Lifetime to Kick Off 2026 with Three New “Ripped from the Headlines” Movies

Lifetime continues to be a leader in compelling true-crime storytelling with the announcement of two Ripped from the Headlines original movies premiering in January 2026. Accused: The Karen Read Story starring Katie Cassidy and Luke Humphrey, tells the story of Karen Read, who was charged in connection to the death of her police officer boyfriend and ultimately acquitted, debuting on January 10, and I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco, who shares her story for the first time in her own words, premiering on January 17th. The slate kicks off with the acquired movie, Stolen Girl, on January 3rd, starring Kate Beckinsale and Scott Eastwood, and is based on the true story of a mother who is determined to get her daughter back after she’s abducted by her ex-husband to the Middle East.

About STOLEN GIRL – Premieres January 3 – 8PM/7c

Stars Kate Beckinsale and Scott Eastwood

Based on extraordinary real-life events, Stolen Girl follows the gripping journey of Maureen Danning (Kate Beckinsale), whose life is shattered when her ex-husband, Karim, abducts their young daughter, Amina, and flees to the Middle East. Determined to get her child back, Maureen partners with Robeson (Scott Eastwood), an ex-marine and child abduction specialist who promises to find Amina. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission in Beirut that leads them into the murky underworld of international espionage. With time running out, and Maureen facing the most difficult decision of her life, they must navigate through a maze of betrayal, corruption, and hidden agendas to rescue the stolen girl and bring her home.

Stolen Girl is directed by James Kent (Testament of Youth) and written by Kas Graham and Rebecca Pollock. The film is executive produced by Brian Erickson, Josh Goldsteun, Kas Graham, Eric Laufer, Danielle Maloni, David Polemeni, Rebecca Pollock, Giovanna Randall, Richard Salvatore and David Tickle.

About ACCUSED: THE KAREN READ STORY – Premieres January 10 – 8PM/7c

Stars Katie Cassidy and Luke Humphrey

When Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe (Luke Humphrey, I Was Lorena Bobbitt) is found dead in a snowbank outside a friend’s home, his girlfriend Karen Read (Katie Cassidy, Arrow), is charged in connection with his death. What begins as a shocking tragedy quickly ignites a firestorm that captures national attention. Based on a true story, Accused: The Karen Read Story is an unrelenting pursuit of justice in order to clear Karen’s name as the trials fracture the tight-knit Massachusetts town of Canton. Karen’s story is one of resilience, integrity, and the growing movement of supporters rallying behind her.

Accused: The Karen Read Story is produced by A New England Road and Front Street Pictures for Lifetime. Allen White, Rama Diallo, Helen Verno, Judith Verno serve as executive producers. Gregory Small and Richard Blaney wrote the script, and is directed by Linda-Lisa Hayter.

About I AM MARY JO BUTTAFUOCO – Premieres January 17 – 8PM/7c

Narrated and Executive Produced by Mary Jo Buttafuoco

Stars Chloe Lanier, Dillon Casey, and Maddy Hillis

For the first time ever, Mary Jo Buttafuoco tells her story in her own words.

Said Executive Producer and Narrator Mary Jo Buttafuoco: “It’s been 33 years since I was thrust into the true crime spotlight after surviving a near-fatal gunshot wound to the head at the hands of my husband’s teenage lover. In the years that followed, I endured extreme public scrutiny, relentless media coverage, and was often mocked and misunderstood in the public eye. What many didn’t see was the private toll it took – battling depression, suicidal thoughts, and addiction as I tried to make sense of a life that had been so violently and publicly shattered. Today, I stand not as a victim, but as a survivor who has turned unimaginable pain into purpose. Through my book and my work as a motivational speaker, I’ve been able to share my truth and help others find strength in their own struggles. I am deeply honored to see my life story told from my perspective in this new Lifetime movie. This is not just a true crime headline – it’s my journey of resilience, healing, and reclaiming my voice.”

In May 1992, outside her Long Island home, Mary Jo (Chloe Lanier) was shot in the head by 17-year-old Amy Fisher (Maddy Hillis) – the mistress of her husband, Joey Buttafuoco (Dillon Casey). As tabloids sensationalized the scandal and dubbed Fisher the “Long Island Lolita,” Mary Jo lay in the hospital fighting for her life. This powerful installment of Lifetime’s I Am franchise reveals why Mary Jo and Joey remained married for seven years after the shooting, the lasting physical and emotional impact of the bullet that remains lodged in her head, and how she has found resilience and peace amid unimaginable trauma.

As part of her advocacy work, Mary Jo has partnered with The Facial Paralysis Institute, which provides expert care, support, and hope to people dealing with facial nerve issues. Mary Jo is a founding board member of the Institute’s Facial Paralysis & Bell’s Palsy Foundation and uses her own experience to advocate for others and raise awareness about facial paralysis.

I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco is produced by Bruce Harvey for CMW Valley Produtions Inc. in association with Studio TF1 America. Sheri Singer, Timothy O. Johnson, Melody diDonato, and Mary Jo Buttafuoco serve as Executive Producers. Heather Hawthorn Doyle directs from a script by Gregg McBride.