featured image

Maria V. Gallagher discovers a new streaming service tailor-made for faith-filled families. 


Willie and Korie Robertson know what it’s like to gather the family, flip on the television remote, and cringe.

The couple, best known for their appearances on the cult classic Duck Dynasty television show, have been frustrated by the “family-unfriendly” fare found on both broadcast and cable TV. So, in response, they are launching their own streaming service known as EKKL Entertainment. EKKL is short for the Greek word ekklesia, which can be translated as a gathering of people united by a common bond. With EKKL, the Robertsons plan to provide entertainment “with heart, humor, hope, and meaning.” Their offerings include movies, TV series, podcasts, and daily prayer devotionals to encourage people to turn to the Lord in their time of need.

 

The Robertsons: Up Close and Personal

I had a chance to interview Willie and Korie during a virtual press junket via Zoom. Warm and friendly, they exuded the special qualities which helped to make Duck Dynasty such a hit. Korie noted that the couple recognized the tremendous impact entertainment has on American culture and they are striving to enhance that impact in a way that honors faith and family. She said that they had asked themselves, “How do we be a light?” for others amidst the dark cultural influences that sadly pervade the entertainment landscape.

For his part, Willie said that they are “trying to bring people closer to the Lord,” not by proselytizing, but by showing faith in action. Viewers of Duck Dynasty may recall how each show ended with the family engaged in prayer before a communal meal. Many have remarked how that scene helped them to re-establish the tradition of family prayer at meal times. A strong faith in Christ lies at the heart of what the Robertsons are trying to achieve through their entertainment projects.

Interestingly enough, this was not my first encounter with the Robertson clan. I met the family matriarch, Miss Kay, at a National Right to Life Convention in New Orleans some years ago. She was gracious and kind, taking my hands in hers as I thanked her for authoring her Southern-style cookbook. I still have her photo on my phone!

 

6164b1ea-e977-8fb7-51e1-4a6997711ba6

 

Faith on Film

The Robertsons have executive-produced a film which is scheduled to be released in theaters August 14th. The movie is titled Elijah Peel and is based on a true inspirational story about a musical artist who experiences a medical crisis and finds faith and healing in the process of recovery. While on the mend from a heart attack, Elijah meets a young girl whose incredible wisdom and encouraging spirit set him on the path to a close encounter with the Lord. The girl penetrates Elijah’s heart and leads him on a remarkable journey toward self-discovery. Watch the trailer: 

 

 

The couple is also promoting another faith-based movie, which will debut in theaters on September 18th. Daniel and the Fiery Furnace is a live-action drama featuring Mena Massoud of Aladdin and Elijah Alexander of The Chosen. Biblically-based, the film promises to bring Scripture to life in a profound and powerful way. See a preview:

 

 

Producers are taking note of faith-based movies and, thankfully, there seem to be so many new options from which to choose see, for instance, CatholicMom.com’s review of Fatima. 

 

Hope for the Future

The Robinsons live out their faith not only on the screen — but in real life. They serve as an inspiration to those who wish to put faith and family first. I, for one, cannot wait to see the variety of entertainment projects they will pursue in the future!

 

null

 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.


Copyright 2026 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Courtesy of EKKL Entertainment, all rights reserved.