Lifetime is bringing more true-crime to primetime. The network has commissioned six “Smart Justice” specials with Elizabeth Smart to serve as companion docs for its “Ripped from the Headlines” true-crime movie slate.
In each “Smart Justice” special, Smart — the woman who became famous for escaping from her abductors after being kidnapped at the age of 14 — will analyze the details of the real-life case presented in each movie.
Two other projects greenlit from the headlines: the four-hour documentary “Surviving Jeffrey Epstein,” and a new authorized biopic “I Was Lorena Bobbitt” — based on the sensationalized ’90s slashing. Bobbit will serve as an executive producer on her own biopic.
Here is the description for “I Was Lorena Bobbit.”
“Lorena Bobbitt became a household name and made tabloid headlines when after years of abuse by her husband, she cut off his penis with a knife in 1993. Now nearly 30 years later, Lorena tells her story, and hers alone, for the first time with Lifetime. This fully authorized film in which Bobbitt serves as an executive producer, follows her journey from a wide-eyed, immigrant bride to a battered wife into an unlikely media sensation. I Am Lorena Bobbitt also documents her ultimately emerging as a strong, thoughtful woman who has devoted her life to advocating for other abused women.”
Along with Bobbit, Andy Streitfeld, Jeff Vanderwal and Charles Tremayne executive produce. Cineflix Productions produces. “I Was Lorena Bobbitt” is written by Barbara Nance and will be directed by Danishka Esterhazy. Casting is underway on the movie series which begins production later this month.
Here is the official description for “Smart Justice.”
“Told through the eyes of America’s most renowned survivor Elizabeth Smart who overcame her own harrowing abduction when she 14, each special provides behind-the-scenes information on tragic crimes and features powerful and emotional breakthroughs as Elizabeth actively helps place victims on their journey to healing. Each hour-long episode of Smart Justice will present real case evidence, including police video, crime scene materials, interrogation tapes and courtroom footage, as well as interviews with the actual victims, family members and others who will offer their first-hand recollections of the crimes. As a survivor of trauma herself, Elizabeth will elicit new information on each case, as she takes viewers through all the twists and turns of these horrific stories.”
“Smart Justice” is produced by Telepictures, with Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey serving as senior executive producer and Jeremy Spiegel and Scott Eldridge as executive producers. Mioshi Hill and Gena McCarthy executive produce for Lifetime.