Leah Remini Scientology Series Draws Top A&E Premiere Ratings in Two Years

“Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” debuted to an impressive 2.1 million viewers on A&E on Tuesday night.

The premiere episode, which scored 913,000 viewers in the key adults 18-49 demographic, was the network’s No. 1 new series launch in more than two years.

The eight-episode, hour-long series follows Remini–a former Scientologist–along with high level former Scientology executives and Church members, as they explore stories of abuse and harassment those who have left the Church say they have endured.

Also Read: Leah Remini's 'Scientology and the Aftermath:' 5 Shocking Accusations Against Controversial Church

In one interview, former Scientology executive Amy Scobee told Remini that she went to work for the Church as a teenager after her mother became a member. At the age of 14, she says she was raped by her 35-year-old boss, but the incident was swept under the rug by Church officials.

The Church has adamantly denied the stories portrayed in the new A&E reality series, even setting up a website stating that the show is “nothing more than a scripted, rehearsed, acted and dramatized work of fiction.”

There are also title cards throughout the premiere episode stating Scientology’s leaders deny the statements made by Remini and those she interviewed.

Also Read: Scientology Leader's Father to Speak Out on ABC's '20/20'

“Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” is produced for A&E Network by The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC). Executive producers for IPC are Eli Holzman, and Aaron Saidman. Remini serves as executive producer for her No Seriously Productions. Alex Weresow serves as showrunner and executive producer.

Remini is represented by APA, who also packaged the series.

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."
TLC
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.
Columbia Broadcasting Network
"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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