TD Jakes just premiered on OWN, right after its syndication launch. Stephanie Drachkovitch, President & co-founder of 44 Blue Productions, explains how this show stands out from the pack (thanks, Oprah!).
Cynopsis: How is TD Jakes different from other shows?
Stephanie Drachkovitch: The show is different because of TD Jakes himself – there is no one else like him with his life experience as a husband, father of five, pastor, and author. His 40 years of counseling, supporting families from all walks of life in their times of crisis and joy – from cradle to grave. He’s even counseled four sitting presidents. His voice of inspiration, transformation and unity has caught the attention of the country – whether as “healer in chief” after the Dallas shootings or as a voice of reason and thoughtfulness as we try to navigate an election year. As he brings his down-home advice and wisdom to television, he and we truly believe that just one moment can change the rest.
Cynopsis: How did the idea for the show evolve?
Drachkovitch: It evolved from the core of who TD Jakes is and the impact he’s had for decades… from his early days at a small West Virginia church…to his Sunday broadcasts from the potter’s house—from the Oprah Winfrey Show and Dr. Phil to CNN and the CBS Morning News. From books like his New York Times bestseller “Instinct” to box-office hits like “Heaven is for Real.” His message of hope and inspiration resonates whether you’re young, old, black, white, male, female…you always feel better after you’ve spent time with him!
Michael Haddad/Tegna/TD Jakes
Cynopsis: Why is now the right time for TD Jakes?
Drachkovitch: We believe he has a voice of hope and inspiration that the country can use right now. Whether you’re a single mother, a family struggling to make ends meet, or a young person looking for purpose. TD Jakes believes that we have more in common than we have differences, and that if we can learn to accept those differences, we can move forward together to create strong communities and make our lives richer.
Cynopsis: Will you be covering topics like the election?
Drachkovitch: To quote TD Jakes, we’re not political, we’re not denominational – we’re about helping people live their best lives and helping those around them.
Cynopsis: How involved in Oprah Winfrey in the show?
Drachkovitch: We are so fortunate to have OWN as our cable partner. Oprah recognized TD Jakes’ unique voice and point of view before any of us and introduced us through her show. He’s had a long relationship with Oprah, and we are forever grateful that she is giving us the opportunity to be part of her network. 44 Blue also has a long history with OWN (we did Married to the Army: Alaska and Breaking Down the Bars with them), so we cannot think of a better home for TD Jakes and his message of hope and empowerment.
Cynopsis:If you could sum up the mandate for the show, what would it be?
Drachkovitch: Entertain, empower and enlighten – because we all truly believe it takes just one moment to change the rest. TD Jakes has a gift for helping people recognize and seize that moment!
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