Mary J. Blige and Lifetime Are Still Going Strong and the New Movie Lineup Is Stacked

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul has officially extended her deal with Lifetime, doubling down on a partnership that’s quietly become one of the network’s most reliable crowd-pleasers. And because Mary never does anything small, the newly announced slate kicks off with a film starring Tisha Campbell, Mekhi Phifer, and Russell Hornsby, a trio that already has TV fans paying attention.

Lifetime and Blige’s Blue Butterfly Productions have found a sweet spot where star power, relatable storytelling, and glossy made-for-TV drama collide. The new agreement expands Blige’s multi-picture relationship with the network, following the strong performance of earlier projects inspired by her iconic music catalog. Those films didn’t just trend on social media, they delivered real ratings, proving that audiences are very much here for Mary J. Blige: Executive Producer Era.

The first project under the renewed deal is Mary J. Blige Presents: Be Happy, set to premiere as part of Lifetime’s winter movie slate. The film centers on Val, played by Tisha Campbell, a woman staring down life after motherhood as her youngest child leaves for college. What follows is a familiar but fertile setup: marriage troubles, personal reinvention, and the terrifying question of “Who am I now?” Enter Mekhi Phifer as a photographer who helps Val rediscover her creative spark, while Russell Hornsby adds emotional weight and polish to the ensemble.

Adding another layer of intrigue, the film is directed by Gabourey Sidibe, marking her television directorial debut. Yes, that Gabourey Sidibe and honestly, we love to see it. Behind the camera and in front of it, Be Happy leans into stories about midlife reinvention, love, and second chances, all themes that have long been baked into Blige’s music and public persona.

For Lifetime, extending the Mary J. Blige deal is a no-brainer. Her previous films pulled in millions of viewers and helped modernize the network’s brand without losing its core audience. For Blige, it’s another savvy move in a career that keeps expanding well beyond the recording studio.

The takeaway? Mary J. Blige and Lifetime are building a TV universe rooted in emotional honesty, star-driven casting, and stories that actually reflect grown folks’ lives. With Be Happy leading the charge and a stacked cast to back it up, this partnership isn’t slowing down and frankly, we wouldn’t want it to. Keep the movies coming, Mary. We’ll be watching.