The Lifetime Movie Network has become somewhat of a meme over the years with its wildly comedic crime movies but they are also a channel that offers a variety of television shows. With viral shows like the Married At First Sight, it's likely that the network racks in a decent amount of viewers daily.
From Lifetime original shows to series that were eventually sold to other platforms and channels, Lifetime has produced quite the successful shows since the early 2000s. Though the network has rebranded a bit by housing a healthy mix of serious and funny content, some shows remain the most successful over the years.
Cheerleader Generation (2019) - 7.2
This documentary-style TV show follows the Dunbar High School cheerleaders of Lexington, Kentucky as they embark on their journey to Nationals. Though the show has a similar format to other well-known cheer shows, it's highly rated on IMDb due to its ability to cover the multi-faceted layers of life as an athlete and a coach.
The cheerleaders are only in high school, which means they have to juggle their personal lives and their sport's legacy. On the same token, the show dives into the life of the coach and her struggles as she forms relationships with the girls and remains a role model and coach simultaneously.
Army Wives (2007) - 7.3
The premise is simple and self-explanatory, but the stories were important to tell. The show made sure to highlight the tolls war takes on family, but also the bonds that bring the wives of soldiers together.
The dramatic series had it all, romance, scattered humor, and occasional travesty. Overall, it was a Lifetime show that brought fans together by showing just how hard it can be to keep a family together while the fate of the country is in the army men's hands.
Drop Dead Diva (2009) - 7.4
The story of Drop Dead Diva offers a unique plot, which involves a gorgeous model getting killed in a car crash and mysteriously brought back to life as a plus-sized lawyer. Though the premise is an interesting one to get past, the show had a decent following at its time.
The Lifetime show taught the value of never judging a book by its cover and defining what true beauty means. Though it's entirely possible and common to be beautiful and smart, the show does a good job of explaining that beauty comes from the confidence within.
Project Runway (2004) - 7.4
The reality competition show features aspiring fashion designers as they put together runway-ready pieces to compete to win it all. Viewers love the long-running show for its ability to offer a perfect balance of humor, drama, and fashion challenges.
While the show does air on Bravo, it is considered a Lifetime show that is still available for streaming. If any Lifetime fan has a ion for fashion and all things surrounding the industry, this show is the perfect pick, as there are 19 seasons to catch up on.
Surviving R. Kelly (2019) - 7.5
The six-part documentary series covers the multiple crimes committed by R&B singer, R. Kelly. Between child pornography charges and several abuse and hostage allegations, the docies brought Kelly's dark lifestyle to life.
The episodes do in-depth into his sketchy past and feature interviews with various victims and witnesses throughout his life. Surviving R. Kelly is a scary example of what can go on in the shadows, even when the court doesn't initially find him guilty.
Grey’s Anatomy (2005) - 7.6
The medical show Grey's Anatomy is arguably one of the most popular television shows of all time. From the moving performances to the tear-jerking storylines, the drama series remains close to fans' hearts to this day.
The long-running series is now labeled as an ABC network show, although the show was first shown on the Lifetime network. Fans can still catch the show airing on LMN and stream the show on Lifetime's website, as well.
You (2018) - 7.7
Though the bone-chilling crime show now premieres on Netflix, many fans don't know that it was originally a Lifetime show. The show quickly gained popularity, as the show prompted a conversation about virtual dating and how much personal information should be shared on the internet.
Considering the show has continued for many seasons now, its success goes unspoken, as new storylines are constantly budding. Although it would have been a major win if Lifetime kept the series for themselves, the show going to Netflix was ultimately a smarter move, considering most people stream shows nowadays rather than tuning into cable every week.
My Killer Body With K. Michelle (2022) - 7.7
As one of the first-ever celebrities to come out with her negative plastic surgery stories, K. Michelle took this approach to give people a platform to speak out against the dangers of going under the knife or needle. From bleeding out to arsenic poisoning, Michelle confronts it all in her mission to spread the word on behalf of herself and other men and women.
Throughout the series, viewers can expect more details of Michelle's personal story, as well as multiple new victims in every episode. The series presents a good lesson in not trusting everything you see on social media, especially when it seems all sunshine and rainbows because there is always a dark side that isn't shown.
Janet Jackson. (2022) - 7.7
Any fan of the star-studded Jackson family knows that their upbringing was anything but easy, and Janet is here to tell her story. This two-part docies spans over three years and even features never-before-seen home footage and celebrity interviews, including Janet herself.
Promising nothing but the unfiltered truth, Jackson takes this time to tell her version of the story of her life and how she's gotten to the person she is today. The singer will forever go down in history for her and her family's legacy, and her personal stories may even shock viewers.
Love At First Flight (2018) - 7.9
People always say that you learn everything you need to know about a person after going on vacation with them, and this show rings that theory true. In this Lifetime reality show, new couples are challenged to travel across the country together with the opportunity to get married at the airport immediately after the trip.
While that would seem like a dream in any scenario, the fate of these couples isn't always positive. However, as the highest-rated Lifetime series on IMDb, viewers may be surprised by just how entertaining the experience can get.
