OWN Gives 8-Episode Order for New Docu-Series THE BOOK OF JOHN

OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK announced today it has given an eight-episode series order to THE BOOK OF JOHN (working title) from Leftfield Pictures, a weekly one-hour dramedy docu-series featuring the life of John Gray, associate pastor at Joel Osteen's world-famous Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The series will join the network's popular Saturday night programming lineup this spring.

The network also announced it has renewed popular Saturday night docu-series "For Peete's Sake," from Tremendous! Entertainment featuring actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, for eight additional episodes and has ordered from Pilgrim Media Group 13 additional episodes of "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's," the hit series and two-time NAACP Image Award winner centered on restaurant owner Miss Robbie Montgomery and her family.

"Pastor Gray's unique blend of humor and heart will make for a great series," said Erik Logan, president, OWN." "We are excited for him to join our Saturday night family and thrilled to order new episodes from the Peetes and Sweetie Pie's."

OWN is consistently a top network for African-American women on Saturday night. "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" is the most-watched docu-series in OWN history and during its most recent season was Saturday night's #1 original cable series among African-American women. During its first season "For Peete's Sake" was Saturday night's #1 original cable series among African-American women.

About "The Book of John" (working title) "The Book of John" (working title), is a dramedy docu-series featuring the life of John Gray, associate pastor at Joel Osteen's world-famous Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Known for his loud, hilarious, unconventional and gravitating ways, Gray has traveled the world utilizing his gifts of music, comedy and preaching to help bring people together from all walks of life and share the Gospel in his unique and UNCOMPROMISING way. In the new series Gray will give viewers intimate access into his home life and world renowned ministry as he helps people in his community overcome life challenges, while facing his own relatable struggles as a husband and father. The series is produced by Leftfield Pictures. Executive producers are David George, Jordana Hochman and Joe Weinstock from Leftfield Pictures, with Rich Wilkerson and Jason KENNEDY serving as consulting producers.

About "For Peete's Sake" Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete were two of the brightest stars in their fields in the 80's and 90's. Holly lit up the small screen from an early age with starring roles in "21 Jump Street" and "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," and her husband and NFL quarterback, Rodney Peete, dominated the league for 16 years. "For Peete's Sake" takes a comedic, yet intimate look at the hectic lives of the Peetes as they attempt to balance raising their four kids, running a charity (the HollyRod Foundation) and spending time with Holly's über-manager mother Dolores, who at 80 years young is still wheeling and dealing. Whether they're setting up for their next big fundraiser, coaching their kids into lives of their own, or just trying to keep that special spark alive in their marriage, there's never a dull moment with the Peetes. "For Peete's Sake" is produced for OWN by Tremendous! Entertainment. Executive producers are Colleen Needles Steward and Shannon Keenan Demers from Tremendous! Entertainment as well as John Ferriter, Kyell Thomas, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete.

About "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's"
When Robbie Montgomery's lung collapsed, the 1960s backup singer and former Ikette had to hustle to keep her family afloat, so she whipped out her mother's recipes and turned her second love, cooking, into a soul food empire. Today, with five locations and counting across St. Louis and Los Angeles, Miss Robbie, along with her son, Tim, are hoping to bring their brand to the masses! The docu-series follows the fun-loving, musical Montgomery family through its highs and lows as they work to expand their culinary dynasty. "Welcome to Sweetie Pie's" is produced by Pilgrim Media Group. Executive producers are Craig Piligian, Melodie Calvert, Jeff Keane, Tim Norman and Robbie Montgomery.

About OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand - and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications. The network debuted on January 1, 2011 and is available in 85 million homes. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform Oprah.com.

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