A+E sets Lifetime UK launch

The long-awaited launch of A+E Networks’ US cablenet Lifetime in the UK will take place in the autumn, with its first original programme commission already confirmed.

The UK launch, slated for the fourth quarter of this year, will be the channel’s European debut.

The first original local commission for the channel is The Proposers, an ob doc that follows two businesswomen and incurable romantics as they help real-life Romeos pop the big question.

The six-part series was commissioned by Koulla Anastasi, head of acquisitions and commissioning for Lifetime and Crime & Investigation Network, and is being produced by UK indie Alaska TV which previously worked on No County for Old Men for History and Gangs of Britain with Gary and Martin Kemp for Crime & Investigation.

In addition, hit US series including The Client List, Dance Moms and Preachers’ Daughters will all form part of the channel’s schedule.

A UK launch for the channel has long been tipped and follows a Canadian launch in May last year.

It expands the portfolio of A+E Networks UK, a joint venture between A+E Networks and UK satcaster BSkyB that already operates History, Crime & Investigation Network and, since April, H2 in the territory.