REVIEW: The T.D. JAKES SHOW

By Marcinho Savant,
Entertainment Writer

​Mega-Pastor, author, and interracially-appealing Thomas Dexter “T.D.” Jakes has added the role of television counselor/host to his ministry. He is the bishop of The Potter's House, a Non-denominational American mega-church (Wikipedia).

According to TDJakes.com, “Smart, uplifting and unexpected--a show that will present stories, guests and topical issues that challenge the viewers to engage, think and explore outside their comfort zone.  

​"Each day, millions turn to TD Jakes, recognized as one of America’s top pastors, best-selling authors and visionary thought leaders, to transform their lives by helping them to live with purpose, love better and have fun doing it.

“His new talk show, The TD Jakes Show, will feature provocative and relatable stories of people looking for support and insight for navigating some of the most critical issues and challenges of our times, from family and finance to love and relationships. Whether it’s ripped from the headlines or trending in pop culture, TD Jakes will offer his unique point of view based on his own life experiences, worldview and wisdom.”
 
Known for his televised sermons, and hugely-successful television programs broadcast from The Potter’s House, he is proven, and experienced in multimedia. His “T.D. Jakes Show” airs on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network. I watched Season 1 (Episodes 11, 15, 16 ) at the time of this critique, and I must say that it is, not unexpectedly, excellent. From production values, compelling guests, probing interviews, and firm, yet loving, questions from the host attempting to get to the bottom of the matter, and help the guests achieve resolution. Closure.
 
As one guest made an excuse for her contributions to the problem(s) with her mother, Jakes, possessed of an impassioned, booming, voice--- reacted firmly, interrupting her justifications. “I’m not looking for excuses! I’m looking for I’m sorry!” He got what he was seeking.
 
He is instantly engaging in the role of host/counselor with a resonant, paternal, voice, wonderful eye-contact, and questions that dig deeply. His interjections of advice, and counselor-like accountability demands are magnetic and effective. His intellectual toolkit is highly-formidable. An adroit interviewer, he fits the part well.
 
He is, at once, empathetic, comforting, candid, demanding, challenging, and not willing to “take any tea for the fever”, when guests aren’t putting in the work. Refreshing, was the lack of any detectable artifice. He seemed mission-centered, earnest, sincere, and genuinely engaged throughout. Sincerity on “reality t.v.”?
 
Diverse subjects such as marriage, family, dating, parenting and finances, to name a few, are the topics planned for the program.
 
Today’s assortment of episodes ranged from interpersonal relationships, personal struggles, and people overcoming adversity through opportunity. I found it enjoyable, entertaining, and informative in ways to face challenges head on.
 
Certainly, just a man, his family has been touched by personal incidents, large, and small, which some might call scandalous. Which, in his humility, he faced down, with the same integrity he demands of his guests.
 
I thought to myself, initially, “LAWWWWWT? ANOTHER TALK SHOW!? #ERRRBODYGOTATALKSHOW!” Only, in this show, I felt something special. Perhaps even anointed.
 
Jakes seems to have the Godly-Midas-Touch in all he pursues, and by all indications, this new franchise is no less golden. I pray for his ratings, and strong audiences. It is important to have trustworthy voices in mainstream media.
 
The T.D. Jakes Show airs on OWN: Monday - Friday at 6pm.