As faith-based films continue to top the box office charts, cable networks are seeing an increased interest in films that not only tell a compelling story but also give a significant nod to a higher power. Lifetime continues to be “television for women,” and now, television for Christian women.
“We know there has always been a desire for stories that reflect strength, resistance, and faith,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive vice president and head of programming for Lifetime.
Lifetime Invites Chrissy Metz and Alexa PenaVega to Star in First Faith-Based Films for the Network
Lifetime has set aside Saturday nights to air new, faith-based movies, starting July 19. According to The Hollywood Reporter, these films are “centered on women facing unfathomable circumstances who use their faith to lead them through.”
“We are always listening to our audience, and we know there has always been a desire for stories that reflect strength, resilience, and faith,” Bryant shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
“Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story” will air on Saturday, July 19, and is based on the destructive fire that tore through Paradise, California, in 2018. Actor and author Chrissy Metz plays Jolly, a hospital nurse who navigates care for the injured while searching for her own husband and children.
Metz published her first children’s book—a book about prayer—a couple of years ago. Metz has since written another book, “When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings.”
“My grandmother instilled a routine of prayer in my life at a very young age,” said the “This Is Us” star.
Metz wanted to pass on the faith tradition to children, introducing prayer as something children can do anywhere, at any time.
With a strong faith background, Metz was a top choice to star in “Faith in the Flames.”
“With these four new films, we’re thrilled to step into the faith-based space in a way that feels authentic, powerful, and deeply emotional,” Bryant told The Hollywood Reporter. “These are stories of healing, hope, and perseverance—and we believe they will resonate with anyone who’s ever faced adversity and looked for light in the darkness.”
On Saturday, July 26, “Before Your Father Finds Us” will air, starring Alexa PenaVega. She plays Sophia, who must go into witness protection with her infant daughter after Sophia testifies against her ex-husband.
