Lifetime is stepping into the growing world of vertical storytelling with its first microdrama project, Tides of Temptation, a short-form series connected to the network’s upcoming original movie Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise with You.
The project was unveiled during A+E Global Media’s upfront presentation, marking Lifetime’s first entry into the microdrama format—short, vertically shot episodes designed primarily for mobile viewing.
Executive produced by Taye Diggs, Tides of Temptation will serve as a digital companion to Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise with You, one of three films in Lifetime’s popular “Love of a Lifetime” movie franchise. Diggs also stars in and executive produces Paradise with You.
The microdrama is set on the Caribbean island of Nevis and follows Constance, a young woman whose life is tightly controlled by her demanding brother and abusive boyfriend. When an ambitious athlete named Jamal enters her life, their connection begins to disrupt the dangerous dynamics surrounding her. As their relationship deepens, the two quickly realize their newfound love could come with serious consequences.
The series stars Mea Wilkerson, Q Stenline (SwagBoyQ), Troy Brookins, and David John Craig, with Brookins also serving as a co-producer.
Diggs executive produces alongside Autumn Federici, Shelby Stone, and Jake Helgren of The Ninth House, the production company also behind Paradise with You. The project is directed by Gary and Edmund Entin from a script by Nanea Miyata, based on a story by Ejay Jamison.
Rob Sharenow, President of Programming for A+E Global Media, said the concept offered a strategic opportunity for the network to experiment with a new format while expanding an existing story world.
“When we first heard the pitch from Autumn and Taye for a micro drama connected to a movie, it felt like a smart, strategic way to enter the vertical space,” Sharenow said. “It allows us to expand the world of the film while meeting audiences wherever they are, without compromising on storytelling quality or production value.”
Diggs echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the project was approached with the same ambition as a traditional drama.
“We approached this as a fully realized dramatic project, not just short-form content,” Diggs said. “It’s an opportunity to bring emotional depth and visual ambition into a format designed for today’s audiences.”
Tides of Temptation is expected to debut later this year following the premiere of Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise with You, signaling Lifetime’s move toward experimenting with new storytelling formats as viewing habits continue to evolve.
Caption
Lifetime is stepping into the microdrama space with ‘Tides of Temptation,’ a short-form series connected to the upcoming film ‘Terry McMillan Presents: Paradise with You,’ executive produced by Taye Diggs. The project marks the network’s first vertical drama designed for mobile viewing.