20/20 dives into lives of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, once among US's most famous televangelists

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Saturday, January 19, 2019
Jim and Tammy Bakker 20/20 special promo
Jim and Tammy Bakker 20/20 special promo

Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker were among the most famous televangelists in America, living a life of luxury with multiple houses, expensive cars and more money than God.

By the mid-'70s, the Bakkers were becoming household names through their TV show, "The PTL Club" -- PTL stood for "Praise the Lord" or "People That Love." Initially it aired on a small North Carolina station owned by media mogul Ted Turner.

The income from their satellite network allowed the Bakkers to purchase a total of 2,300 acres of land for a new venture -- a 500-room hotel and waterpark complex they called Heritage USA, located in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

But their empire all came crashing down amid sex and financial scandals.

The scandal captivated the nation - now, stunning new interviews, new details and a new picture of Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker, as you've never seen.

'Unfaithfully Yours' - the 2-hour 20/20 event tonight on ABC11 at 9 p.m.