Oxygen may have hit a homerun on the commercial front with their new controversial docu-series “Preachers of L.A.”, but critically, the show has viewers very much on the fence.

Based on the lives of six L.A. based megachurch pastors – Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Wayne Chaney, Bishop Ron Gibson, Pastor Jay Haizlip and Pastor/Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon – the show raked in a whopping 1.1 million viewers for its October 9th premiere.  The feat did come, however, at the feet of some heavy criticism from industry tastemakers down to everyday viewers aboard social media networks like Twitter and Facebook.

Slamming the extravant pastors for displays of wealth (houses, cars, jewelry, etc.), the latest disapproval comes from fellow megapastor T.D. Jakes who, despite being the “best friend” of Bishop Noel Jones, distanced himself from the show and even labelled it “junk”.

T.D Jakes via Report:

“Now, I know you been watching that junk on TV.  I want to tell you right now, not one dime of what you’re sowing right now will buy my suit. I want you to know my car is paid for. I want you to know I got my house on my own. I want you to know I’m not bling-blinging. I am not shake and bake. I have sold enough books and produced enough movies. I don’t need your offering to pay for this little slimy suit. So I rebuke that spirit in the name of Jesus Christ.”

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Bishop Noel Jones admitted that Jakes was not exactly a fan of the show via an interview with our buds over at TheJasmineBrand.  The newest fiery quote came just a week after Jakes’ own television show “T.D. Jakes Presents: Mind, Body & Soul” made its debut aboard BET.

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Justin Bieber brings Beliebers a peek at ‘Never Say Never’ follow-up movie ‘Believe 3D’.

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Visit http://www.SURGEexperience.com for details

Via release:

Acquire The Fire & Teen Mania present an exciting and limited theatrical engagement debut of SURGE, a high-energy interactive movie theater event that fuses music, comedy, and inspirational messages creating a moment where young people and those who believe in them fill theaters across North America.

SURGE features empowering and inspirational messages by Ron Luce interwoven between the hilarious comedy of John Gray and musical performances by award-winning Christian artists Casting Crowns, Newsboys, Lecrae and worship artists Acquire the Fire LIVE.  SURGE offers an evening that will inspire, entertain and empower generations looking to make a difference.

SURGE, which will premiere on over 400 screens on October 9, 2013.  An encore showing is scheduled for October 16, 2013.  For theater and ticket information visit: www.SurgeExperience.com.

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Chrissy & Mr. Jones premieres on Oct 28th at 9/8 pm CST on VH1!

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“Love & Hip Hop: NY” premieres on Monday, October 28th at 8/7c on VH1!

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Robin Thicke‘s 2013 just seems to get better and better.  After scoring his first #1 album on the hem’s of the year’s biggest hit ‘Blurred Lines’, the singer got news that his hit just logged its 16th week atop Billboard’s R&B charts – a new record.

Now, the blue-eyed soulster is set to appear on ‘Oprah’s Next Chapter’ for a candid interview to air in October.

Via Billboard:

“Thicke is expected to discuss the impact of “Blurred Lines” the single, and the positive and negative response to his controversial MTV VMAs performance with Miley Cyrus. He’ll also talk about his family life with wife Paula Patton, his role as a father and working with collaborators such as Pharrell and will.i.am.”

Thicke’s sit-down will air Oct. 13 at 9 PM ET/PT on OWN.

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Move over ‘Preacher’s Wives’ and ‘Preachers Daughters’!  A breath of fresh air for reality TV may be coming in the form of a new source – ‘Preachers of L.A.’.

The reality venture, set to kick off Wednesday, October 9th at 10/9c, is Oxygen channel’s new reality show about the lives of six L.A. based megachurch pastors – Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Wayne Chaney, Bishop Ron Gibson, Pastor Jay Haizlip and Pastor/Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon. The material extravagance of athlete’s wives, confrontational drama of real housewives, and BET Sunday Night televangelist zeal all rolled up into one, the recipe for the venture has already proven itself a polarizing one even days before its premiere.

This series meets at the intersection of religion, vanity, and good TV to boot – a mixture disconcerting for many of the religious sect. Walking the fine line of dangerously realizing suspicions and stereotypes of the lavish lives of megachurch pastors who drive Bentleys for Jesus and travel in entourages, the show definitely succeeds in entertainment value and being a catalyst for conversation.

It’s hard not to appreciate the “in-your-face” brand of honesty that the show delivers oh-so-well.  But, once the masses get a taste of what the sextet are offering a debate will surely arise about its intentions.  Is there a thinly veiled facade of exposing people to Christianity and spreading the gospel?  Or are we capitalizing on an opportunistic desire to expand brands into the realm of celebrity?

View the first full episode here!

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