Oprah's Next Chapter - Season 1

First aired: 1/1/2012 28 episodes

Episodes

1. Steven Tyler

Aired: 1/1/2012

In the two-hour series premiere, Oprah visits idyllic Sunapee, New Hampshire, for an intimate conversation with rock 'n' roll icon Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Interviewed just days after the death of his beloved father, he speaks of his parents' influence on him and his own role as an often-absent father of four. Steven reflects on ex-wives and ex-girlfriends, the feuds with bandmates that almost destroyed Aerosmith, his decades-long struggles with addiction, and what he really thinks of the man he replaced on American Idol, Simon Cowell.

2. Pastor Joel Osteen

Aired: 1/8/2012

Oprah travels to Houston, Texas, to meet one of America's most influential spiritual leaders, Pastor Joel Osteen, and his wife, Victoria. After attending Pastor Osteen's Sunday service at Lakewood, the largest church in America, Oprah visits the Osteen home to talk faith, marriage, power and ego. In a revealing and candid interview, Pastor Osteen opens up about the impact of his father's death and explains how he reluctantly became a preacher in his late 30s. Plus, the pastor responds to critics who say his sermons focus too much on material success. Victoria, Pastor Osteen's wife and co-pastor at Lakewood Church, joins the conversation and reveals the secrets of their 25-year marriage. Finally, our cameras go behind the scenes of the 16,000-seat Lakewood Church. From the 450 choir members to the congregation members, find out how this mega-church reaches millions every week.

3. Governor Chris Christie

Aired: 1/15/2012

Oprah travels to the home of New Jersey's governor, Chris Christie, a man The New York Times calls "one of the most intriguing political figures in America." He's also been called a human bulldozer, "Governor Wrecking Ball" and "the Tony Soprano of politics." Known for his in-your-face style, Governor Christie is a YouTube sensation, a rising star in the Republican Party and the type of leader many see as our next president. Whether he's confronting voters at his infamous town hall meetings or talking tough to teachers' unions, he's a man on a mission to tackle the really big problems facing America. Oprah rarely interviews politicians, but she makes an exception for Governor Christie because she believes he is a leader willing to go beyond sound bites and canned responses. In a candid conversation, he opens up about his lifelong struggle with weight and the guilt he carries, the best advice his mother ever gave him and why he resisted a run for the White House.

4. George Lucas

Aired: 1/22/2012

Oprah travels to Skywalker Ranch in beautiful Northern California for an inspiring conversation with visionary filmmaker George Lucas. George talks about the spirituality behind the Force and why he created an entire belief system for his galaxy far, far away. He also opens up about the creative process, finding bliss, the near-death car accident that changed his life forever and the bold decision that made him a billionaire. Then, the love of George's life, Mellody Hobson, joins the conversation in an exclusive interview. They live thousands of miles apart, come from different generations and different backgrounds, but George says he's found the perfect partner in Mellody. Finally, actors Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard talk about George's exciting new film, Red Tails, the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American fighter pilots who soared to glory during World War II.

5. Sean Penn in Haiti

Aired: 1/29/2012

Two years after one of the worst natural disasters in history, Oprah travels to Haiti. There, she visits a tent camp run by actor and humanitarian Sean Penn and discovers both heartache and hope among the Haitian people in the wake of a devastating earthquake. Sean Penn arrived in Haiti just days after the earthquake killed more than 300,000 people and left another 1.5 million homeless. He started a nongovernmental organization called J/P HRO and is now running a tent camp that houses 20,000 internally displaced Haitians. During her visit, Sean Penn opens up to Oprah about why he came to Haiti, how he feels personally responsible for the people living in his camp and how the experience has helped him cope with his divorce.

6. Hope in Haiti

Aired: 1/30/2012

In Part 2 of her trip to Haiti, Oprah drops in on Ariana, a young American girl who wrote her a letter seven years ago about her dream of opening an orphanage. Today, Ariana and her family are living out that incredible dream by caring for 45 orphans and running a local school in Port-au-Prince. We find out how and why this average American family left the comforts of their Los Angeles home and moved to Haiti to care for the neediest of children. Then, Oprah meets Magalie, a Haitian entrepreneur who is rebuilding her country through art. Lastly, Oprah sits down with designer Donna Karan and talks about her passion for Haiti, creating opportunities for local artisans and what makes her commitment to this country run so deep.

