Bishop TD Jakes to Be on 'Oprah's Next Chapter'
The Oprah Winfrey Network confirmed Tuesday that as part of her new primetime series, "Oprah's Next Chapter," Winfrey will interview Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas.
"The series, which features Oprah as she steps outside of the studio for riveting, enlightening and in-depth conversations with newsmakers, celebrities, thought leaders and real-life families, will expand to air part two of her in-depth interviews starting Monday, January 30," the network announced.
Winfrey will be visiting Jakes at his 30,000-member church, but the network did not reveal when the visit will be made nor when the recording of her visit with the megachurch pastor would air. Jakes, also an author and filmmaker, broadcasts his sermons on "The Potter's Touch," which airs on a variety of Christian broadcasting networks, including Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
According to the Dallas pastor's official website, Jakes has been named "America's Best Preacher" by Time Magazine and ranks among the 25 Most Influential African-Americans.
Winfrey previously interviewed televangelist Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.
If Jakes' interview is anything like Osteen's, viewers will be discussing the episode long after it airs. In their Jan. 8 interview, Winfrey questioned Osteen on his ego, the criticism he receives from both nonbelievers and believers, and his monetary income.
Besides Jakes, Winfrey will also follow actor and humanitarian Sean Penn to Haiti to observe his earthquake relief efforts at the nongovernmental organization J/P Haitian Relief Organization. She will also delve into the highly private and traditional communities of Hasidic Jews in Borough Park and Crown Heights in the NYC borough of Brooklyn, as well as have a slumber party with Southern cook Paula Deen at her Georgia estate.
"Oprah's Next Chapter" has given a ratings boost to the struggling Oprah Winfrey Network. The special's Jan. 1 premiere drew in 1.1 million viewers, making it the highest-rated premiere on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
The two-part series airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET and Mondays at 10 p.m. ET, beginning Jan. 30.
