Lifetime is bringing one of Eric Jerome Dickey’s beloved novels to the screen with Eric Jerome Dickey’s Friends and Lovers, a two-part movie event headlining Naturi Naughton, Simone Missick, Kendrick Sampson, and RonReaco Lee.
Set to anchor Lifetime’s November “Love of a Lifetime” slate, the adaptation will air across two nights — with part one premiering Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. ET/PT and part two following on Sunday, Nov. 16.
Described as “a contemporary romantic drama exploring how friendship, passion, and forgiveness collide,” the story follows two best friends, Debra (Naughton), a Type A doctor, and Shelby (Missick), a free-spirited rule breaker. Their worlds intertwine with Leonard (Sampson), a rising but struggling comedian, and Tyrese (Lee), his loyal best friend. As Debra and Leonard’s love deepens, and Tyrese gets caught up in Shelby’s unpredictable ways, the group faces tragedy that forces them to rebuild and transform their bond from friendship into chosen family.
The late Eric Jerome Dickey, who passed in 2021, remains one of the most influential voices in contemporary Black literature. His works have shaped generations of readers, and Friends and Lovers continues that legacy with a new audience through Lifetime.
The project is produced by Undaunted and Motion Entertainment, a WPP Media Company. D’Angela Proctor serves as executive producer and director, with Aireka Muse penning the script. Michael Buttiglieri and Chet Fenster also serve as executive producers.
As part of the “Love of a Lifetime” lineup, the network is also premiering Terry McMillan Presents: His, Hers, and Ours on Nov. 1, Terry McMillan Presents: Preach, Pray, Love on Nov. 8, and Toni Braxton’s He Wasn’t Man Enough on Nov. 22.