'Preachers of L.A.' premieres to 1.1 million viewers

buzzz worthy. . .

Oxygen made reality TV history by becoming the first Network to take its lenses into the pulpits and personal lives of 6 prominent pastors with the premiere of Preachers of LA last night.   The highly anticipated  delivered 1.1 million total viewers,  which marks the network’s strongest Wednesday season premiere ever according to Nielsen.  

Also, “Preachers of L.A.” was the #2 most social cable reality program and #3 most social reality program in primetime with #PreachersofLA trending in the U.S. on Twitter during the premiere.  

The cast members are Bishop Noel Jones, Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Bishop Ron Gibson, Haizlip and Wayne Chaney, eac prominent in his own right.

Viewers learned right away that sparks will fly in a room full of passionate preachers with differing opinions.  On the premiere  Haddon and McClendon got into a heated argument over honorariums and entourages during the "Man Cave" scene, setting the tone for more drama to come.  

On next week’s episode, airing on Wednesday, October 16 at 10PM ET/PT, Bishop Gibson and his wife First Lady LaVette invite Deitrick and fiancé Dominique to dinner to question them on whether they are marrying for the right reasons. Pastor Jay Haizlip seeks divine wisdom in dealing with a transgender former church member.

Reviews on the show have been mixed. Even before the first episode aired a Change.org petition sought to have the show cancelled.  There have also been positive reviews as some viewers appreciate pastors being relatable.