Lifetime’s January Movie Lineup: Exploring the Karen Read Case, Mary Jo Buttafuoco’s Story, and Kate Beckinsale in ‘Stolen Girl’
Lifetime Announces January Premieres Featuring Real-Life Stories
Lifetime is set to launch three new films in January, drawing inspiration from real-life events. The lineup includes Stolen Girl, starring Kate Beckinsale and Scott Eastwood, as well as Accused: The Karen Read Story and I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco.
The films debut on consecutive Wednesdays, starting with Stolen Girl on January 3 at 8 PM (7c). The film follows Maureen Danning, portrayed by Beckinsale, whose life is turned upside down when her ex-husband, Karim, abducts their daughter, Amina, and flees to the Middle East. Desperate to bring her child home, Maureen teams up with Robeson, played by Eastwood, an ex-marine and child abduction specialist. Together, they navigate the complexities of international espionage as they try to rescue Amina.
Stolen Girl is directed by James Kent, known for Testament of Youth, with a screenplay by Kas Graham and Rebecca Pollock. The executive producers include Brian Erickson, Josh Goldsteun, Kas Graham, Eric Laufer, and others.
L to R: Scott Eastwood and Kate Beckinsale
Next, Accused: The Karen Read Story premieres on January 10 at 8 PM (7c). This film portrays the tragic case of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe, who was found dead outside a friend’s home, with his girlfriend Karen Read, played by Katie Cassidy, charged in connection with his death. The film highlights her fight for justice and the impact of the trial on the community in Canton, Massachusetts. After a hung jury in her first trial, Read was acquitted of second-degree murder in April 2022.
Recent developments in the case include pending court proceedings related to a wrongful death suit filed by O’Keefe’s family against Read, as well as a lawsuit she filed against the Massachusetts State Police for alleged civil rights violations.
Accused: The Karen Read Story is produced by A New England Road and Front Street Pictures for Lifetime, with executive producers Allen White, Rama Diallo, and others. The script is written by Gregory Small and Richard Blaney, and directed by Linda-Lisa Hayter.
Katie Cassidy as Karen Read
Finally, I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco premieres on January 17 at 8 PM (7c). This film presents the story of Mary Jo Buttafuoco, who recounts her traumatic experience after being shot in the head by Amy Fisher, her husband’s teenage mistress, in 1992. As she narrates her journey of recovery, the film explores the scandal that surrounded her life and the challenges she faced in the aftermath.
Mary Jo reflects on her experiences, stating, “It’s been 33 years since I was thrust into the true crime spotlight… What many didn’t see was the private toll it took—battling depression, suicidal thoughts, and addiction.” She emphasizes that her narrative is one of resilience and purpose.
I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco is produced by Bruce Harvey for CMW Valley Productions Inc. in association with Studio TF1 America, with executive producers Sheri Singer, Timothy O. Johnson, and others. The direction is by Heather Hawthorn Doyle from a script written by Gregg McBride.
Chloe Lanier as Mary Jo Buttafuoco
