ArtistDirect News
Hallsboro Actor Joshua Shipman Secures Supporting Role in Lifetimes New Faith-Based Drama
From the quiet streets of Hallsboro, North Carolina, to the bright lights of Atlanta, Georgia, Joshua Shipman has earned a spot in Lifetime’s latest faith‑based drama. The network’s original film, Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery, premiered Saturday, June 6 2026, and is now available for streaming on the Lifetime app.
Shipman plays Antoine, a supporting character who helps the story’s Christian feminist protagonist navigate a personal scandal. The film follows a bestselling author whose affair threatens both her marriage and her public image. Directed by Patricia Cuffie‑Jones, the movie also stars gospel singer‑actress Erica Campbell in the lead role, with Trai Byers and Jasmine Guy rounding out the supporting cast.
The actor’s journey began in a family of nine children in Hallsboro, a census‑designated place of just 382 residents. Growing up, Shipman and his siblings would craft imaginary worlds in their backyard, a pastime that sparked his fascination with storytelling. “I was fascinated by the world that they created,” he told WECT. He first turned to acting at age nine, inspired by behind‑the‑scenes features on movies rented from Blockbuster. “The kids are making millions of dollars on YouTube now. We should have been doing that back then. We just didn’t have the camera,” he added.
Filming took place in Atlanta, chosen for its versatile locations and production infrastructure. The premiere, broadcast at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on June 6, was part of Lifetime’s 2026 slate of original dramas aimed at a primarily female audience. According to the network’s press release, the film is now on‑demand on the Lifetime app, which hosts the network’s library of original movies and series.
Beyond acting, Shipman expresses a desire to inspire young people to pursue their goals with drive and discipline. “It all starts in your heart and your mind. It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” he said. He urges aspiring performers to stay focused, drawing on his own experience of growing up in a large family with limited resources.
Shipman’s background in modeling and acting is documented on his IMDb profile, where he has appeared in a handful of independent projects. Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery marks his first appearance in a network‑produced feature, giving him exposure to a national audience and positioning him for future opportunities in television and film.
The film’s release aligns with Lifetime’s strategy of producing faith‑based content that tackles contemporary moral and social issues. By featuring a storyline about a Christian author dealing with personal scandal, the network continues its tradition of blending drama with moral messaging. The inclusion of well‑known actors such as Erica Campbell and Jasmine Guy is intended to attract viewers familiar with their previous work.
Shipman’s hometown has not previously been represented in national media. His success in landing a role on a major network highlights the potential for talent to emerge from small communities. Local residents have expressed pride in his achievement, noting that his journey from backyard play to the set of a Lifetime film demonstrates the reach of modern media production.
Lifetime’s original movies have consistently attracted viewers seeking faith‑centered narratives. In 2025, the network reported a 12% increase in viewership for its faith‑based lineup, driven by titles such as The Pastor Who Preys and Accused: The Karen Read Story. Shipman’s appearance in Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery aligns with the network’s focus on stories that explore moral dilemmas while featuring diverse casts.
As of now, Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery remains available on the Lifetime app, and Shipman has not announced additional projects. The film’s reception will likely be measured by viewership metrics and audience feedback on streaming platforms. Shipman’s performance, while a supporting role, is expected to contribute to the overall narrative and may serve as a stepping stone for further roles in the industry.
Shipman plays Antoine, a supporting character who helps the story’s Christian feminist protagonist navigate a personal scandal. The film follows a bestselling author whose affair threatens both her marriage and her public image. Directed by Patricia Cuffie‑Jones, the movie also stars gospel singer‑actress Erica Campbell in the lead role, with Trai Byers and Jasmine Guy rounding out the supporting cast.
The actor’s journey began in a family of nine children in Hallsboro, a census‑designated place of just 382 residents. Growing up, Shipman and his siblings would craft imaginary worlds in their backyard, a pastime that sparked his fascination with storytelling. “I was fascinated by the world that they created,” he told WECT. He first turned to acting at age nine, inspired by behind‑the‑scenes features on movies rented from Blockbuster. “The kids are making millions of dollars on YouTube now. We should have been doing that back then. We just didn’t have the camera,” he added.
Filming took place in Atlanta, chosen for its versatile locations and production infrastructure. The premiere, broadcast at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central on June 6, was part of Lifetime’s 2026 slate of original dramas aimed at a primarily female audience. According to the network’s press release, the film is now on‑demand on the Lifetime app, which hosts the network’s library of original movies and series.
Beyond acting, Shipman expresses a desire to inspire young people to pursue their goals with drive and discipline. “It all starts in your heart and your mind. It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” he said. He urges aspiring performers to stay focused, drawing on his own experience of growing up in a large family with limited resources.
Shipman’s background in modeling and acting is documented on his IMDb profile, where he has appeared in a handful of independent projects. Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery marks his first appearance in a network‑produced feature, giving him exposure to a national audience and positioning him for future opportunities in television and film.
The film’s release aligns with Lifetime’s strategy of producing faith‑based content that tackles contemporary moral and social issues. By featuring a storyline about a Christian author dealing with personal scandal, the network continues its tradition of blending drama with moral messaging. The inclusion of well‑known actors such as Erica Campbell and Jasmine Guy is intended to attract viewers familiar with their previous work.
Shipman’s hometown has not previously been represented in national media. His success in landing a role on a major network highlights the potential for talent to emerge from small communities. Local residents have expressed pride in his achievement, noting that his journey from backyard play to the set of a Lifetime film demonstrates the reach of modern media production.
Lifetime’s original movies have consistently attracted viewers seeking faith‑centered narratives. In 2025, the network reported a 12% increase in viewership for its faith‑based lineup, driven by titles such as The Pastor Who Preys and Accused: The Karen Read Story. Shipman’s appearance in Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery aligns with the network’s focus on stories that explore moral dilemmas while featuring diverse casts.
As of now, Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery remains available on the Lifetime app, and Shipman has not announced additional projects. The film’s reception will likely be measured by viewership metrics and audience feedback on streaming platforms. Shipman’s performance, while a supporting role, is expected to contribute to the overall narrative and may serve as a stepping stone for further roles in the industry.