7. America's Hidden Culture, Part 1

Aired: 2/12/2012

For the first time ever, Oprah travels to Brooklyn, New York, to meet two Hasidic Jewish families, who lift the veil, revealing the secrets to their usually private and mysterious way of life. Oprah first visits the Ginsberg family in the insular Hasidic community in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn. As she tours their traditional Hasidic home, Oprah learns why Hasidic women wear wigs and why Hasidic couples don't touch each other for two weeks a month and never touch each other—even to shake hands—outside the privacy of their bedroom. Oprah concludes her visit to the Ginsberg home by sitting down with the entire family for a traditional Jewish meal. Then, Oprah travels to the Hasidic Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights to meet the Abrahamsons, one of only a handful of black Hasidic families in the world. In an intriguing conversation, Oprah learns about the unique challenges the family faces living as minorities within a minority within a minority.

8. America's Hidden Culture, Part 2

Aired: 2/13/2012

For the first time ever, Oprah sits down with four Hasidic wives and mothers in Brooklyn, New York, for a no-holds-barred interview about their unusual way of life. No topic was off limits. In this revealing discussion, Oprah talks to Shterna, Toby, Chaya and Brocha—women who have 32 children between them—about everything from their unique sex practices to the role of women in Hasidic Judaism. These spirited women open up about rules of modesty, ritual baths (called mikvahs) and more. Then, Brocha, a mother of nine, stuns her friends when she reveals she didn't grow up Hasidic and admits that she used to work as a DJ at an alternative radio station. The women also share their pain over the death of Leiby Kletzky, an 8-year-old Hasidic boy who was murdered just blocks away. Plus, Oprah goes on a rare tour of a mikvah to see why it's the most important part of Jewish life.

9. Tony Robbins

Aired: 2/19/2012

The New York Times calls life coach Tony Robbins "the high priest of human potential." Oprah and Sheri Salata, president of the Oprah Winfrey Network and Harpo Studios, go inside Tony's sold-out "Unleash the Power Within" seminar to observe his power to help those seeking life-changing breakthroughs. Not only do they absorb Tony's message, but they also experience a few of their own aha! moments as well. After spending 12 hours at his seminar that hosted more than 4,200 people from 36 countries, Oprah does the unthinkable—she walks across burning hot coals! The next day, Oprah and Tony sit down for a revealing conversation about the pain he experienced in his childhood. For the first time, Tony reveals how his mother abused him. Tony also reveals what he believes is the secret to success, how anyone can overcome obstacles to achieve the life they want and how he found the love of his life in his wife, Sage.

10. Paula Deen

Aired: 3/4/2012

It's been nine years since Paula Deen first appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and invited Oprah to Savannah, Georgia. Now, Oprah and her best friend, Gayle King, head down South for a sleepover at Paula's dream home. After a tour of her home, the queen of Southern cuisine takes Oprah and Gayle on some of her favorite backyard adventures. Paula, Oprah and Gayle also sit down for an intimate interview in Paula's dock house. Paula opens up about her private and debilitating struggle with agoraphobia, the loss of her parents, her tumultuous first marriage and how she found the strength to overcome it all. Later, Paula introduces her husband, Michael Groover; her brother, Bubba Hiers; her aunt Peggy; and her sons, Jamie Deen and Bobby Deen, as they all enjoy brunch. At the table, Paula's sons reveal what it's like working for their famous mother...and they don't hold back. Paula also talks about her 10-year affair with a married man and preparing herself for love with her second husband.

11. Worldwide Exclusive: Oprah Talks to Whitney Houston's Daughter and Family

Aired: 3/11/2012

Oprah travels to Atlanta to sit down with Whitney Houston's daughter, Bobbi Kristina; her sister-in-law and manager, Patricia Houston; and her brother, Gary Houston, for an intimate interview. In this worldwide exclusive, Oprah speaks with those closest to the legendary singer. Bobbi Kristina shares personal memories of her mom and how she would like the iconic superstar to be remembered. The family addresses the rumors and speculation surrounding Whitney's death, including what really happened on the night Whitney Houston died and at the funeral. Also, Patricia and Gary talk about how the family really feels about Whitney's ex-husband, singer Bobby Brown.

12. Lady Gaga and Her Mother, Cynthia

Aired: 3/18/2012

Oprah travels to New York City to give the world its first look inside the apartment Lady Gaga grew up in and still calls home. And for the first time ever, Gaga's mother, Cynthia, breaks her silence on what it's like to be the mom of one of the most famous—and controversial—pop stars on the planet. Oprah tours the living room and sees the spot where Gaga used to practice singing like her idol, Whitney Houston. Gaga also reveals the difficult creative process she goes through each time she writes a new song, and opens up about love, marriage and motherhood. Then, Gaga gives Oprah the inside story of the famous meat dress and her alter ego, Jo Calderone. Plus, Oprah, Gaga and Cynthia meet up at Harvard University to launch the Born This Way Foundation, Gaga's charitable endeavor—a project that she believes is the most important work of her life.

