When to Watch: The Karen Read Case Gets Its First Scripted Drama on Lifetime

Lifetime is kicking off the New Year with several "Ripped From the Headlines" movies, including the first scripted drama about the Karen Read case.

Although several adaptations of this case that caught national attention are in the works, Lifetime's Accused: The Karen Read Story is the first to hit the screen.

It will debut on the cable channel Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 8 p.m. with a fairly familiar face in the title role.

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Though Amazon Prime's adaptation of the Karen Read case was the first to be announced, Lifetime beat Amazon to the finish line with its take on the story.

What Lifetime's Movie Will Focus On

Lifetime's film stars Katie Cassidy, daughter of pop star David Cassidy, as Read. Luke Humphrey plays her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe.

READ MORE: Karen Read's Bristol County Roots

The true-crime drama will focus mainly on Read and her pursuit to clear her name while dealing with an alleged cover-up involving law enforcement officials. The story also touches on the growing swell of supporters surrounding her as the case caught national attention and Karen's resilience throughout the trial.

READ MORE: We Watched the Conrad & Michelle Lifetime Movie and Have Some Thoughts

In April, Read was found not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of O'Keefe, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident. Her first trial on these same charges ended in a hung jury. Read was found guilty of driving under the influence and was sentenced to one year of probation.

Where The Legal Case Stands Now

O'Keefe's family filed a wrongful death suit against Read, though that case has no trial date as of yet. No one else has yet to be charged in O'Keefe's 2022 death.

READ MORE: Karen Read's Murder Trial Is Becoming a Netflix Documentary

You can see Lifetime's take on this real-life drama when Accused: The Karen Read Story debuts Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 8 p.m.