Melissa and LaLa team up for Lifetime

The story focuses on a woman named Leigh (played by Melissa Joan Hart), whose father, Jason (played by Eric Pierpoint), falls while she is away. Jason is given a guardian by the courts named Janet (played by La La Anthony), and things rapidly change.

Based on real-life experiences of Americans under the care of court-appointed guardians, the film poses the question: are these guardians beneficial or detrimental to those they are meant to protect?

The official description states that Janet is in control of all aspects of Jason's life. She quickly puts him in a nursing home, sells his house and belongings, claiming the money is needed for his care. Jason's health declines, and he requires a costly life-saving treatment that Janet refuses to provide. As those who speak out against Janet meet unfortunate fates, Leigh gathers the courage to expose the corrupt guardian and the system that upholds her.

The Lifetime movie is being produced by Allegheny Image Factory, with Jeffrey Tinnell and Robert Tinnell as the producers. Elizabeth Stephen is the executive producer and Claudia Myers is directing the film based on a script by Ashley Gable.

The Bad Guardian premieres May 18 at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime.