What is Lifetime, and what type of programming does it primarily offer?

Lifetime is an American basic cable channel that is part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, a subsidiary of A+E Global Media. It primarily features programming that is geared toward women or features women in lead roles, including made-for-TV films and reality series.

Who are the joint owners of A+E Global Media, the parent company of Lifetime?

A+E Global Media, which is the parent company of Lifetime Entertainment Services and thus Lifetime, is jointly owned by Hearst Communications and The Walt Disney Company. These media conglomerates share ownership of the network.

What is the current picture format for Lifetime's broadcasts?

Lifetime broadcasts in 1080i HDTV, which stands for High-Definition Television, offering a higher resolution picture than standard definition.

When was the Lifetime channel originally launched?

Lifetime was launched on February 1, 1984, making it over 40 years old as of the information provided.

Which two television channels merged to form Lifetime?

Lifetime was established as a result of the merger of two formerly separate channels: Hearst/ABC's 'Daytime' and Viacom's 'Cable Health Network'.

What was the initial financial performance of Lifetime after its launch?

Lifetime was not an initial success, reportedly losing $36 million in its first two years of operation, and it did not become profitable until 1986.

What was 'Daytime' channel, one of Lifetime's predecessors, originally called and what was its focus?

The 'Daytime' channel, which preceded Lifetime, was originally called BETA and was launched in March 1982 by Hearst-ABC Video Services. It operated four hours per day on weekdays and focused on alternative women's programming.

What kind of programming did the 'Cable Health Network' offer before merging into Lifetime?

The 'Cable Health Network,' another predecessor to Lifetime, was launched in June 1982 as a full-time channel offering a range of health-related programming.

Who was elected as the first CEO of the new Lifetime network after its merger?

Thomas Burchill was elected as the first CEO of the new Lifetime network, following the formation of a board with equal representation from Hearst, ABC, and Viacom.

How did Lifetime attempt to rebrand itself in 1985, and who were some of its notable hosts?

In 1985, Lifetime started branding itself as 'Talk Television,' featuring a nightly lineup of talk shows and call-in programs. Notable hosts during this period included Regis Philbin and Ruth Westheimer, famously known as 'Dr. Ruth'.

What was 'Lifetime Medical Television' (LMT), and when did Lifetime stop dedicating Sundays to it?

Lifetime Medical Television (LMT) was a segment during the 1980s and early 1990s where Lifetime devoted its Sundays to airing in-depth medical programs and advertising for physicians. Lifetime began programming Sundays for general audiences on August 1, 1993, effectively ending LMT's dedicated Sunday slot.

How did Patricia Fili impact Lifetime's programming after being hired in 1988?

After being hired as head of programming in 1988, Patricia Fili changed an estimated 60 percent of Lifetime's programming within her first three years. She overhauled the talk show 'Attitudes,' acquired syndicated hits like 'Moonlighting' and 'L.A. Law,' oversaw the production of the first Lifetime movies, and carried 'The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd' after its cancellation by NBC.

What was the significance of Douglas McCormick's presidency for Lifetime in 1993?

Douglas McCormick became the network's president in 1993 and was instrumental in transforming Lifetime into a seven-day-a-week network by ending Lifetime Medical Television. The following year, he relaunched the channel with the new tagline 'Television for Women'.

How did Lifetime expand its focus on women's issues and sports in the mid-1990s?

In the mid-1990s, Lifetime began airing limited women's sports coverage, including the WNBA and sponsoring the first women's crew team in the America's Cup. The network also strengthened ties with women's organizations like the National Organization for Women and aired public service announcements about issues such as breast cancer awareness.

What strategy did Lifetime employ to appeal to both women and their spouses in its original programming during the mid-1990s?

Lifetime's original programming in the mid-1990s was aimed at women aged 24-44 and their spouses. This was achieved by making male characters in shows, such as the 'Spencer for Hire' film series, more masculine and appealing to men, which also helped leverage Nielsen ratings that favored couples sharing a television set.

What controversy arose in 1996 involving TCI and Lifetime?

In 1996, TCI, a major subscription provider, announced it would stop carrying Lifetime in certain markets to make room for the new Fox News Channel, in which TCI had a financial stake. This decision angered women's groups and politicians, who viewed it as a move against the only network specifically for women.

How did Lifetime respond to TCI's decision to drop the channel in some markets?

Lifetime published advertisements in affected markets, such as Eugene, Oregon, and Newport, Rhode Island, informing customers that TCI was removing the only network made for women, leading to public complaints and political support for Lifetime.

What was the outcome of the dispute between TCI and Lifetime regarding channel carriage?

After public outcry and political intervention, TCI reduced the number of homes that would lose Lifetime from an estimated one million to approximately 300,000, although TCI executives expressed anger and surprise at the strong reaction.

When did A&E Networks acquire Lifetime, and what was the ownership structure at that time?

Lifetime was acquired by A&E Networks on August 27, 2009. At the time, A&E Networks was already owned by Lifetime's shareholders, Hearst and Disney, but also included additional shares owned by NBCUniversal.

What change occurred in A&E Networks' ownership structure in 2012?

In 2012, NBCUniversal divested its stake in A&E Networks, which resulted in Lifetime once again becoming solely a joint venture between Disney and Hearst.

What type of original content is Lifetime currently known for?

Lifetime is currently known for its original content, which is composed of made-for-TV films, often described as 'women in peril' movies, and reality series, such as 'Dance Moms'.

What types of game shows did Lifetime air in the past?

In the past, Lifetime aired several game shows during daytime and early evenings, including 'Supermarket Sweep,' 'Shop 'til You Drop,' 'Rodeo Drive,' 'Born Lucky,' and 'Debt'.

Did Lifetime produce any original game shows, and if so, what was its fate?

Yes, Lifetime produced one original game show called 'Who Knows You Best?', which had a format based on 'The Newlywed Game.' However, it was canceled after only one season.

Which scripted dramas did Lifetime previously produce?

Lifetime previously produced scripted dramas such as 'Devious Maids' and 'Witches of East End'.

What syndicated series does Lifetime currently air during daytime hours?

The network currently airs a mix of second-run syndicated series during its daytime hours, including popular shows like 'How I Met Your Mother' and 'Grey's Anatomy'.

Which canceled Fox program did Lifetime revive in late 2011?

In late 2011, Lifetime began airing new episodes of 'America's Most Wanted,' a program that had been canceled in series form by Fox. Lifetime aired more than 40 new episodes before canceling it in 2013.

What was a notable simulcast event for Lifetime in 2017?

On July 21, 2017, Lifetime simulcasted the premiere of Disney Channel's original movie 'Descendants 2,' marking the first time the channel premiered a program produced for a wholly owned Disney subsidiary.

What royal-themed movie did Lifetime premiere in 2018?

In 2018, Lifetime premiered 'Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance,' a film that told the story of the relationship between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

What is Lifetime Movie Network (LMN)?

Lifetime Movie Network, informally known as LMN, is a movie-focused spin-off channel that was launched in 1998, specializing in films, particularly those produced by Lifetime's own Lifetime Pictures unit.

Why did Lifetime stop live WNBA broadcasts in 2000, and what replaced them?

In 2000, Lifetime phased out its live WNBA broadcasts, stating a desire to focus on 'stories' rather than event coverage. These broadcasts were replaced with an original series documenting the lives of WNBA players, and the program package moved to ESPN2.

What was Lifetime's involvement with the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) starting in 2017?

In February 2017, A&E Networks acquired an equity stake in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), leading to Lifetime broadcasting a weekly, Saturday-afternoon NWSL game beginning in the 2017 season.

When did Lifetime launch its High Definition (HD) simulcast?

Lifetime launched an HD simulcast on April 16, 2008, providing a higher quality viewing experience for its audience.

When and how was a Canadian version of Lifetime launched?

A Canadian version of Lifetime was launched on August 27, 2012, when Canadian television broadcaster Shaw Media rebranded its 'Showcase Diva' channel as Lifetime under a licensing agreement with A+E Networks.

When did the Lifetime channel begin broadcasting in Southeast Asia, and which providers first carried it?

The Lifetime channel began broadcasting in Southeast Asia on June 14, 2013, at 6:00 p.m., with Astro in Malaysia and StarHub TV in Singapore being two of the first providers to carry the channel in the region.

What was the fate of the Lifetime channel in the United Kingdom and Ireland?

A version of Lifetime for the UK and Ireland was launched in November 2013 by A+E Networks UK but was unsuccessful due to program contractors distributing content on other networks. The channel closed at 06:00 on March 1, 2021, with Discovery+ subsequently carrying Lifetime's original American programming in the region.

When was Lifetime Latin America launched, and what channel did it replace?

