Gospel fans around the world have been anxiously awaiting the premiere of Lifetime’s biopic, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. Press for the film was altered due to the coronavirus outbreak but the network and its producers pressed on and turned their campaign to a digital one.
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For weeks, social media has been inundated with promotion for the film, with its stars doing interviews from home and other notable music influences urging fans to tune in. The hard work paid off as viewers have been praising the film throughout its live airing. Other biopics from Lifetime have not been well received, leaving the depiction of the gospel legends a fan favorite.
Viewers have heavily criticized Lifetime’s biopics before
Fans have not been happy with the network’s portrayals of their favorite stars in the past. The majority of viewers complaints have been directed toward casting, with most viewers voicing their concerns over the lack of diversity and hiring actors who do not bear any resemblance to its real-life characters in its films.
The network’s biopic for Aaliyah received harsh criticism for the casting of Missy Elliott and Timbaland. A review of the film written for Complex Magazine called the network out for their choices.
“Who made the choice to make Timbaland Gluten Free, and Missy Elliott thinner and lighter than she’s ever been,” the review asked. Much of the issues surrounding the biopic also involved Aaliyah’s family not having input as they were against the film being produced from the start.
Though the biopic for rap supergroup Salt-N-Pepa has yet to hit the air, fans expressed disappointment over the casting decisions for the film once promotional photos were released. The allegation of the network being colorist resurfaced. Pepa later revealed that she preferred her daughter to portray her but the role was ultimately given to another actress.