OWN has handed out a straight-to-series order to scripted drama Greenleaf created by Craig Wright (Six Feet Under, Tyrant). The order is for 13 episodes, with production starting later this year. Oprah Winfrey will serve as an executive producer as well.
From Lionsgate Television, Greenleaf centers on a sprawling Memphis megachurch, the center of the community for the thousands of predominantly African-American members who attend services there. But beneath its steeple lies a den of iniquity - greed, adultery, sibling rivalry and conflicting values. The series is described as a multi-generational matrix of deception that involves the church's founding family that extends to its congregation and prominent members of the Memphis community and beyond. Yet, amid the mayhem and deception, the power of something greater persists, calling everyone to conscience for their sins.
"To tell this potentially explosive story with Oprah, a partner who has as much respect and affection for the church as I do, whose entire body of work is infused with what I would call a faith-based humanism, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A blessing, even," said Wright.
"When I first read the script, I instantly felt an affinity for the characters and loved Craig's creative vision for a fictional drama on an epic scale," Winfrey said. "This show is going to be a fun ride and will hopefully have viewers on the edge of their pews week after week."
"With its singular take on a world rarely seen and a fascinating family at its core, Greenleaf has all the makings of a highly addictive drama that embodies the kind of provocative high-quality entertainment we champion at Lionsgate," added Kevin Beggs, Chairman, Lionsgate TV Group. "We're thrilled to be working with Oprah and Craig and proud to be part of OWN's expansion in scripted programming."
