T.D. Jakes / AP Images

The pastor of a Dallas megachurch is working on a weekly show built around a self-help book he authored and a daily talk show

T.D. Jakes, pastor of the 30,000-member Dallas megachurch The Potter’s House, successfully moved into faith-based movies, most recently with the hit Heaven Is for Real, and can be seen giving sermons on religious TV networks almost every day of the week.

Now he wants to expand into secular TV with two shows — one, a weekly program based on his latest book, Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive, and the other, a daily talk show targeted for national syndication in 2015 or 2016.

Jakes and his TDJ Enterprises are partnering with 44 Blue Productions (Wahlburgers) and Enlight Entertainment to develop and package the two shows, which will be shopped to domestic TV syndicators later this year.

“We think that viewers are hungry for the opportunity to learn from his insights,” says Stephanie Drachkovitch, 44 Blue Prod. co-owner and executive vp, adding that she believes “his unique voice and universal message will motivate and entertain.”

“As a communicator, I could not be more excited about this collaboration which allows our brand to extend its presence onto the small screen,” said Jakes in a statement, adding that this will enable him to “tell the untold stories of empowerment and inspiration, that I’m known for, to wider, more diverse audiences.”

The show built around his book Instinct would feature Jakes telling stories about people who have brought about change or made a difference by tapping into their abilities to achieve productive and satisfying lives, according to the announcement.

“For years people from all walks of life have found both healing and motivation from T.D. Jakes’ message,” said Rasha Drachkovitch, president of 44 Blue Prod.

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SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter
Alex Ben Block