The Church of Scientology is coming to a screen near you with a television network set to go live on Monday, March 12. The channel will launch on DirectTV along with the Apple TV and Roku streaming services.
Apple's app store already has a Scientology Network app, where there's currently an announcement about its upcoming official launch. The network's digital presence seems to be set up as well, with a Twitter account and a to-be-launched website linked to it.
News of a network shouldn't come as too much of a surprise since the church announced it was launching its own media production company in 2016. This isn't the church's first foray into television, of course; they've bought Super Bowl spots six years in a row, according to Hollywood Reporter.
It's possible the network is a bid to change the public perception of the religion, which has been shrouded in mystery since its inception. The church has been the subject of exposé documentaries like Alex Gibney's documentary Going Clear and former members Leah Remini's Scientology and the Aftermath. "It's TIME for us to tell OUR story," a recent tweet from the official Twitter account reads.
It seems like the network will house much of the video content they already produce—like the series Meet A Scientologist—along with films on the principles of the religion. With the church counting so many entertainment stars among its members, who knows what other original content might be coming.
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