OWN Picks Up Megachurch Drama From ‘Lost’ Alum

The Oprah Winfrey Network has ordered a megachurch drama straight to series.

“Greenleaf” comes from the mind of writer-producer Craig Wright (“Six Feet Under,” “Lost”) and explores the titular family and its Memphis megachurch, which acts as the center of a community for thousands of predominantly African-American parishioners. Scandals and secrets lie beneath its sprawling surface, however. The series is a multigenerational family drama at heart.

“When I first read the script, I instantly felt an affinity for the characters and loved Craig’s creative vision for a fictional drama on an epic scale,” Oprah Winfrey said. “This show is going to be a fun ride and will hopefully have viewers on the edge of their pews week after week.”

Wright was also executive producer for FX’s “Tyrant,” another series following a family with dark secrets.

“To tell this potentially explosive story with Oprah, a partner who has as much respect and affection for the church as I do, whose entire body of work is infused with what I would call a faith-based humanism, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A blessing, even,” Wright said.

OWN is continuing its push into scripted programming. Winfrey is also reteaming with “Selma” director Ava DuVernay for the drama “Queen Sugar.” OWN’s scripted series include the Tyler Perry-produced shows “The Haves and the Have Nots,” “If Loving You Is Wrong,” “Love Thy Neighbor” and “For Better or Worse.”

The Lionsgate-owned series is set for production later this year.