Lifetime Casts Leads For The College Admissions Scandal Movie

Published on August 13, 2019.

David Longendyke/Everett Collection

Two weeks after the Lifetime Network announced they were creating a movie based on the massive college admissions scandal that rocked the nation and involved actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, the leads have now been cast.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Penelope Ann Miller, known for her role in American Crime, and Mia Kirshner, have been cast as Caroline and Bethany. Caroline is an interior designer while Bethany is a financial services owner who both become clients of the college admissions consultant Rick Singer in an effort to get their children into elite colleges.

Caroline and Bethany are reportedly characters based on women like Loughlin and Huffman as well as the other rich and powerful parents who were caught up in the scandal this past spring. Meanwhile the mastermind behind the scam, Rick Singer, will be played by Saving Hope actor Michael Shanks.

“College Admissions Scandal will follow two wealthy mothers who share an obsession with getting their teenagers into the best possible college,” a press release from the network reads. “When charismatic college admissions consultant Rick Singer offers a side door into the prestigious institutions of their dreams, they willingly partake with visions of coveted acceptance letters in their heads. But when Singer cooperates with the FBI and pleads guilty, the mothers who risked everything for their kids, must face the consequences of their crimes and the loss of trust and respect from their families.”

Lori Loughlin and her husband allegedly paid $500,000 to have both of their daughters admitted to USC as crew recruits despite the fact neither are rowers or student-athletes. Loughlin and her husband both plead not guilty to the charges in the ongoing case and have suffered professionally as the actress was fired by the Hallmark Channel and is said not to be appearing in the final season of Fuller House.

Huffman did plead guilty to paying $15,000 to have the scam’s ringleader help her daughter on her SATs. The actress issued an apology for her role in the scandal.

Lifetime’s College Admissions Scandal is expected to premiere in fall 2019.