(CNN) -- Lately, Lifetime has been looking a little different. No, the network hasn't traded in the made-for-TV love stories that first charmed the network's loyal female viewers. It has, however, adopted a new slew of original programming designed to help Lifetime stay competitive in the age of reality TV. To that end, stage moms, amateur fashion designers, nannies and criminals have all found a home on the network. "Lifetime, for years, thrived on reruns and made for TV movies that told women's stories," said Andy Dehnart, the editor of Realityblurred.com. "It makes so much more sense to let real women tell their stories in reality TV shows than scripted shows. Those stories are more accessible and more consequential -- and often more entertaining."
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Lifetime is not just about made-for-TV movies aimed at women anymore
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The network is gravitating towards original programming and reality shows
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Shows like "Dance Moms" and "Russian Dolls" trade on existing reality formats
Lifetime has found success with "@placeholder," a reality show about young dancers and their moms, which was renewed for a second season on Tuesday.