---
title: "Greenleaf"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/greenleaf-2016"
media_type: "tv"
tmdb_id: 66830
imdb_id: "tt4971144"
status: "Ended"
seasons_count: 5
episodes_count: 61
runtime_minutes: 42
community_rating: 7.1
vote_count: 118
content_rating: "TV-14"
---

# Greenleaf (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/greenleaf-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The television series Greenleaf revolves around the lives of the Greenleaf family and their Memphis megachurch. The family's public display of faith is contrasted with the scandalous secrets and lies that exist beneath the surface. The show explores the complex relationships within the family, including sibling rivalry and conflicting values. The family's business and personal lives are tainted with greed, adultery, and other sins. The series delves into the unscrupulous world of the Greenleaf family, revealing the darker aspects of their lives. The show is set in a sprawling Memphis megachurch, where the family's faith is tested by their own flaws and shortcomings. The series premiered on OWN and ran for multiple seasons, with episodes available to stream online.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A powerful family's faith faces fierce internal and external challenges."

### Why Watch
- Compelling family dynamics with deep character development
- Explores the intersection of faith and personal flaws

### Caveats & Content Note
- Some plotlines can feel overly dramatic
- Pacing may be slow for some viewers
- Tone & Suitability: Contains mature themes including infidelity, family conflict and religious hypocrisy.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: dramatic, intense, family-driven, morally-complex, secrets-and-lies

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel | Spectrum On Demand | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels | Amazon Prime Video | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels | Amazon Prime Video, Hoopla | Apple TV Store |
| **Australia (AU)** | Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels | Amazon Prime Video | Apple TV Store |

## Season Architecture & Lore Primers

### Season 1 (13 Episodes)
Greenleaf is a television series that premiered in 2016. The show is set in Memphis and revolves around the unscrupulous world of the Greenleaf family and their megachurch. The family's business and personal lives are marred by greed, adultery, and other scandals. The series explores the complex relationships within the family and the secrets that lie beneath their seemingly perfect facade. Greenleaf is a drama that delves into the darker aspects of faith and family dynamics.

## Filler vs. Essential Episode Classifier

- **Total Tracked Episodes**: 61
- **Crucial Mytharc Episodes**: 8 (13%)
- **Character Core Episodes**: 53 (87%)
- **Side Quest / Filler Episodes**: 0 (0%)

## Creative Credits

- **Created by**: Craig Wright
- **Networks / Studios**: OWN

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Lynn Whitfield** as *Lady Mae Greenleaf*
- **Keith David** as *Bishop James Greenleaf*
- **Lamman Rucker** as *Jacob Greenleaf*
- **Merle Dandridge** as *Grace Greenleaf*
- **Kim Hawthorne** as *Kerissa Greenleaf*
- **Desiree Ross** as *Sophia Greenleaf*
- **Lovie Simone** as *Zora Greenleaf*
- **Deborah Joy Winans** as *Charity Greenleaf-Satterlee*
- **Chevonne Hughes** as *Karine*
- **Tye White** as *Kevin Satterlee*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is this show about a real church?
No, the show features a fictional megachurch and family.

### Q: What makes this drama different from others?
It uniquely combines religious faith with family dysfunction and moral complexity.

### Q: Are there any supernatural elements?
No, the show focuses on realistic family drama and church politics.

### Q: Is the show appropriate for children?
No, it contains mature themes and situations not suitable for young viewers.

### Q: Do I need to be religious to enjoy it?
No, the show appeals to viewers interested in family drama regardless of religious background.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Greenleaf — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/66830)
- [Greenleaf (TV Series 2016–2020) - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4971144/)
- [Greenleaf (TV series) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenleaf_(TV_series))
- [Watch Greenleaf | Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/80140955)
- [Watch Greenleaf Streaming Online | Tubi Free TV](https://tubitv.com/series/300019455/greenleaf)
- [Watch Greenleaf - Full Episodes, Cast & Extras | OWN](https://www.oprah.com/app/greenleaf.html)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*