Lifetime Latin America was launched on July 1, 2014, in association with Sony Pictures Television Latin America. It supplanted the now-defunct Sony Spin channel, which had previously been known as Locomotion and Animax.

What languages are available for Lifetime Latin America's programming?

Lifetime Latin America offers programming in both Spanish and Portuguese, with its content in Brazil being fully dubbed in Portuguese.

When did the African version of Lifetime launch and cease transmission?

The African version of Lifetime was launched on DStv Channel 131 on July 22, 2014. However, it was announced on April 25, 2022, that the channel, along with Lifetime Play, would cease transmission in Africa by the end of May.

When was Lifetime launched in Israel, and what channel did it replace?

A version of Lifetime for Israel was launched on September 14, 2014, replacing The Biography Channel in that market.

What was the operational timeline for Lifetime Turkey?

Lifetime Turkey was launched on April 26, 2016, following an announcement by A&E Television Networks on March 16, 2016, in cooperation with Multi Channel Developers. The channel ceased operations three years later, on April 26, 2019.

When was a localized version of Lifetime launched in South Korea, and what kind of programming does it feature?

A localized version of Lifetime was launched in South Korea on September 22, 2017, by A+E Networks Asia-Pacific and local company iHQ. Its programming primarily consists of Korean dramas, talk shows, and entertainment programs, with 'Backstreet Rookie' being its first invested Korean drama.

What kind of programming does LRW offer, and how does it differ from the main Lifetime network?

LRW offers a mixture of comedies, dramas, how-to shows, game shows, and reality programming that has aired or is currently airing on the main Lifetime network, as well as imported series. Unlike Lifetime and LMN, LRW does not feature any original series or films.

Why has the overall carriage of LRW declined?

The overall carriage of LRW has declined because providers are increasingly choosing to carry high-definition networks over standard-definition-only channels like LRW, especially those without original programming. Additionally, Lifetime itself promotes on-demand access to its past series and utilizes other broadcast venues.

When was the Lifetime Movie Club streaming service launched, and what does it offer?

The Lifetime Movie Club streaming service was launched on July 2, 2015. It offers subscribers access to over 2,000 titles, which include both originally-produced and acquired films from Lifetime.

How many Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Critics' Choice Movie Awards nominations has Lifetime garnered as of November 2023?

As of November 2023, Lifetime has garnered nominations for 63 Emmy Awards, eight Golden Globe Awards, and 20 Critics' Choice Movie Awards.

Lifetime Tv Channel Wiki: Lifetime's Legacy: A Deep Dive into Women-Centric Television

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Introduction

A Channel for Women

Lifetime is an American basic cable television channel, a key component of Lifetime Entertainment Services, which operates as a subsidiary of A+E Global Media. This larger entity is a joint venture between Hearst Communications and The Walt Disney Company. The channel's core mission is to deliver programming specifically tailored for women, often featuring female protagonists and addressing issues relevant to women and their families.

Launch and Reach

Lifetime officially launched on February 1, 1984, marking its presence in the evolving landscape of cable television. Over the decades, its reach expanded significantly, peaking at approximately 100,000,000 pay television households in the United States in 2011. As of November 2023, its availability stands at around 63,000,000 households, reflecting shifts in media consumption patterns.

Critical Acclaim

The network's commitment to its programming focus has earned it considerable recognition within the industry. As of November 2023, Lifetime has received an impressive 63 Emmy Award nominations, 8 Golden Globe Award nominations, and 20 Critics' Choice Movie Award nominations, underscoring its impact and quality in the realm of television entertainment.

Historical Trajectory

Formative Years

Lifetime's genesis can be traced back to two precursor channels. "Daytime," initially known as BETA, was launched in March 1982 by Hearst-ABC Video Services, offering four hours of alternative women's programming on weekdays. Concurrently, the Cable Health Network debuted in June 1982 as a full-time channel, focusing on health-related content. These two distinct services laid the groundwork for what would become Lifetime.

The Merger and Early Challenges

On February 1, 1984, Lifetime was formally established through the merger of Hearst/ABC's "Daytime" and Viacom's Cable Health Network. A new board, with equal representation from Hearst, ABC, and Viacom, appointed Thomas Burchill as the network's inaugural CEO. Despite this strategic consolidation, the channel faced initial difficulties, reportedly incurring $36 million in losses during its first two years and only achieving profitability in 1986. Low viewership and a public misconception that it carried religious content were among the early hurdles.

