Lifetime is an American cable and satellite television channel that is part of A+E Networks, which is jointly owned by the Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company. The channel features programming that is geared toward women or features women in lead roles.

History

Launched on February 1, 1984, Lifetime Television Network was created by the merger of Daytime and Cable Health Network (CHN). Daytime, operated by Hearst/ABC Video Services, began in March 1982, as a four-hour per day weekday service featuring alternative programming for women. CHN, operated by Viacom, debuted in June 1982, as a 24-hour service offering programs on personal and family health, fitness, science and medicine.

Thomas F. Burchill was the President and Chief Executive Officer from 1984 until February 1993, when he was succeeded by Douglas W. McCormick. Carole Black led Lifetime as President and CEO from 1999 until 2005, when she was succeeded by Betty Cohen. Andrea Wong was named President and CEO in April 2007.

In April 1994, Viacom sold its share of Lifetime to Hearst Corporation and Cap Cities/ABC, now The Walt Disney Company, its other partners in the joint venture that owned the Network.

In August 2009, Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC was acquired by A&E Television Networks, LLC. A&E Television Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group, Hearst Corporation and NBC Universal.

You

In February 2015, it was announced that Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble will develop a series based on the Caroline Kepnes novel of the same name titled You: A Novel. Berlanti and Gamble are writing the script, with Berlanti attached to direct the potential pilot. Two years later, it was announced that the series was purchased by Lifetime and put on fast-track development.

In April 2017, Lifetime gave You a 10-episode straight-to-series order. In July 2018, the network initially renewed the series for a second season but later reneged on the renewal deal. Later, Netflix bought the series and offered a renewal deal.