13. America's Most Unusual Town

Aired: 3/25/2012

Oprah spends the day in Fairfield, Iowa—one of the safest, greenest and most unusual communities in America. In the middle of corn country, it's probably the last place you'd expect to find a dome and an evening traffic jam where thousands of the local population of 9,400 are headed to meditate. Oprah's journey begins at a unique Fairfield school where twice-daily Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a mandatory part of the curriculum. Next, she visits the neighboring community of Maharishi Vedic City—named after the Indian guru who founded the TM movement. Here, nonorganic food is banned, and all houses face east, adhering to an ancient Indian architectural style that is said to bring peace and harmony to one's surroundings. Maharishi Vedic City is also home to a top secret, 80-acre compound where 800 men from India live and spend eight hours a day meditating, chanting and studying. Cameras have never been allowed inside their community—until now.

14. Oprah Goes Behind Bars: The South Carolina Mom Who Killed Her Baby Boys

Aired: 4/1/2012

In an exclusive interview, Oprah goes behind bars at the Orangeburg-Calhoun Regional Detention Center in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to talk to Shaquan Duley, a mother who confessed to murdering her two young sons, 2-year-old Devean and 18-month-old Ja'Van, on August 16, 2010. Although she initially claimed her sons drowned in a car accident, she later confessed to smothering them and then driving them into a river to cover up what she'd done. On March 16, 2012, Shaquan pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and begged for forgiveness from her family, the community and the judge. On March 30, 2012, a judge ordered Shaquan to serve two 35-year sentences concurrently with no chance of parole. She received credit for time served already. Oprah also talks to Shaquan's mother, Helen; her sister, Adriane; and Shaquan's surviving daughter, 7-year-old Saniya.

15. Bishop T.D. Jakes

Aired: 4/8/2012

Oprah travels to Dallas to meet one of the nation's most influential spiritual leaders, Bishop T.D. Jakes. This charismatic leader is the senior pastor of the Potter's House, a global humanitarian organization and 30,000-member church. Oprah's friends Gayle King and Tyler Perry come along for the experience. Then, Oprah and Bishop Jakes sit down for a provocative conversation about faith, race, ego and love. In this revealing interview, Bishop Jakes opens up about the death of his parents and explains how he became a preacher in his teens. Bishop Jakes' wife, Serita, also talks frankly about the challenges of being married to one of America's most famous preachers. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at the 9,000-seat Potter's House and find out how Bishop Jakes' weekly Sunday service comes together.

16. Gloria Steinem

Aired: 4/15/2012

Oprah and legendary feminist/activist Gloria Steinem sit down with 60 outspoken students at Barnard College—the most selective women's college in the United States—for a dynamic, provocative and no-holds-barred conversation. Both Gloria and Oprah are asked what price they've paid for their success and if they believe it's possible to really have it all. Then, Oprah visits Gloria at her bohemian New York City brownstone for an in-depth, one-on-one conversation. Gloria opens up about why she became her mother's caregiver at age 10, marrying at age 66 and the biggest regret of her life.

17. Oprah Travels to India

Aired: 4/22/2012

Oprah visits India for the first time ever and meets a family of five living on $200 a month in the infamous slums of Mumbai. This couple and their three daughters live, eat, cook and sleep in one 10-foot-by-10-foot concrete room. Then, Oprah sits down for dinner with an upper-middle-class family. In their home, four generations live happily under one roof. Finally, Oprah is the guest of honor at an event the Indian media called "the party of the year," which was hosted by a billionaire socialite and attended by Bollywood's biggest stars. On the way to the party, Oprah visits the home of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan—a couple known as the Brad and Angelina of Bollywood—to meet their daughter, the most famous baby in India.

18. Women of India

Aired: 4/29/2012

In Part 2 of Oprah's long-awaited first trip to India, she visits the country's crown jewel—the Taj Mahal. She also sits down with five women from diverse backgrounds to talk about marriage, careers and family. Then, Oprah visits the "city of widows," where 16,000 women have sought refuge after their husbands died. Finally, Oprah is sent off with a posh party in a magnificent palace, hosted by Indian royalty.

19. Carrie Underwood and Husband Mike Fisher: Their First Interview Together

Aired: 5/20/2012

Oprah travels to Nashville for an intimate, in-depth interview with country music superstar Carrie Underwood at her picturesque cabin retreat. Carrie reflects on her rise to fame since winning American Idol in 2005, her two-year marriage to professional hockey player Mike Fisher, and how she maintains normalcy despite her high-profile life. Carrie is later joined by Mike for their first television interview together. They talk about how they balance their successful and fast-paced careers with their marriage, and how their belief in God helps navigate their lives. The couple also takes Oprah to their new plot of land, where they plan to build their dream home.

