Lifetime to launch on DStv with hit series Orphan Black

Written by Tashi from the blog Tashi's TV on 02 Jul 2014
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DStv gives-it-up for Girl Power this month with the launch of a new channel. The Lifetime channel will be launching on channel 131 on Tuesday, 22 July at 19h00, on the Premium bouquet

The channel's soul purpose is to appeal to *think Spanishy accent please* chikitas. It focuses on shows that are either for women or the lead characters are women.

The big coup that they have is Orphan Black, a Canadian sci-fi series which was a big and unexpected hit when Season 1 arrived on the scene in Canada and the US last year. It stars Tatiana Maslany as Sarah Manning - a regular girl (who's a con artist) who discovers that there are other women who are identical to her. She's a clone.

Tatiana plays all of Sarah's clones and the role's garnered her much fanfare and acclaim. When the series first debuted just over a year ago she was a newcomer and already she's won numerous awards. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress this year and she's won two Critics' Choice Awards between last year and now.

A trailer:

The series isn't made by Lifetime but it's one of the syndicated shows they'll definitely be airing. Also confirmed: reality shows Preacher's Daughters (no explanation needed) and Dance Moms, which is exactly as it sounds. Pushy moms of young dancers will do anything it takes to get their kids to the top.

Here's a look at the other confirmed programming for the launch:

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

A new and exclusive Lifetime Original Movie, premiering on the 22^nd July at 20:00. Based on the bestseller by Terry McMillan, and starring Whoopi Goldberg and Ving Rhames, A Day Late and a Dollar Short tells the story of a feisty matriarch, Viola Price (Goldberg).

When Viola learns that her next asthma attack will likely kill her, she is determined to fix her fractured family before she leaves this world. While on her quest, Viola must contend with sibling rivalry, teen pregnancy and drug addiction.

Additionally, her jailbird son needs to learn how to be a better father, her granddaughter is in bigger trouble than her daughter is willing to admit and Viola's estranged husband needs saving from his scheming younger girlfriend.

Flowers in the Attic

First airing on the 27^th July at 20:00. A Lifetime Original Movie based on V. C. Andrews' controversial, cult classic book.

It is the twisted tale of four siblings who, after their father's unexpected death, are convinced by their mother to hide in the attic of their grandparents' mansion so she can reclaim the family fortune.

But when her visits begin to wane, the children endure unimaginable treatment at the hands of their ruthless grandmother. Starring Heather Graham (Boogie Nights, Twin Peaks), Ellen Burstyn (Requiem for a Dream, The Exorcist), and Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men).

Dance Moms (the official description)

One of the key factual entertainment shows available on Lifetime Africa. Set in Pittsburgh’s renowned Abby Lee Dance Company, Dance Moms follows talented children’s early steps on the road to stardom, along with the determined mothers who will stop at nothing to help them reach the very top.

Both mother and daughter are guided under the watchful gaze of company founder and general manager Abby Lee Miller, whose discerning eye and years of experience mean she will settle for no less than the absolute best from her protégés.

The show immerses itself in the highs and lows surrounding the dance competition season and the cast’s intense pursuit of National Dance titles. Dance Moms premieres on the 22^nd July at 19:10.

Lifetime Original movies confirmed:
- Betty & Coretta (Mary J. Blige, Angela Bassett)
- Sworn to Silence (Neve Campbell)
- Liz & Dick (Lindsay Lohan).

Other series:
- Suits
- Kim of Queens
- Bring It!
- 24 Hours in A&E.

Channels in this post: Lifetime