Tonight on Lifetime: The Highly Anticipated Premiere of Eric Jerome Dickey's Friends & Lovers
The wait is over for fans of contemporary Black literature. Tonight, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, Lifetime premieres the first installment of the two-part film event, Eric Jerome Dickey's Friends & Lovers. This powerful adaptation brings the late author’s beloved bestselling novel to life, honoring his legacy and his profound influence on Black romance and storytelling.
Heralded as a crucial voice in modern Black fiction, Eric Jerome Dickey crafted narratives that resonated deeply with readers. This miniseries continues that tradition, delivering a heartfelt, complex look at how love, ambition, and loyalty intersect in unexpected ways.
A Cast You Already Love
The film features a phenomenal cast that embodies the spirit of Dickey’s characters:
Naturi Naughton (Power) stars as Dr. Debra, a driven and career-focused physician searching for a balanced love life.
Simone Missick (All Rise) plays Shelby, Debra's free-spirited best friend who challenges convention at every turn.
Kendrick Sampson (Insecure) takes on the role of Leonard, a talented stand-up comedian on the rise.
RonReaco Lee (Sister, Sister) rounds out the main cast as Tyrese, Leonard’s fiercely loyal best friend.
The Story: A Tale of Chosen Family and Second Chances
Friends & Lovers delves into the lives of these four friends as their worlds collide and relationships deepen. Debra and Leonard begin a new romance, while Tyrese finds himself drawn into Shelby's chaotic, exciting life. However, a sudden tragedy shatters their peace, forcing them to navigate grief, unexpected challenges, and the true meaning of chosen family.
Under the direction of D'Angela Proctor and produced by DeVon Franklin (who previously adapted Dickey's Before We Met), the film captures the emotional depth and raw honesty that made the novel a classic.
Tune in Tonight and Tomorrow
Don't miss the premiere tonight, with Part One airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The story concludes tomorrow night, Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Catch the event on the Lifetime channel. After airing, you can stream the episodes on the Lifetime website or via the Lifetime app.