In the wake of an enormously successful pilot episode Pastor Greg: Proof God Has a Sense of Humor and holiday
special Pastor Greg's First Christmas, Cornerstone TeleVision teamed up with Pastor Greg creator, writer
and star Greg Robbins to produce and launch the series. The dynamic duo tackled a grueling production schedule completing 22 episodes in six
months. The highly anticipated Pastor Greg series will debut on Cornerstone TeleVision on Thursday, October 13,
2005 at 8PM Eastern. In addition to airing on Cornerstone TeleVision Network, Sky Angel Home Satellite System and other
religious networks, the series will launch on over 120 network affiliates nationwide including NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, WB,
UPN affiliates and more. (See: Where To Watch to find a station in your
area)
"It's the perfect blend of comedy and heart-warming drama," said Robbins. The sitcom revolves around a womanizing
party animal turned pastor who saw the light after his arrest for drunken driving. He finds God in his jail cell and
has no idea just how much his life will change. Following God's lead, he signs-on as pastor to a small-town church.
With his casual dress, clumsy demeanor and unconventional ways, Pastor Greg unwittingly stirs things up in trying to
win-over a feisty congregation and quirky staff.
While the series is gaining in popularity, Robbins remembers the rocky journey to getting it off the ground. After
nine years of hard work and heavy rejection, he thought this day would never come. "I wanted to quit a thousand times.
Hollywood didn't think good clean comedy would sell and most religious networks weren't interested. It wasn't a day
without a healthy dose of rejection," said Robbins.
Determined to get network support for projects that classify as family entertainment, Robbins remained faithful to his
call. To quote David Frost, "Television is an invention that allows you to be entertained in your living room by
people you would not have in your home." Robbins notes the changing entertainment world. "The problem entertainment
has been replaced with shock value."
Just when he was ready to "throw in the towel," Robbins received a call from Cornerstone President, Ron Hembree. With
the addition of new Programming Director, Dede Hayes, Cornerstone was in the process of revamping the prime time
schedule and began the hunt for good, clean family entertainment in the comedy and drama genres. In a matter of weeks,
Robbins moved his family to Pittsburgh and joined the Cornerstone team. In less than one year, the entire Pastor
Greg cast moved from various parts of the country including L.A. and Oregon to start production.
With the series still in production, media attention is already swirling around the ground-breaking concept of a
Christian sitcom. The program recently captured the attention of Good Morning America and Fox & Friends. Both plan to
air a story close to the series debut in October. Good Morning America visited Cornerstone this summer for a
behind-the-scenes report. Cornerstone anticipates more national exposure for the series in the coming months.
After the overwhelming popularity of the pilot episode and the holiday special Pastor Greg's First Christmas,
Cornerstone anticipates a successful run. "Research shows a demand for family entertainment. We're excited to bring
wholesome entertainment into the living rooms of families across America," said Programming Director, Dede Hayes.