Two New Series - 'Lovespring International' & 'Angela's Eyes' - and Fantasia Starring in a Lifetime Original Movie Based on Her Life Highlight Lifetime Television's Summer Programming

LMN Premieres Monthly Showcase of Original Movies in August With 'Past Tense' Starring Paula Trickey ('The O.C.') - Gabby Reece Hosts Encore Presentation of 'Beach Girls' Saturday, May 27 -

NEW YORK, May 15 -- This summer, Lifetime Television unveils a dazzling cavalcade of top-notch entertainment including two new series, "Lovespring International" in June from Eric McCormack's ("Will & Grace") production company Big Cattle Productions, and "Angela's Eyes" in July from the producers of the Oscar-winning movie "Crash," along with Fantasia starring in an August Lifetime Original Movie based on her life.

Also in August, LMN, the second highest-rated women's network, debuts its first-ever monthly original movie showcase beginning with a taut supernatural thriller, "Past Tense," starring Paula Trickey ("The O.C.").

Lifetime officially kicks off Summer 2006 during the Memorial Day weekend when fitness expert Gabby Reece hosts an encore presentation of the network's smash hit from last summer, "Beach Girls," airing Saturday, May 27.

Following are highlights of Lifetime's 2006 Summer Programming Schedule:

"Lovespring International" -- premieres Monday, June 5 at 11PM (ET/PT) -- The new half-hour improvisational comedy series is about a dating service marketed to customers as an "elite Beverly Hills" company, despite its location in Tarzana, California. Made up of dysfunctional misfits or "relationship counselors," they desperately try to find love for their clients although they have no idea how to do it for themselves. Starring: Mystro Clark, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Jennifer Elise Cox, Jane Lynch, Sam Pancake and Jack Plotnick. "Lovespring International" is produced by Big Cattle Productions and distributed by Lionsgate for Lifetime Television. Eric McCormack, Michael Forman, Guy Shalem and Brad Isaacs are the executive producers. The show was created by both Shalem and Isaacs.

"A GIRL LIKE ME: The Gwen Araujo Story" -- premieres Monday, June 19 at 9PM (ET/PT) -- Based on a true story, the Lifetime Original Movie follows Sylvia Guerrero (Mercedes Ruehl, "Married to the Mob"), a single mother whose teenager (J.D. Pardo, "American Dreams"), born Eddie Araujo, boldly decides to live life as a female by growing long hair, wearing women's clothing and make-up and eventually adopting the name Gwen, after her idol, singer Gwen Stefani. Her difficult decision creates tension and conflict within her traditional close-knit Latino family but over time, they slowly learn to understand and accept Gwen's choice. When Gwen's transgender status is discovered by four males at a local party, they brutally beat and kill her. Gwen's senseless murder shakes her Northern California community and makes headlines across the nation. Sylvia decides to dedicate her life to bringing her daughter's killers to justice and advocating for the rights of all transgender people. The LOM also stars Lupe Ontiveros ("Desperate Housewives," "Selena"). Produced by Braun Entertainment Group and Sony Pictures Television and co-executive produced by attorney Gloria Allred, who represented the family during the murder trial.

"Angela's Eyes" -- premieres July 16 at 10PM ET/PT -- From the producers of the Oscar-winning movie Crash, comes the hour-long drama centering on Angela Henson (Abigail Spencer, "All My Children") a young FBI agent who has the exceptional gift of knowing when someone is lying. She discovered this skill at age 14, when she learned her "average" American parents were actually spies. Attempting to right her parents' wrong, Angela is now working with the same agency that brought her parents down. And while her unique ability is advantageous in her career, it hinders her personal life, preventing her to get close to the men she dates. Created, written and executive produced by Dan McDermott and written and executive produced by Scott Shepard. Academy Award-winners Tom Nunan and Cathy Schulman ("Crash") also serve as executive producers. Produced by The Cleary Company and Bull's Eyes Entertainment in association with NBC Universal Television Studio.

"Not Like Everyone Else" -- premieres Monday, July 10 at 9PM (ET/PT) -- Alia Shawkat ("Arrested Development") and Illeanna Douglas ("Six Feet Under") star in the Lifetime Original Movie based on the powerful true story of Brandi Blackbear, a non-conforming teenage girl who feels her civil rights have been violated when school officials conduct a modern-day witch hunt in the aftermath of the Columbine High School shootings. "Not Like Everyone Else" is produced by Jaffe Braunstein Films in association with Sony Pictures Television for Lifetime Television. Michael Jaffe and Howard Braunstein (Lifetime's "Odd Girl Out" and "Cyber Seduction: His Secret Life") are the executive producers. Tom McLoughlin (Lifetime's "Odd Girl Out," "She's Too Young") directs from a teleplay written by Jamie Pachino ("What if God Were the Sun?" "Waving Goodbye").

"LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE: The Fantasia Barino Story" (working title) -- premieres in August -- This Lifetime Original Movie is inspired by the true story of Fantasia Barrino, a teenage single mother who overcame poverty, sexual abuse and illiteracy by using her incredible voice to rise to national prominence as the winner of "American Idol." The film is directed by legendary choreographer, actress and director Debbie Allen ("Fame," "Girlfriends") and the ensemble cast includes Loretta Devine ("Dream Girls, "Crash"), Viola Davis ("Get Rich or Die Tryin'," "Traffic"), Kadeem Hardison ("A Different World," Biker Boyz") and Jamia Simone Nash ("My Wife and Kids"). The film is produced by Ostar Productions for Lifetime Television. Bill Haber ("Nightmares & Dreamscapes," "Uprising") serves as executive producer and Ellyn Williams (Lifetime's "Hunger Point") co-executive produces. John McMahon ("Nightmares and Dreamscapes") produces the movie and Keith Glover wrote the teleplay based on the best-selling autobiography "Life is Not a Fairy Tale" by Fantasia Barrino.

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment, and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

SOURCE Lifetime Television
Web Site: http://www.lifetimetv.com