Greenleaf
Drama depicting a flawed family's church dynasty
About Greenleaf
Released: 2016
Platform: Netflix
Rating: TV-14
Run time: 5 Seasons
Cast
Merle Dandridge, Kim Hawthorne, Desiree Ross, Lamman Rucker, Tye White, Lynn Whitfield, Deborah Joy Winans, Keith David, Lovie Simone, Gregory Alan Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Rick Fox, Patti LaBelle, Letoya Luckett, Chevonne Hughes
About Greenleaf
Greenleaf is a television drama series that premiered in 2016. It follows the Greenleaf family, the leaders of a megachurch in Memphis, Tennessee. The series revolves around the family's secrets, scandals, and the conflicts they face as they struggle to maintain their image while dealing with their own personal demons.
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About
The Greenleaf series focuses on the Greenleaf family and their megachurch, Calvary Fellowship World Ministries. The family is led by Bishop James Greenleaf and his wife, Lady Mae Greenleaf. Despite their influential position within the church, the Greenleaf family is faced with their fair share of problems.
The drama unfolds as the estranged daughter, Grace Greenleaf, returns home after 20 years, following the mysterious death of her sister, Faith. Grace aims to uncover the truth behind her sister's death and confront the dark secrets that the family has been hiding.
The series explores the themes of faith, power, greed, and the complicated dynamics within a family. As the Greenleafs strive to maintain their public image as pillars of the community, they grapple with the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise within their personal lives and the operation of their church.
Making / Production
Greenleaf was created by Craig Wright and is produced by Oprah Winfrey. The show is primarily filmed in Georgia, utilizing various locations to portray Memphis, Tennessee. The production team collaborated with local crew members to ensure an authentic representation of the city.
The series has been praised for its high production values, cinematic aesthetics, and its effective use of music to enhance the storytelling. The show's creators aimed to provide viewers with a compelling and visually stunning viewing experience.
Actors
- Keith David as Bishop James Greenleaf: The charismatic and authoritative leader of Calvary Fellowship World Ministries.
- Lynn Whitfield as Lady Mae Greenleaf: Bishop Greenleaf's wife and a powerful force within the church.
- Merle Dandridge as Grace Greenleaf: The prodigal daughter who returns home to uncover the truth.
- Desiree Ross as Sophia Greenleaf: Grace's teenage daughter, who becomes entangled in the family drama.
- Lamman Rucker as Jacob Greenleaf: Bishop Greenleaf and Lady Mae's son who struggles with the expectations placed upon him.
- Kim Hawthorne as Kerissa Greenleaf: Jacob's ambitious and controlling wife.
- Deborah Joy Winans as Charity Greenleaf-Satterlee: Grace's sister and the church's music minister.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- Greenleaf was created by Craig Wright, known for his work on shows like Lost and Six Feet Under.
- Oprah Winfrey, who also plays a recurring role in the series, serves as an executive producer.
- The series tackles controversial topics within the church, including sexual misconduct, corruption, and family secrets.
- Greenleaf has been praised for its authentic portrayal of the African-American church community.
- The show has been critically acclaimed for its strong performances and compelling storytelling.
Awards
While Greenleaf has not received any major awards, it has been recognized for its strong performances and storytelling. The series has garnered a dedicated fan base and continues to attract viewers with its gripping narrative.
Quotes
- "Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future." - Bishop James Greenleaf
- "Sometimes we have to lose everything before we can be free." - Grace Greenleaf
- "Power without grace is nothing." - Lady Mae Greenleaf
- "You can't fix a broken heart with church visits and scripture." - Jacob Greenleaf
Music
The music in Greenleaf plays a significant role in setting the tone and enhancing the emotional impact of the series. The show features a combination of gospel, contemporary Christian, and soulful tracks.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Greenleaf includes songs performed by various artists. Some notable songs featured in the series are:
- "Unaware" by Allen Stone
- "Heaven" by Mary Mary
- "You Keep Hope Alive" by Mandisa and Jon Reddick
- "Take Me to the King" by Tamela Mann
- "Maybe God Is Tryin' to Tell You Something" by BeBe Winans
About Greenleaf
Greenleaf is a drama series exploring scandals lurking behind the surface of a Memphis megachurch, packed with faith, secrets, and lies.