20. Mayor Cory Booker

Aired: 5/27/2012

Oprah travels to Newark, New Jersey, to talk to Mayor Cory Booker, one of America's most dynamic and innovative leaders. Mayor Booker opens up to Oprah about his political future, why he's still a bachelor, his close relationship with the Republican governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, and his near-death experience. Plus, watch an emotional interview with the woman Mayor Booker saved from a burning building.

21. At Home with Neil Patrick Harris, His Fiancé, David Burtka, and Their Twins

Aired: 6/3/2012

Oprah visits Emmy® award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris; his fiancé, David Burtka; and their 19-month-old twins, Harper and Gideon, at their home in the quiet suburbs of Los Angeles. In this television exclusive, Neil and David give Oprah a tour of their home, including the nursery and a secret room that Neil calls his "magical man cave." Then, Oprah sits down with Neil and David, a couple for eight years, as they speak candidly about what it was like for them growing up gay, Neil's decision to come out in Hollywood, and the complicated process they went through to have children. In the backyard, Oprah meets the twins and gets a rare look at how this loving, modern family functions.

22. Paris Jackson and 50 Cent

Aired: 6/10/2012

Oprah visits Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson, to see how she is doing nearly three years after her father's death. Oprah also talks to her about moving from the Jackson family estate, discusses her new movie role and meets Paris' best friend. Then, after years of feud rumors, Oprah interviews rapper Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson in New York. They also discuss how he has built his reported $100 million empire.

23. The Kardashian Family, Part 1

Aired: 6/17/2012

For the first time, Oprah meets the entire Kardashian family and their significant others at the Jenner home in Hidden Hills, California. Oprah speaks candidly with Kim, Khloé, Kourtney and Rob Kardashian about what has made their family so famous. Then, family matriarch Kris Jenner sits down with Oprah and reveals her biggest regret, discusses her marriage to Olympic legend Bruce Jenner, and more. Plus, Oprah speaks one-on-one with Kim—and no topic is off-limits. Kim opens up about everything from her 72-day marriage to her infamous sex tape.

24. 50 Cent, Part 2

Aired: 6/17/2012

In Part 2 of her conversation with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Oprah sits down with the rapper and his beloved grandmother, Beulah Jackson. Beulah opens up about her grandson's all-time favorite meals, talks about his success today and reveals why she buys his albums—but never listens to them. 50 Cent goes on to talk to Oprah about fatherhood and his dream for his son, Marquise. They also discuss his movie career, the price he's paid for success, who he calls his real friends and why he loves to meditate.

25. The Kardashian Family, Part 2

Aired: 6/24/2012

In Part 2 of Oprah's exclusive conversation with the Kardashian family, Oprah speaks with Kim about her new relationship with music superstar Kanye West. Then, Oprah sits down with Kardashian couples. Khloé and her husband of two years, NBA star Lamar Odom, reveal how they make their marriage work. Plus, Kourtney reveals why she stayed with her longtime boyfriend, Scott Disick, after many ups and downs. Finally, family matriarch Kris Jenner and her husband, Olympic legend Bruce Jenner, share their secret for a long and happy marriage.

26. NBA Champion Miami Heat Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Part 1

Aired: 7/1/2012

Oprah sits down with the superstars of the NBA's Miami Heat—LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh—for an exclusive interview in Miami. She talks with the champions about their historic win and their friendships, on and off the court. Then, in Oprah's one-on-one interview with LeBron James, they talk about "The Decision," the infamous open letter from Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, and LeBron's engagement to his fiancée, Savannah Brinson.

27. NBA Champion Miami Heat Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, Part 2

Aired: 7/8/2012

Oprah's conversation with the superstars of the NBA's Miami Heat—LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh—continues! In Part 2, LeBron, Dwyane and Chris talk about their friendship off the court. Then, Oprah goes one-on-one with Dwyane, who opens up about his very public custody battle, his sons and his girlfriend, actress Gabrielle Union. Plus, Chris talks to Oprah about getting teased as a young man growing up in Texas; his pregame ritual; his wife, Adrienne; and their 8-week-old baby boy, Jackson Anthony Bosh.

28. David Copperfield

Aired: 7/15/2012

Oprah travels to David Copperfield's private island in the Bahamas for an exclusive interview with the legendary magician. David discusses fatherhood, opens up about his abusive childhood and addresses the sexual assault allegations that have plagued his personal life. He also discusses his legendary career, including his favorite illusion to date—flying. Then, David's fiancée, Chloe Gosselin, gives her first television interview. The couple talk about marriage and how their daughter, Sky, has changed their lives. To complete Oprah's visit, she and David sit down to watch their all-time favorite movie in his outdoor theater.