the new partnerships, stating, "Queen Latifah and Taraji P. Henson are extraordinary talents... excited to have them back in the Lifetime family." Rob Sharenow highlighted the strategic importance of the micro-drama format, indicating a commitment to evolving storytelling methods.

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• “Queen Latifah and Taraji P. Henson are extraordinary talents and dynamic producers who share Lifetime’s passion for telling powerful stories about women,” — Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming, A&E, Lifetime and LMN.

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• “When we first heard the pitch from Autumn and Taye for a micro drama connected to a movie, it felt like a smart, strategic way to enter the vertical space,” — Rob Sharenow, President of Programming, A+E Global Media.

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• “Diggs added, “We approached this as a fully realized dramatic project, not just short-form content.” — Taye Diggs, Executive Producer.

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As Lifetime continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the collaboration with prominent figures like Queen Latifah and Taraji P. Henson signifies a commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling.

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