Church of Scientology Announces New TV Network

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The Church of Scientology has announced the launch of its own television network, which will go on the air on DirecTV and several OTT services Monday.

“It’s TIME for us to tell OUR story…” reads a tweet from the new network, titled ScientologyTV. The tweet includes a promotional video that says, “The only thing more interesting than what you’ve heard…is what you haven’t.”

three, two, one…HELLO WORLD, and greetings from Scientology Media Productions in Hollywood, CA!

It’s TIME for us to tell OUR story…

WELCOME to the SCIENTOLOGY NETWORK countdown to launch! pic.twitter.com/PCPaaW9M7c

– Scientology Network (@ScientologyTV) March 11, 2018

Also Read: I Visited Scientology Street - One of Trump's Rare L.A. Strongholds

The network will be available on AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Google Chromecast, with an app for the network already available for download on the App Store. The announcement comes two years after the church announced the start of its own studio, Scientology Media Productions.

Shows promised on the network by the app’s webpage include “Meet a Scientologist” and “L. Ron Hubbard: In His Own Words.” The channel will go live at 8 p.m. ET on Monday.

The launch comes as Scientology faces increased scrutiny in recent years. “King of Queens” star Leah Remini recently has had two seasons of an A&E expose series about her experience in the church as a former member called “Scientology and the Aftermath.”

Also Read: Leah Remini and Mike Rinder: Paul Haggis Sexual Misconduct Accusers 'Are Suspect'

In 2015, director Alex Gibney made a documentary adaptation of Lawrence Wright’s best-selling book “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief,” which won a Peabody Award and three Emmys.

The precinct where the Church of Scientology’s headquarters is located was one of only seven precincts out of the 1,700 in Los Angeles that went to Donald Trump in the 2016 election.

During the campaign, Trump promised to “totally destroy” the Johnson Amendment, which requires that nonprofit groups and religious organizations remain non-political to maintain their tax-exempt status.

17 Hollywood Stars Who Dabbled in or Abandoned Scientology: From Leah Remini to Jerry Seinfeld (Photos)

Leah Remini left in 2013, citing her frustration with not being able to challenge the church's beliefs and before her daughter was of age to begin "the acclimation into the church."
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While married to Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes was reportedly uncomfortable with Scientology's teachings and didn't want their daughter raised in the religion, especially in light of her own Catholic upbringing.
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Nicole Kidman severed ties from the church when she divorced Tom Cruise in 2001.
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In 2009, Paul Haggis left the church after 35 years in protest of their support of California's Prop. 8, which banned gay marriage in the state.
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Lisa Marie Presley left Scientology sometime around 2012 after being raised in the church by her mother, Priscilla Presley.
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In 1997 divorce papers, Tom Berenger cited his soon-to-be-ex-wife Lisa's deep-rooted Scientology beliefs as a reason for the dissolution of their marriage.
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Christopher Reeve said in his autobiography that he became disillusioned with the religion when auditing failed to detect blatant lies he was telling.
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Mimi Rogers is often credited with introducing Tom Cruise to Scientology, but after their marriage ended, so did her relationship with the church -- though he remains the Church's most active famous member.
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A child actor who was introduced to the church by an acting coach, Jason Beghe laughed off Scientology with friend David Duchovny after he left. While he was an active member, their friendship was strained, and Duchovny was labeled a "suppresive person" by the church.
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Jerry Seinfeld never officially joined the church, but has attributed his success partly to some Scientology courses he took in his 20s.
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Brad Pitt took a few courses -- and was a high-level target for the church -- while dating Scientologist Juliette Lewis, but lost interest after the relationship ended.
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Candice Bergen was briefly involved with the church in the 1960s before its financial rise.
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"Transparent" actor Jeffery Tambor took Scientology classes and studied the religion for a short time, but no longer participates with the organization.
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Patrick Swayze tried out Scientology while practicing many world faiths, including Buddhism and transcendental meditation.
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Russell Crowe read L. Ron Hubbard's book"Dianetics" and watched a few videos before deciding the church wasn't for him.
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Sonny Bono flirted with Scientology while married to Cher, who herself never understood its appeal.
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"Top Gun" Producer Don Simpson spent more than $25,000 dollars on Scientology before leaving without the life improvement he was hoping to achieve.
The British Broadcasting Network

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These notable figures attended the church, but ultimately decided they couldn’t stay

Leah Remini left in 2013, citing her frustration with not being able to challenge the church's beliefs and before her daughter was of age to begin "the acclimation into the church."

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17 Hollywood Stars Who Dabbled in or Abandoned Scientology: From Leah Remini to Jerry Seinfeld (Photos)

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