Strategic Rebranding and Growth

In 1985, Lifetime underwent a significant rebranding, adopting the tagline "Talk Television" and introducing a nightly lineup of talk and call-in shows featuring personalities such as Regis Philbin and Dr. Ruth Westheimer. The late 1980s and early 1990s also saw a dedicated Sunday block for medical professionals under "Lifetime Medical Television" (LMT), which was eventually phased out by August 1, 1993, to allow for seven-day programming. Patricia Fili, head of programming from 1988, was instrumental in overhauling 60% of the content, acquiring popular syndicated shows, and initiating the production of Lifetime's first original movies, significantly enhancing the network's image.

"Television for Women" Era

Under President Douglas McCormick, appointed in 1993, Lifetime fully embraced its identity as a seven-day network. In 1994, it relaunched with the iconic tagline "Television for Women." This period saw the network expand into limited women's sports coverage, including the WNBA and America's Cup, and forge stronger alliances with women's advocacy groups like the National Organization for Women, broadcasting public service announcements on critical issues such as breast cancer awareness. By strategically appealing to both women and their spouses, Lifetime ascended to become the sixth most-highly rated subscription network by January 1995.

Programming Evolution

Signature Content

Lifetime is widely recognized for its distinctive original content, particularly its made-for-television films, often characterized by themes of "women in peril." Beyond these dramatic narratives, the network's current programming slate includes a variety of reality series, such as the popular Dance Moms. The network's stated commitment is to provide "the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families."

Past Genres and Revivals

Historically, Lifetime's programming was more diverse, featuring several game shows during daytime and early evening slots, including Supermarket Sweep, Shop 'til You Drop, and Debt. The network even produced its own original game show, Who Knows You Best?. Scripted dramas like Devious Maids and Witches of East End also formed part of its past offerings. Lifetime has a notable history of reviving programs canceled by other networks, such as producing additional seasons of The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd from NBC and airing new episodes of America's Most Wanted after its cancellation by Fox.

Recent Additions and Syndication

In recent years, Lifetime has continued to diversify its content. In 2017, it simulcasted the premiere of Disney Channel's Descendants 2, marking a unique collaboration. Original productions like Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance and Seatbelt Psychic premiered in 2018. Currently, the network complements its original programming with a mix of second-run syndicated series, such as How I Met Your Mother and Grey's Anatomy, which fill its daytime schedule.

Original Films

Lifetime Pictures

A cornerstone of Lifetime's brand identity is its extensive catalog of original made-for-television films. These productions are primarily developed and produced by the network's dedicated unit, Lifetime Pictures. These films often explore compelling narratives, frequently focusing on themes of resilience, relationships, and challenges faced by women, contributing significantly to the channel's distinct programming voice.

The Movie Network

The success and popularity of Lifetime's film offerings led to the launch of a dedicated spin-off channel in 1998, informally known as the Lifetime Movie Network, or LMN. This channel serves as a repository for both classic and new Lifetime movies, catering to an audience with a strong appetite for the network's signature cinematic style.

Sports Coverage

Early Ventures

In its formative years, Lifetime occasionally ventured into broadcasting women's professional sports. Notably, from its inaugural season in 1997 through 2000, Lifetime was one of three broadcasters for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). This coverage, however, evolved, with Lifetime eventually shifting its focus from live game broadcasts to original series documenting the lives of WNBA players, with live game packages moving to ESPN2.

Expanding Horizons

Beyond basketball, Lifetime also broadcast the LPGA's Tournament of Champions in 1998, as part of an arrangement with Raycom Sports, further demonstrating its early commitment to showcasing women's athletic achievements. These initiatives highlighted a broader effort to provide diverse content for its female audience.

Recent Engagements

In a more recent development, A&E Networks, Lifetime's parent company, acquired an equity stake in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in February 2017. This partnership led to Lifetime broadcasting a weekly Saturday-afternoon NWSL game, beginning with the 2017 season, reaffirming the channel's continued, albeit selective, involvement in women's professional sports.

Global Presence

International Expansion

Lifetime has extended its brand beyond the United States, launching localized versions in various regions worldwide. These international channels often adapt their programming to local tastes while maintaining the core women-centric focus of the brand.

