Each week, we take a look back and bringing you our “Top 5 Moments” of OWN programming.   With so much new programs coming to the OWN summer line-up, it’s getting more difficult but we’ll do our best! 

• Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s – On the season finale something completely unexpected occurred.  A huge deal wasn’t made of it and the clips didn’t over hype the situation.  After Andre was suspended the second time the whole family worried that his path was still in question.  However the voice of reason came from one of the most unlikely places.  Taking a quiet moment, Charles approached Andre and shared his concerns about the path to prison and death.  He wasn’t preachy.  He was sincere and shockingly mature.  He wanted more for his cousin.  Andre listened intently.  For once, someone really seemed to break through to him.  It will certainly change his and Charles relationship…and hopefully will change his life.
• Iyanla Fix My Life – OWN gave us a sneak peek of Fix My Life on Saturday, after the finale of Sweetie Pies. In her own self-help workshop on OWN, Iyanla takes the stage to help people move past anything that is holding them back and move forward into life.  Somewhere in between family counseling and a workshop, the regular series begins September 15th.  With a little tweaking of program, this program could grow a nice audience and be a highlight to the network.  Right now, it’s a diamond in the rough but still, worth checking out.
• Are You Normal, America? – Bringing a little fun and balance to life, Oprah and OWN have brought us their version of a grown-up game show and it works. High marks for the game show and for the concept. It’s time to get normal…or not. Your choice.
• Oprah’s Next Chapter with Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka – As Next Chapter continues to set the bar high, Oprah (if possible) continues to raise her own by bringing us incredibly personal interviews.  Going into the home and sitting barefoot in the backyard with Neil and David was amazing and eye-opening.  This modern-day family shared stories from their past and dreams for their future.  What was most incredible about the interview was how down-to-earth both of them were.  Joking about how small their house was as they watched for Oprah through the front door window, it was clear that they were both modest and totally normal.  Chasing the kids around barefoot, viewers watched as if we all sat in our own neighbor’s backyard.   It was not just relatable, it was memorable.  Oprah’s Next Chapter with these two men (who are now TDO favorites) was brilliant.  This was definitely a highlight to the ONC series and one of our favorites.
• Premier of Lives on Fire! – This week we were introduced to the courageous women who will be sharing their lives with us on OWN’s newest show. With less than 7% of Cal Fire firefighters being women, the four women highlighted in this program are all unique with their own incredible stories.  The up-close and personal moments  provide viewers with a ride-along feel as we delve into the lives of some of the most courageous people.  Get ready to be inspired and moved by these everyday women doing extraordinary jobs!

Okay so we know we already gave you five BUT since we missed the Top 5 last week we can’t write about top moments without including one standout from last week….

• Oprah’s Next Chapter with Cory Booker – We couldn’t write this list without addressing this interview.  Because of Oprah and Next Chapter, we now have a new political crush. With a relaxed and open conversation, the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey offered an openness that we hope yet rarely see with politicians. Where President Obama brought us a new connection with politicians which ignited the world, Mayor Cory Booker showed us a NEW level of expectations for politicians which we hope will change the world.  Not only was he likable and sometimes even lovable, he was funny and smart, and ego’s aside, he is now one of our favorite politicians and people to see.