Lifetime embraces 'Wives' amid show cuts

NEW YORK, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Lifetime, a U.S. cable TV network, has added the drama "Army Wives" to its lineup while cutting two ratings-challenged freshmen series.

Just as Lifetime canceled both "Lovespring International" and "Angela's Eyes" after unsuccessful rookie seasons, Daily Variety reported that the network has agreed to a 13-episode run of the new military based drama.

The series is based on the novel "Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives" by Tanya Biank and will feature actresses Catherine Bell and Kim Delaney as its leads.

Touchstone Television will begin production of the series in South Carolina working from a script from Katherine Fugate with a March premiere date in mind.

In addition to the Ben Younger-directed series, Lifetime is also eyeing two other dramatic series to bolster its lineup.

Daily Variety said the cable network is considering picking up the therapy-based drama, "State of Mind," starring actress Lili Taylor and the introspective TV series, "Side Order of Life."