Series synopsis
Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed is an American documentary crime television series that premiered on TLC on March 24, 2022. It ended on December 29, 2022. It stars Carl Lentz and Brian Houston.
Featuring interviews with Hillsong insiders, megachurch experts, and Ranin Karim – the woman whose five-month affair with celebrity senior pastor Carl Lentz led to his downfall – the series explores the high-profile, star-studded church’s alleged exploitation, abuse, and cover-ups.
Premise
Featuring interviews with Hillsong insiders, megachurch experts, and Ranin Karim – the woman whose five-month affair with celebrity senior pastor Carl Lentz led to his downfall – the series explores the high-profile, star-studded church’s alleged exploitation, abuse, and cover-ups.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Carl Lentz as Self (archive footage)
- Brian Houston as Self (archive footage)
Guest cast
- Jaclyn Hayes as Self – Former Wave Church Member 2003-2020
- Sammi Lizzotte as Self – Former Wave Church Member
- Ranin Karim as Self
- Hannah Frishberg as Self – Features Reporter, New York Post
- Craig Carson as Self – Former Hillsong LA Volunteer
- Elle Hardy as Self – Journalist & Author of 'Beyond Belief'
- Zhenya Kasevich as Self – Former Hillsong Kiev Pastor
- Vera Kasevich as Self – Former Hillsong Kiev Pastor
- Noemi Uribe as Self – Former Hillsong Boston Volunteer
- Janice Lagata as Self – Former Hillsong NYC Volunteer
- Ed Crenshaw as Self – Senior Pastor, Victory Church
- Anna Crenshaw as Self – Former Hillsong College Student
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 4 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 4 | March 24, 2022 | December 29, 2022 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Welcome Home The strategic rise of Hillsong church catapults it from the small towns of Australia to the bright lights of NYC. Founder Brian Houston has a vision, but the charisma and A-list connections of pastor Carl Lentz earn the church its iconic status. |
March 24, 2022 |
| 2 |
Critical Mass News of high-profile scandal and moral indiscretion threatens Hillsong and the explosion of popularity it has enjoyed in the US at the hands of celebrity pastor Carl Lentz. The fallout exposes a deeper problem within the culture of the church. |
March 24, 2022 |
| 3 |
Revelations Founder Brian Houston goes to great lengths to minimize and silence allegations of sexual assault, cult-like tendencies and child sex crimes against the church. As the scandal deepens, it appears he will do anything to protect the Hillsong brand. |
March 24, 2022 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | TLC |
|---|---|
| First aired | March 24, 2022 |
| Last aired | December 29, 2022 |
| Status | ended |