Kentucky Fried Chicken, now known simply as KFC, is famous for its fried chicken, but the fast-food chain is hoping it'll also be famous for its upcoming Lifetime film, as well. Yes, you read that right: KFC is breaking into the world of steamy dramas.
The Bold and the Beautiful alum Mario Lopez (ex-Dr. Christian Ramírez) will star as the nation's best-known fried chicken spokesman, Colonel Sanders, in an upcoming Lifetime "mini-movie" called A Recipe for Seduction. As can be seen in the teaser trailer), the 15-minute program mocks Lifetime's signature soapy films as it follows a young heiress whose devious mother has hand-picked her suitor, but she finds herself falling instead for Lopez's Sanders, a new chef with a secret fried chicken recipe.
"We're no strangers to heating things up for the holidays, just like our famous fried chicken-scented fire log. But let's face it, we could all use a little distraction this holiday season, so why not fill some of your time at home with a suspenseful drama and the comfort of our world-famous fried chicken?" said KFC U.S. CMO Andrea Zahumensky in a statement. "A Recipe for Seduction is a perfect excuse to curl up at home and escape to your own happily ever after."
Adds David DeSocio, executive vice president of ad sales marketing and partnerships at A+E Networks, "Through a terrific cast, and with a wink to the unique sensibilities celebrated in Lifetime movies, this co-production spotlights each brand's POV and marries them in a fun and authentic way."
The 15-minute commercial is set to air at 12PM on Sunday, December 13, but will also be available throughout the holiday season on the Lifetime web site, and at all Lifetime apps and video-on-demand platforms.
Immediately following the December 13 premiere of A Recipe for Seduction, Lifetime will re-air the holiday film Feliz NaviDAD, which stars Lopez as a father who matches with and out-of-town musician on a dating app. Since she is only in town for the holidays, the pair agrees to "practice date" -- but can't help falling in love.
Mario Lopez made a name for himself in the soap opera world in 2006, when he took on the role of B&B's Dr. Christian Ramírez. He also appeared on General Hospital as a host for the ABC soap's Nurses Ball in 2017. The actor was previously famous for his starring role of A.C. Slater on the late 80s, early 90s teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, a role he reprised for Peacock's recent reboot.
How do you feel about KFC expanding its marketing efforts into the world of Lifetime films? What are your thoughts on B&B alum Mario Lopez playing KFC's Colonel Sanders in A Recipe for Seduction? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.
