Lifetime’s Trailer for ‘The College Admissions Scandal’ Movie Gets Straight to The Point
There’s nothing to say about Lifetime movies that hasn’t already been said, and when you sit down to watch one, you know what you’re going to get. Ridiculous, cheesy drama, characters who only make dumb decisions, and a predictable ending. Knowing the formula and knowing the network’s penchant for spinning news headlines into theatrical EVENTS, when you tune in for The College Admissions Scandal movie, expect nothing but Lifetime at its finest.
The trailer is here to prove it. Given the fact the story broke in March, Lifetime moved lightning fast on this one. Here, you can gleefully indulge yourself in the not-so-subtle teaser of two moms who chose to skirt the law—and get caught.
Rub your hands together for ‘The College Admissions Scandal’
Pencil scribblings on Scantrons, perpetual furrowed brows, and references to Darwin’s survival of the fittest highlight what’s to come in this TV affair. Capitalizing on the “inspired by true events” angle, The College Admissions Scandal looks to be a dramatized account of the parents’ crimes that were exposed in the real-life “Operation Varsity Blues” investigation.
Per Glamour, this is a synopsis of the movie’s plot:
“It follows two wealthy mothers who share an obsession with getting their teenagers into the best possible college. 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.”
One of the families has a son who is struggling in school and the other has a daughter who is shown in the teaser as being worried about getting arrested. Oh, Mom, what did you do?!
“Fake SATs, fake sports for months and months without your having to notice.” The background music, the police jackets, and the crocodile tears all indicate that viewers will be in for a high stakes ride.
Who’s in it and who’s not
You can’t miss the character who’s obviously Rick Singer (played by Michael Shanks), the infamous orchestrator of the scheme who collected millions in bribes from parents as a “consultant.”
It’s already been revealed that unsurprisingly, actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin are not appearing in this fictional depiction of the fiasco, but Lifetime is known for their wink-wink “true stories.” Penelope Ann Miller stars as one of the mothers who will do anything since her son is “losing his way.”
Her character’s husband seemingly is upset about the lengths she will go, but she tells him, “You knew the consequences.”
The other mom, seen setting up photo shoots for fake activities to teach her daughter how to make a good impression, is played by Mia Kirshner. You may recognize her from Star Trek: Discovery or The Vampire Diaries (Isobel).
Since more than 30 parents face charges in the actual college admissions scam, these Lifetime characters simply represent a fictionalized snapshot of the wealthy moms (and others) caught up in the legal mess.
Will ‘The College Admissions Scandal’ movie address the real investigation?
Loughlin and Huffman are the most famous faces associated with the scandal, and their cases are either ongoing or pending sentencing at the time of this writing. Since the movie has already wrapped production, current happenings won’t be reflected in it.
But after the movie premieres, Lifetime will be airing a one-hour documentary special hosted by Gretchen Carlson. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the former Fox News host will dive into the facts behind the indictments, Rick Singer, and some civil cases tied to the scandal.
The two-hour movie will debut on Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. EST, so clear off your schedule for some Saturday night Lifetime camp.
