Lifetime announces its first LGBTQ Christmas movie

Lifetime plans to premiere its first holiday movie focused on a gay couple.

The cable network is calling “The Christmas Setup” a “feel-good LGBTQ holiday romance.” The TV movie, one of several projects debuting as part of Lifetime’s annual holiday programming, stars “Arrow’s” Ben Lewis and “Fam’s” Blake Lee, along with “The Nanny’s” Fran Drescher and Ellen Wong from “Glow.”

The TV flick could be considered an instance of art imitating life: actors Lewis and Lee are married in real life.

The plot, which Lifetime says is its first holiday movie “with a lead LGBTQ storyline,” follows a New York lawyer who’s set up by his mom with his former high school crush while visiting home for the holidays. But the lawyer must soon make a choice whether to pursue the budding relationship or move overseas for a job promotion.

Lifetime said in a statement this week announcing the film that it’s “working closely with GLAAD to ensure the movie represents the LGBTQ community sensitively and accurately.” The movie was “written and directed by members of the LGBTQ community,” Lifetime said.

The network also unveiled plans for its first movie centered on an Asian American family. “A Sugar & Spice Holiday” will feature an Asian director, writer, casting director and cast.

“As part of Lifetime’s legacy of telling stories reflective of the culture, the network is redefining traditional holiday movies in its slate with diverse talent in front of, and behind the camera,” the network said.

The lineup of holiday movies on Lifetime will debut Oct. 23 and run through Christmas.