During the #MeToo movement in 2017, Brie Miranda Bryant, Senior VP of Lifetime Original Programming, faced the challenge of creating a documentary that would resonate long after its initial airing. Unsure of how to achieve this, she turned to Gil Goldschein, former CEO of Bunim-Murray Prods., for an unconventional idea. That idea became “Surviving R. Kelly,” a groundbreaking series that aired in January 2019.
Featuring Kelly’s accusers detailing their alleged experiences of abuse, the series garnered critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award, and contributed to Kelly’s conviction.
“Surviving R. Kelly” marked the beginning of Lifetime’s success in producing documentaries that not only capture the cultural zeitgeist but also spark widespread discussion. Since then, Lifetime has produced 13 documentaries, each becoming a cultural phenomenon. This year alone, the network has premiered four notable docuseries: “Where Is Wendy Williams?” and “The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard,” followed by “The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson” and “Gypsy Rose: Life After Lock Up.”
Melissa Moore, executive producer of “The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson” and “Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard,” spent years developing these series. Her dedication stemmed from the belief that Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s story deserved further exploration, even after the 2017 documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest.” Moore maintained regular contact with Blanchard during her imprisonment, capturing their conversations for the series, which attracted nearly 10 million viewers upon its January release.
“Gypsy’s story is uniquely compelling,” Moore reflects. “She navigates a dual role as both victim and perpetrator, challenging our perceptions of survival and redemption.”
According to Bryant, stories like Nicole Brown Simpson’s and Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s resonate because they offer narratives of resilience and hope amid adversity.
“These stories remind us of our capacity to overcome tragedy,” Moore adds. “In their darkest moments, audiences find inspiration to persevere.”
Following the success of “Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard,” Lifetime aired “Where Is Wendy Williams?” The series, produced by Williams herself, documents the host’s life post-talk show amidst personal challenges, including health issues that recently came to light.
Jesse Daniels, Senior VP at Bunim-Murray and executive producer of “The Life & Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson” and “Surviving R. Kelly,” credits Lifetime’s approach to storytelling for its impact.
“Brie has taken bold steps in storytelling,” Daniels notes. “Lifetime finds ways to present well-known stories in unexpected ways, fostering crucial conversations with lasting effects. It’s a powerful formula that resonates deeply.”
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