Lifetime is stepping into faith-driven storytelling with a brand-new movie series premiering July 19, spotlighting powerful stories of women facing unthinkable odds.

According to the Christian Post, the network’s four-week Saturday night event marks its first foray into the faith-based genre, presenting original films that explore themes of belief, survival, and emotional transformation.

The new series begins with “Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story,” starring Chrissy Metz, best known for her role in the 2019 spiritual drama “Breakthrough.” The film follows real-life nurse Nichole Jolly, who was a frontline worker during the 2018 wildfire that devastated Paradise, California. Metz portrays Jolly's harrowing journey through the blaze as she protects hospital patients and searches for her loved ones.

Metz Reclaims Familiar Ground in Faith-Based Role

Metz shared that her commitment to choosing spiritually grounded roles reflects her trust in divine timing. “I can sit back and say, ‘Oh, that movie, that TV show — I would have loved to be a part of that,’” she said. “And then I just have to be reminded that […] my trust in God and what He wants for me is what was destined and written in the stars for me.”

Continuing on July 26, Alexa PenaVega stars in “Before Your Father Finds Us,” portraying a woman named Sophia who enters witness protection after testifying against her abusive ex-husband. When her former partner escapes from prison, she is forced back on the run with her daughter, depending on her faith to navigate the perilous road ahead.

PenaVega, reflecting on her spiritual perspective, emphasized the role of divine guidance in facing life’s uncertainties. “While the Bible is the most beautiful roadmap you could have … it doesn't exactly specify how far is too far,” she explained. “You're constantly gauging that balance.”

Thrillers, Transformation, and Faith at the Core

On August 2, Kat Graham takes on the lead role in “If I Run,” a suspense thriller adapted from Terri Blackstock’s Christian crime novel. Graham plays Casey Cox, a woman falsely accused of murder, who must rely on her spiritual convictions while evading capture. She also serves as executive producer for the film, marking a deep commitment to the material.

The series will conclude on August 9 with “Finding Faith,” starring Paula Patton as Faith Mitchell. After enduring tragedy, Mitchell embarks on a personal journey of renewal. Through rediscovered hope and purpose, she works to rebuild her life.

Elaine Frontain Bryant, executive vice president of programming for Lifetime, said the network is responding to an audience that desires emotionally resonant narratives. “We are always listening to our audience, and we know there has always been a desire for stories that reflect strength, resilience, and faith,” she said.

Growing Popularity of Spiritual Entertainment

The move into faith-based content comes amid rising mainstream interest in spiritually themed programming. Recent hits such as “Sound of Freedom,” “Jesus Revolution,” and the series “The Chosen” have demonstrated the genre’s growing influence. Major industry players like Netflix, Prime Video, and director Martin Scorsese have also ventured into faith-driven productions.

Frontain Bryant emphasized that Lifetime’s take on faith-based stories will maintain the network’s emotional core, while also resonating with audiences seeking spiritually grounded narratives. “With these four new films, we’re thrilled to step into the faith-based space in a way that feels authentic, powerful, and deeply emotional,” she said.

The network selected cast members known for their connection to heartfelt and transformative roles. Metz in particular expressed that purpose and intention guide her project choices. “I just try to come at it from like, what is my intention in this project?” she said. “What do I want to impart? What do I want to leave the audience with?”

Actors Share Personal Views on Faith and Art

Metz added that she wants her work to be meaningful without overwhelming viewers. “I’m so grateful for my career and relationships that I’ve built,” she said. “But I also know that I don’t have to force anything down anyone’s throat […] it’s attraction, not promotion.”

For Lifetime, the new series reflects a calculated entry into a genre that has both passionate fans and expanding mainstream appeal. By rooting each film in real-life or emotionally rich fiction, the network aims to connect with viewers on a spiritual and emotional level.

The four films roll out sequentially every Saturday starting July 19, offering audiences weekly narratives of courage fueled by faith. With stories that highlight perseverance in the face of crisis, Lifetime aims to tell stories that are both healing and hopeful.