A 24-Hour Scientology Network Is Coming Soon to a Streaming Device Near You
The proliferation of entertainment options has, most would agree, truly spun out of control. New networks and original programming are springing up at feverish rates—to the point where it seems that everyone and everything has their own channel or their own show. The latest evidence of this: a 24-hour Scientology network.
According to promotional tweets from the network itself, the Scientology Network premieres Monday night on DIRECTV, Roku, Apple TV, FireTV, Chromecast, iTunes, Google Play, and Scientology.tv. (The Church of Scientology’s Twitter page has been aggressively promoting the network in the lead-up to its premiere.) As Deadline notes, ears have been pricked about this big debut for months as speculation about the network has spread. Per Scientology Network’s own description on the Google Play store, the network will feature original programming with titles like Meet a Scientologist, Voices for Humanity, Destination: Scientology, and L. Ron Hubbard: In His Own Voice, as well as “Scientology Principles” films.
Scientology has been a TV fascination for years, with programs like HBO’s Going Clear and Leah Remini’s Scientology and the Aftermath on A&E—neither of which exactly painted the religion in a flattering light—generating buzz and ratings for their respective networks. Now, it seems the Church of Scientology would like to take control of its own narrative. As on-screen text for the network’s trailer—which is basically a celebration of L. Ron Hubbard set against cheerful B-roll—promises, “The only thing more interesting than what you’ve heard. . . is what you haven’t.”
The network premiere comes just weeks after a Scientology-sponsored Super Bowl ad—which featured some of the same audio and visuals as the network’s new trailer—sparked controversy among TV viewers, in light of the accusations of abuse and mistreatment that have been leveled against the Church. So far, it does not appear that any of the Church’s celebrity followers have signed up for their own show on the new network.
The Scientology Network premieres Monday at 8 P.M.
