Pastor, best-selling author, film and music producer and entrepreneur T.D. Jakes shares his wit and wisdom with daytime TV audiences in a new syndicated series. In the eponymous talk show premiering Sept. 12, Jakes will present engaging topics interspersed with personal stories, and have honest conversations with his celebrity and non-celebrity guests (Although Jakes reveals he will try to woo his celeb pals to join him on set — so expect his call Oprah, Tyler Perry, L.L. Cool J and Steve Harvey). A few of the topics the prolific pastor will tackle include: relationships, health, personal struggles, news and even pop culture. And in the series’ first week, Jakes will talk about public shaming, counsel good people who have made bad choices, lead a discussion about race in America, and introduce ordinary people who have faced devastating obstacles, but whose spirits remain unbroken.
Jakes explains that most of his guests will be ordinary people with relatable lives, but does name one dream guest: “I would love to have Beyoncé on my show. I would love to have her and her family,” Jakes says. “She is an amazing, stellar performer; she is fantastic at what she does. But I want to go beyond what she does, to who she is.”
Take a look at the set of T.D. Jakes!
Jakes is bringing his over 40 years of pastoral and leadership experience to a new realm, and says that the series feels like an extension of his life’s work. He says “For me, this is not a new experience; it’s a continuation of a lifelong endeavor to be uplifting, to encourage people, to help them explore the best possibilities for their lives. It’s what I’ve given my life to; it’s just a new audience to which I can be myself.” Bob Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Programming for TEGNA Media, which is producing the series, explains Jakes’ appeal. “T.D. Jakes is a powerful, highly visible and well respected figure across a variety of media and social platforms. His inimitable approach and innate ability to connect with people will bring a welcome, positive new addition to the daytime television landscape.”
T.D. Jakes is a Dallas-based pastor, entrepreneur, author and businessman, whose reach extends far beyond the pulpit of his 30,000-member church, The Potter’s House. Jakes is has authored more than 40 books, including New York Times bestsellers, Destiny and Instinct. He has also produced Grammy Award winning music and feature films including Miracles from Heaven, starring Jennifer Garner, Sparkle and Jumping the Broom. Additionally, T.D. Jakes has advised the last three U.S. Presidents, and is a frequent commentator for cable news outlets CNN, MSNBC and The Fox News Channel.
T.D. Jakes premieres in syndication on Sept 12 (find T.D. Jakes in your area); and starting on Sept 19, the series will also air Monday through Friday at 6pm ET/PT on OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network.