New series leads increase in original programming

Lifetime is diving deeper into original programming, spending more than ever on its own shows and unveiling a full night of new series by mid-summer.

The cable network has increased its original programming budget by a huge 31 percent over last year, spending more on new content than it ever has. The first product of all that extra cash will be the drama "Army Wives," which is scheduled to premiere Sunday, June 3.

"I am enormously proud to announce this slate of new programming. All of these projects ... represent various aspects of the contemporary woman," says Susanne Daniels, Lifetime's head of entertainment. "Whether it's a drama set on an Army post or a reality series that makes women look at themselves in a different way, each of these series embrace the emotional roller coaster that women ride."

"Army Wives" revolves around the spouses of military personnel living on a U.S. Army base. The show stars Kim Delaney, Catherine Bell, Sally Pressman, Sterling K. Brown and Wendy Davis, among others.

It will air at 10 p.m. Sundays and eventually anchor a full night of original shows on the network. Starting July 15, the channel will add the dramedy "Side Order of Life," which stars Marisa Coughlan as a bride-to-be who gets a "wake-up call from the universe," and "State of Mind," about a therapist (Lili Taylor) with issues of her own.

Lifetime also has a number of projects in development, including a dramedy based on "Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher's memoir "Burnt Toast"; an adaptation of the British series "Mile High"; and "How to Look Good Naked," an unscripted show (also based on a British format) in which "Queer Eye" host Carson Kressley helps women use what they've got, with or without clothing.