OWN’s new original series “Greenleaf,” featuring Oprah Winfrey’s first scripted television role in two decades, will launch on June 21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The network is evidently very confident in the series’ potential as a ratings hit because a 13-episode second season has already been ordered.

The megachurch drama from Emmy nominated writer/producer Craig Wright (“Lost,” “Six Feet Under”) and Lionsgate Television centers on the journey of estranged daughter and disillusioned preacher Grace Greenleaf (played by Merle Dandridge) who has returned home after 20 years on the occasion of the mysterious death of her sister, Faith. As she reenters the world of Calvary Fellowship World Ministries, the Memphis megachurch run by her powerful parents, Bishop James Greenleaf (Keith David) and Lady Mae Greenleaf (Lynn Whitfield), it becomes evident that things are not as virtuous as they seem and that the family’s outward display of faith hides sin and misdeeds.

ALSO READ: MEET THE STARRING CAST OF OWN’S ‘GREENLEAF’ AND GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES IN A NEW SERIES OF CLIPS THAT INCLUDE NEW FOOTAGE

Written and created by “Six Feet Under” scribe Craig Wright, and starring Merle Dandridge as Grace Greenleaf, Lynn Whitfield, Keith David, and Oprah Winfrey in a recurring role, “Greenleaf “ will debut on OWN June 21 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.




The marketing engine continues to roar for the upcoming series, as a new set of videos have been released, including why Oprah wanted Lynn Whitfield for Lady Mae Greenleaf (which Oprah says she was initially going to play); as well as introductions to supporting characters in the series (we’ve already been treated to introductory videos featuring the leads), including Tye White as Kevin Satterlee, the husband of Charity Greenleaf, the daughter of the powerful Bishop James Greenleaf; Deborah Joy Winans as Charity Greenleaf-Satterlee, the daughter of Bishop James and Lady Mae Greenleaf; and Benjamin Patterson plays Noah Kendall, the head of security for the Greenleaf family and the keeper of their secrets. And in the last video, OWN gives you an extended look at the series with several of the key actors, including Lynn Whitfield, Merle Dandridge, Lamman Rucker and Keith David, as well as several executive producers, including Craig Wright, Clement Virgo and Oprah Winfrey (who also has an acting role on the show), who express their thoughts about the show’s themes and wider cultural significance.