OWN Sets May ‘Greenleaf’ Premiere

OWN will roll out its latest scripted drama Greenleaf over two nights in May, said network officials.

The series, which, follows the life of preacher Grace Greenleaf who returns to her parents’ Memphis-based megachurch after the mysterious death of her sister, will air episodes on May 24 and May 25, said network executives.

The series and stars Lynn Whitfield (The Josephine Baker Story), Keith David (Community) and Merle Dandridge (The Night Shift), as well as OWN CEO Oprah Winfrey, who appears in her first recurring scripted television role in two decades, according to the network.

The 13-episode series is produced by Lionsgate Television and executively produced by Winfrey, Craig Wright and Clement Virgo.

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.