‘Scientology And The Aftermath’ Season 2: Everything We Know So Far About Leah Remini’s A&E Show

Leah Remini has said the Church of Scientology stole years of her life and cost her millions of dollars, and now she’s fighting back. The actress teamed up with Mike Rinder, a former senior Scientology executive and fellow suppressive person, to help others like them get their stories out there and take the church down in an A&E series titled, “Scientology and the Aftermath.”

The show is returning for a second season after airing eight successful and drama-filled episodes in Season 1. Remini, 46, and Rinder are setting their sights even higher in Season 2 of “Scientology and the Aftermath.” They hope to continue giving people an outlet to tell their stories, while also taking legal action against those committing wrongs, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Read: Was John Travolta Permitted To Murder Under Scientology Rules?

In addition to a bigger and broader mission in Season 2, Remini and Rinder have enlisted high-profile guests. According to EW, the former “King of Queens” star will be interviewing screenwriter Paul Haggis about his break from Scientology on “Scientology and the Aftermath.” Remini teased the interview at the end of a recent special she participated in, showing a portion of their sit down.

Haggis opened up to Remini about his exit from the Church of Scientology and being labeled a suppressive person. He shares his experience in speaking out about the church, noting that he was one of the first to do so. Haggis admits that Scientology execs “weren’t happy with that.”

“Scientology and the Aftermath” will bring viewers along on wilder pursuits and will once again tackle heinous crimes allegedly committed by members of the church. According to EW, Remini has promised that Season 2 will uncover more cases of sexual assault and other such crimes. In a teaser for Season 2, the actress tells a subject she’s tired of the church’s cover ups.

“Here’s the point: the church covered it up. That’s the point,” Remini said.

In addition to uncovering crimes committed by the Church of Scientology and holding them accountable legally, Remini and Rinder plan to continue to pursue their own cases against them. Rinder spoke on it a bit in footage from Season 2, assuring fans that they weren’t approaching it lightly. Remini was also shown pushing Rinder to go to the Los Angeles Police Department to report atrocities he witnessed.

“I’m assuming that we don’t need more evidence than what we’ve heard for the LAPD to go about and prosecute, right?” she questioned.

According to a statement from Elaine Frontain Bryant, the network’s Executive Vice President & Head of Programming, “Scientology and the Aftermath” was renewed due to piqued interest after Season 1. She attributed the rise to the show’s “authentic and distinctive storytelling.”

“The critical and ratings success of this show speaks to television viewers’ increasing thirst for authentic and distinctive storytelling,” Bryant said in a statement. “Through Leah’s passion and perseverance she has boldly empowered so many people to step forward and we’re eager to share more of those compelling stories with a new season.”

Remini spoke further on that in a statement of her own, claiming it was the underlying message of altruism that drew viewers in and kept them hooked. She said it was important to her to share these stories so that others may consider stepping forward in the future, whether it be related to Scientology or not. Remini said she and Rinder set out “to send a clear message to abusers that they will not go unchecked.”

“It became clear to us that although we were telling painful stories of former members of the Church of Scientology, this show was resonating so strongly with people everywhere. The show is really about standing up for what is right and not letting bullies have their way,” she said. “I feel it is important for people to know that you can take action to bring about change, both for yourself and for others.”

It appears the church has received their message and is ready to send one of their own. They’ve repeatedly bashed the show and those involved for sharing what the church claims are fake stories, and they maintain that there is no truth to anything said on the show. In a statement released on May 18, the Church of Scientology claimed “Scientology and the Aftermath” profits off “hate and bigotry.”

Read: Leah Remini’s Sister Says She Was Harassed By Scientologists

“What distinguishes your ‘reality’ show from others is its singular goal of seeking profit from spreading hate and bigotry,” the statement said. “You carry on spreading sweeping falsehoods with wild abandon…It is Leah Remini and Mike Rinder who are trying to break up families with their deprogramming attempts and calls to disrespect family members’ religious beliefs. Scientology promotes strong family values.”

Tune in to “Merchants of Fear,” a 2-hour standalone special linked to “Scientology and the Aftermath,” Tuesday at 9 p.m. EDT on A&E. The show will feature a glimpse at Season 2, which Deadline reports is currently in production.