Canada: Launched August 27, 2012, rebranding Showcase Diva.
Southeast Asia: Began broadcasting June 14, 2013, available on platforms like Astro, StarHub TV, Now TV (Hong Kong), Dream Satellite TV, and SkyCable (Philippines).
Latin America: Launched July 1, 2014, replacing Sony Spin, as a joint venture with Sony Pictures Television Latin America. Programming is available in Spanish and Portuguese.
Africa: Launched July 22, 2014, on DStv Channel 131, but ceased transmission by the end of May 2022.
Israel: Launched September 14, 2014, replacing The Biography Channel.
Turkey: Launched April 26, 2016, in cooperation with Multi Channel Developers, but ceased operations on April 26, 2019.
South Korea: A localized version launched September 22, 2017, by A+E Networks Asia-Pacific and iHQ, featuring Korean dramas and entertainment.
Australia: Lifetime Movie Network launched September 1, 2020, as a joint venture with Foxtel.

High Definition

Keeping pace with technological advancements in broadcasting, Lifetime launched its High Definition (HD) simulcast on April 16, 2008, providing viewers with an enhanced visual experience for its diverse range of programming.

Spinoff Channels

Lifetime Real Women (LRW)

Launched in August 2001, LRW (Lifetime Real Women) was conceived as a complementary service to the main Lifetime network. Its creation was a strategic response to emerging competition in the women's network market from channels like WE tv and Oxygen. LRW offered a blend of comedies, dramas, how-to shows, game shows, and reality programming that had previously aired or were currently airing on the main Lifetime channel. Notably, LRW did not feature original series or films, with the exception of "burning off" the 2011 reality series Love Handles: Couples in Crisis.

Declining Carriage

Despite its initial intent, LRW's overall carriage has seen a decline over time. This trend is largely attributed to providers prioritizing high-definition networks over standard-definition-only channels, especially those lacking original programming. Furthermore, the rise of on-demand access to past series and the proliferation of ad-supported streaming (FAST) channels have provided alternative viewing avenues, impacting LRW's traditional distribution model.

Streaming Services

Lifetime Movie Club

Recognizing the growing demand for digital content, Lifetime launched its dedicated streaming service, Lifetime Movie Club, on July 2, 2015. This subscription-based service provides subscribers with access to an extensive library of over 2,000 titles, encompassing both original films produced by Lifetime and acquired movies. It offers a convenient platform for fans to access the network's signature cinematic content on demand.

Other Streaming Availability

Beyond its dedicated Movie Club, Lifetime's content is also accessible through various live TV streaming services. These include Frndly TV, Hulu + Live TV, Philo, and Sling TV, allowing viewers to watch the channel's live broadcast and on-demand content as part of broader television packages. This multi-platform approach ensures that Lifetime's programming remains widely available to its audience across different viewing preferences.

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References

A&E Acquires Lifetime, Variety.com, August 27, 2009

A full list of references for this article are available at the Lifetime (TV channel) Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official network information. The details provided on this website are not a substitute for consulting official Lifetime network documentation, press releases, or corporate communications. Always refer to the official Lifetime website or A+E Global Media for the most current and authoritative information regarding programming, corporate structure, or business operations. Never disregard official statements because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Lifetime's Legacy

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction 💡

♀️ A Channel for Women

🗓️ Launch and Reach

🏆 Critical Acclaim

Historical Trajectory 📜

🌱 Formative Years

🤝 The Merger and Early Challenges

🔄 Strategic Rebranding and Growth

📈 "Television for Women" Era

Programming Evolution 🎬

🎭 Signature Content

🕰️ Past Genres and Revivals

🆕 Recent Additions and Syndication

Original Films 🎥

🎬 Lifetime Pictures

🌟 The Movie Network

Sports Coverage 🏅

🏀 Early Ventures

⛳ Expanding Horizons

⚽ Recent Engagements

Global Presence 🌍

🌐 International Expansion

📡 High Definition

Spinoff Channels ➕

♀️ Lifetime Real Women (LRW)

📉 Declining Carriage

Streaming Services 📱

🎬 Lifetime Movie Club

📺 Other Streaming Availability

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Channel for Women

Launch and Reach

Critical Acclaim

Historical Trajectory

Formative Years

The Merger and Early Challenges

Strategic Rebranding and Growth

"Television for Women" Era

Programming Evolution

Signature Content

Past Genres and Revivals

Recent Additions and Syndication

Original Films

Lifetime Pictures

The Movie Network

Sports Coverage

Early Ventures

Expanding Horizons

Recent Engagements

Global Presence

International Expansion

High Definition

Spinoff Channels

Lifetime Real Women (LRW)

Declining Carriage

Streaming Services

Lifetime Movie Club

Other Streaming Availability

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice