Ovation inks second window deal with A+E
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Editor
| 13 October 2019

American arts network Ovation has acquired second window US broadcast rights from global media company A+E Networks for a package of dramatic Lifetime TV films.

The package includes Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B, Betty and Coretta, House of Versace, Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart and Trip to Bountiful, and they will air on Ovation’s linear channel and on-demand service Ovation NOW from February 2020.

Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B (1 x 120’) stars Alexandra Shipp and tells the story of the artist who with top-selling albums, a hot movie career and an adoring fan base was poised to become a global R&B icon until her young life was cut short by tragedy. Betty and Coretta (1 x 120’) stars Mary J. Blige and Angela Bassett as the widowed wives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, who must carry on as single mothers after their husbands' assassinations.

Starring Gina Gershon and Raquel Welch, House of Versace (1 x 120’) tells the story of how following the murder of world-renowned designer Gianni Versace, his sister Donatella is thrust into the spotlight as head designer of his fashion empire. Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart (1 x 120’) shows how a gifted young singer works to navigate personal struggles with health and family while climbing the ladder of global fame.

“Ovation is proud to present these fascinating, women-led films from A+E Networks,” said Scott Woodward, EVP programming and production, Ovation. “From the stories of Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, and Donatella Versace, all artists in their own right, to actors at the top of their game like Cicely Tyson, Mary J. Blige, and Angela Bassett, supporting female empowerment is important to us as an arts and culture network. These are important stories that need to be told.”

“A+E Networks is excited to partner with Ovation to bring these empowering and compelling, and sometimes tragic stories to the Ovation audience,” added Bryan Gabourie, vice president, content sales, A+E Networks. “We pride ourselves on our high quality TV movies that really resonate with viewers and bring ratings success and buzz along the way. We look forward to working with and supporting Ovation as they roll out these wonderful titles.”