Lifetime Triples Number of Unscripted Hours

NEW YORK: Lifetime has expanded its original programming slate, doubling its number of scripted series and more than tripling the amount of reality content on the network for 2011-12.

On the scripted side, Lifetime has lined up summer launches for two procedural dramas: The Protector (formerly Exit 19) and Against the Wall. The Protector features a divorced mother who must juggle the demands of her personal life with that of her responsibilities as an LAPD homicide detective. The show comes from ABC Studios and CBS Television Studios. Against the Wall starts as loyalty is put to the test when a Chicago police detective causes a rift with her blue-collar family of cops when she decides to join the department’s Internal Affairs division. The series is from Universal Cable Productions. The network made renewals for its scripted hits Drop Dead Diva, returning for a third season on June 19, and Army Wives, heading into its sixth season. Lifetime has also ordered the drama pilot Modern Love, which follows a newspaper science editor who is unexpectedly handed the job of editor of the newspaper’s Modern Love column.

In the way of nonfiction, 11 new unscripted projects have been picked up. Vanished with Beth Holloway, launching May 9, is a docu-reality program that explores true mysteries of families who have experienced unsolved abductions, disappearances and other crimes. Love Handles, also launching this month, is from executive producer SallyAnn Salsano (Jersey Shore). The show features a dual transformation of overweight couples. Brighton Beach is a 12×30-minute series that follows the men and women who live, work and play in the famous Brooklyn neighborhood. The Conversation, hosted by Britain’s Amanda de Cadenet and executive produced by Demi Moore and de Cadenet, features a modern take on celebrity interviews. Further on the roster are Dance Moms, featuring the world of competitive dance and the mothers who are pushing their daughters along the way; The Day that Changed My Life, showcasing true stories of ordinary people struck by a dramatic turn of events; and Roseanne’s Nuts, featuring Rosanne Barr on her newest endeavor, managing a macadamia nut farm in Hawaii. Lifetime also ordered eight one-hour episodes of Project Runway All Stars, featuring past competitors back to compete once again; seven one-hour episodes of To Live & Buy, following best friends and interior designers who are on a search for cool relics; and six hour-long episodes of The Tracey Gold Project (working title), which features the former Growing Pains star as she helps women overcome major eating disorders. Project Runway is returning in its ninth season this summer, with renewals also going to One Born Every Minute and Coming Home.

There are also plans for 24 new original movies across Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network. Titles include Nora Roberts’ Carnal Innocence, Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story, two action films from producer Gale Anne Hurd, a biopic of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, and Project Five, directed by Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Alicia Keys and Patty Jenkins.

Nancy Dubuc, the president and general manager of Lifetime Networks, said, “We have made great strides over the last year shaping our programming strategy to partner with proven producers and talent on quality dramas, reality series and movies. This diverse slate built upon great stories and characters is the right mix of bold, confident and relevant programming viewers can expect from Lifetime.”