Lifetime has announced that they will be airing a holiday movie with a same sex couple in the lead roles.
The network revealed the news during the virtual Television Critics Association summer press tour this week.
Titled The Christmas Set-Up, the movie is currently being cast.
The movie centers on Hugo, a corporate lawyer in New York who heads home to Milwaukee for the holidays, where his mother arranges for him to run into his secret high school crush, Patrick. As their mutual attraction grows, Hugo is faced with a decision to accept a promotion in London or remain in Milwaukee.
“We are thrilled to continue our legacy of creating a holiday destination that is welcoming to all at Lifetime,” Amy Winter, executive vp and head of programming at Lifetime and LMN, shared in a statement. “With more new movies than any one cable network for streamer, I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible talent joining us in front of, and behind the camera, on these new holiday movies.”
Lifetime’s rival Hallmark Channel has been under fire for their lack of LGBTQ+ stories in their own movies, and after revealing their own holiday movie lineup last week, issued a statement about currently working on diverse and inclusive stories.
“Diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us and we look forward to making some exciting programming announcements in the coming months, including announcements about projects featuring LGBTQ storylines, characters, and actors. We are committed to creating a Hallmark experience where everyone feels welcome,” George Zaralidis, Crown Media’s VP of Publicity, shared.
If you missed it, Lifetime just renewed one of its shows for a whopping six seasons!