LOS ANGELES, CA (October 1, 2025) — Lifetime today announced the greenlight of the two-part movie event, Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers, based on Dickey’s New York Times bestselling novel, as a centerpiece of its Love of a Lifetime, contemporary romance slate celebrating dynamic stories of passion, joy, and resilience that reflect the diversity of love. Starring NAACP Image Award Winner Naturi Naughton, Simone Missick, Kendrick Sampson, and RonReaco Lee, the movie event debuts across two nights on November 15th and 16th at 8p/7c.
About Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers
Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers is a contemporary romantic drama exploring how friendship, passion, and forgiveness collide. The story follows two best friends, Debra (Naturi Naughton), a Type A doctor, and Shelby (Simone Missick), a free-spirited rule breaker, as their lives intertwine with those of Leonard (Kendrick Sampson), a rising but struggling comedian, and Tyrese (RonReaco Lee), his loyal best friend. As Debra and Leonard’s love deepens, and Tyrese finds himself entangled with Shelby’s unpredictable ways, the four navigate the challenges of modern relationships. When tragedy strikes the group, they are forced to rebuild—transforming their bond from friendship into chosen family.
The Love of a Lifetime slate kicks off November 1 with all new movies each Saturday night and the schedule is as follows.
November 1
Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers & Ours
Starring Taye Diggs, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Aimee Garcia
November 8
Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love
Starring Karrueche Tran, Mark J.P. Hood
November 15 & 16
Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers
Starring Naturi Naughton, Simone Missick, RonReaco Lee, and Kendrick Sampson
November 22
Toni Braxton’s He Wasn’t Man Enough
Starring Toni Braxton, Essence Atkins, Yvette Nicole Brown
Eric Jerome Dickey was one of the most influential voices in contemporary Black literature. His legacy of blending romance with real-world complexity continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Lifetime’s adaptation of Friends and Lovers marks the network’s latest step in showcasing Black cultural narratives while expanding the breadth of romance-driven programming.
Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers is produced by Undaunted and Motion Entertainment, A WPP Media Company, for Lifetime. D’Angela Proctor serves as executive producer and director. Michael Buttiglieri and Chet Fenster are also executive producers. Aireka Muse is the writer.
###
