What is the Lifetime movie Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation about?

Lifetime is primed to start rolling out its February offerings starting with Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation starring Jennifer Grey in the titular role.

The film follows Gwen Shamblin, the founder of Remnant Fellowship Church and the Weigh Down Workshop. She preaches the virtue of a snatched waist at her megachurch which pushes a Christian-based diet program that got its roots in Tennessee.

Gwen’s not willing to stop at amassing a faithful following. She also wants ultimate control of her flock which she believes is due to her as a prophet of the Lord. If they don’t follow the tenets of her brand of the gospel, they’re punished. They’re not to associate with anyone not a member of the church. If they become overweight they’re banished and any a dissenters are threatened with legal action.

Despite this, it wasn’t backlash that ended Gwen’s reign but rather a crash that took more than one life. Here’s more on the movie.

Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation Lifetime release date

The TV-14 film premieres Saturday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime. If you miss its debut, Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation will re-air Sunday, Feb. 5 at 12:01 a.m. ET. It’ll also be available to stream via mylifetime.com on Sunday as well.

Is Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation based on a true story?

Yes, this movie is a Ripped from the Headlines title. Gwen Shamblin was a real life faith leader whose proselytizing included teachings on being thin and that positioned her as a prophet of God. She acquired money and influential power in Christian ministry. And she used it to control her followers.

Is Gwen Shamblin still alive?

No, Shamblin died in a plane crash, along with her husband Joe, their son-in-law, and four Church leaders. Joe had been flying the plane. The crash happened in May 2021.

Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation cast

According to IMDb:

• Jennifer Grey as Gwen Shamblin
• Karen Cliche as Natasha
• Brittany Drisdelle as Adrienne
• Jorja Cadence as Elizabeth Shamblin Hannah
• Vincent Walsh as Joe Lara
• Connor McMahon as Brandon Hannah
• Frank Fiola as TV Executive
• Carlo Mestroni as Natasha’s Lawyer
• Eloïse T Simard as Josh’s Wife
• Michael Hearn as Gwen’s Lawyer
• Karine Dion as Tammy
• Willow Astbury as Young Elizabeth (6)
• Adam LeBlanc as Josh Kitt
• Teneisha Collins as Carmen
• Dylan Colton as Michael Shamblin
• Maissa Houri as Sheri

Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for more Lifetime news and coverage!