Lifetime's Mary Jo Buttafuoco Movie Tells Victim's Side of Infamous Shooting
A new Lifetime film explores the 1992 shooting case from Mary Jo Buttafuoco's perspective, featuring dramatic recreations and the real victim as narrator. The movie premiered January 17 with streaming options now available.
Lifetime has transformed one of America's most notorious criminal cases into a television movie called "I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco." The film premiered January 17, 2026, at 8 pm ET, focusing on the victim's experience rather than the sensational headlines that dominated news coverage in the 1990s.
Director Heather Hawthorn Doyle crafted this biographical drama to center Mary Jo Buttafuoco's voice in telling her own story. The real Mary Jo serves as narrator, guiding viewers through the events that changed her life forever.
The 1992 Shooting That Shocked America
The movie recreates the day when 17-year-old Amy Fisher approached Mary Jo Buttafuoco at her Long Island home. Fisher had been having an affair with Mary Jo's husband Joey and came to reveal the relationship. What started as a confrontation escalated when Fisher shot Mary Jo in the face with a semi-automatic pistol.
The shooting left half of Mary Jo's face paralyzed. Her family life crumbled under media scrutiny and public attention. The case became a tabloid sensation, spawning multiple TV movies and endless coverage that often overlooked the victim's perspective.
Cast Brings Drama to Life
Chloe Lanier takes on the challenging role of Mary Jo Buttafuoco. Lanier previously appeared in "NCIS: Hawaii" and "General Hospital," bringing television drama experience to this real-life story.
Maddy Hills portrays Amy Fisher, the teenager whose actions created this tragedy. Dillon Casey plays Joey Buttafuoco, the husband whose affair set these events in motion. The casting choices aim to balance dramatic storytelling with respectful treatment of actual people's experiences.
Where to Watch the Film
"I Am Mary Jo Buttafuoco" aired first on Lifetime channel and remains available through several streaming platforms. Viewers can access the movie on Hulu + Live, DirecTV Stream, and Philo for those with live TV subscriptions.
The film also streams on-demand through Lifetime Movie Club on Amazon Channel. This gives viewers flexibility in when and how they watch this dramatic retelling of events that captivated the nation over three decades ago.