Media mogul Winfrey is personally involved in all of OWN’s creative decisions. And in 2016, she took that involvement even further by starring in the scripted series “Greenleaf.” Her critically acclaimed return to television has been supplemented by a series from Golden Globe-nominated director Ava DuVernay, dubbed “Queen Sugar,” which recently earned a third season renewal and overall deal. There’s also a new collaboration and deal in the works with Will Packer, producer of the hot 2017 blockbuster “Girls Trip.” A focus on scripted dramas reflects a bold, new creative direction for the network that elevates its storytelling. Meanwhile, lighthearted fare continues to draw in eyeballs with Tyler Perry’s “The Paynes,” set to premiere in early 2018 with a 38-episode first season.

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