Watch Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed

Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed is a provocative 2022 investigation into one of the world's most prominent contemporary Christian organizations. This gripping docuseries, exclusively streaming on Discovery+, delves into Hillsong Church's global network, notable for its high-profile celebrity followers, chart-topping worship music, and global influence. Yet, beneath its glamorous facade, the show reveals a web of alleged scandals and secretive operations, anecdotal accounts of abuse, and controversial leadership strategies.

The three-part docuseries, produced by Australia’s Eureka Productions, is helmed by executive producers Chris Culvenor, Wes Dening, and Paul Franklin in collaboration with Discovery+. The series is an incisive look into the globally influential Hillsong Church, which started in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia, in 1983, under the leadership of Brian and Bobbie Houston. Today, with locations in over twenty countries worldwide, Hillsong has become a modern Baptist behemoth that is equal parts church, corporation, and pop-culture phenomenon.

"Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed" delves past Hillsong's outward image of high-energy worship services, chart-dominating Christian pop music, and celebrity followers like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. The docuseries explores the organization's lesser-known side, which has been mired in allegations of misconduct, financial malfeasance, and inappropriate leadership behavior. The series documents multiple allegations of exploitation, manipulation, and abuse, leaving no stone unturned in its mission to expose the truth.

Equally intriguing is the series' exploration of Hillsong’s powerful impact on contemporary Christian culture. With its ability to attract young people through trendy worship services filled with music from Hillsong United and Hillsong Young & Free, and its powerful social media presence, the organization has fundamentally reshaped the Christian landscape. The docuseries delves into this cultural phenomenon, presenting an intricate view of how religion, celebrity culture, and popular music have coalesced in the 21st century.

The series combines interviews with former members, insiders, and journalists who have reported on the institution extensively, along with archival footage and dramatic re-enactments. These varied perspectives paint a troubling picture, alleging a culture that profits off its followers, suppresses dissent, and protects its image at all costs.

The series kicks off with a deep dive into the church’s origins, from its humble beginnings to its global expansion, and its vision to redefine Christianity for the 21st century. It outlines Brian Houston’s teachings, his rise to power, and his influence within the church and in the religious world in general.

The subsequent episodes go further behind the scenes, providing a contrast to Hillsong's public image. Testimonies from ex-members alleging exploitative behavior, a culture of silence, and a lack of financial transparency bring an unsettling undercurrent to light. The docuseries also lays bare the controversies that have haunted the organization, including the mishandling of allegations of sexual misconduct and questionable management practices.

"Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed" discusses the church’s success with attracting high-profile celebrities, exploring how this has built the church’s fame but also attracted scrutiny. Other segments tackle questions about the intersection of faith and commerce, the commodification of religion, and the ethical dilemmas posed by the church's wealth and influence.

The dramatic revelations and candid interviews featured in the series have already sparked widespread debate, both within and outside the Christian community. This scrutiny has brought Hillsong Church and its practices under unprecedented examination, forcing viewers to question the intersection of faith, power, morality, and accountability in the world's most influential houses of worship.

"Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed" is not just a deep dive into a globally recognized church; it's a mirror to society and its perception of faith and spirituality. It demands audiences to wrestle with difficult questions about the commodification of belief and the ethics of modern religious institutions, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the interplay of religion, power, and culture in today's world.

The show promises an unflinching insight into the world of mega-churches, the allure of faith and power, and the potential for corruption. From its methodology to its revelations, "Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed" is a gripping expose that is sure to leave audiences discussing long after the screen fades to black.

Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between March 24, 2022 and on Discovery+