Living Biblically

Such a promising premise from a rich and subtle book, spoiled with burlesque execution. Producers, please watch "The Good Place" for inspiration on how to treat deep topics in a funny way with believable characters. I so want to love this show as much as I did the book. Give more control to the author, AJ Jacobs. His lines are FUNNY without being cheap. Let me feel what Chip is wrestling with as he decides how to live out a particular scripture. Have faith that this show will draw thoughtful people. I'll be praying for you.

This show has been so disappointing. With a refreshingly new plot and a pretty stellar cast, you'd think this would've been a slam-dunk from the beginning, but...no. The dialogue is so forced and predictable it's really hard to watch the actors attempt to make something of the lines without cringing.

This isn't the worst sitcom I've ever seen (that honour would probably go to the deservedly short-lived "Work It") but it is a pretty generic one-liner-based show. There are moments that may make you smile, but I'm fairly sure you will rarely laugh at the cardboard characters and contrived situations.

The book is funny, infornative and thought provoking and when I read it was being turned into a TV show I thought it may be a documentary. But no, it's a sit com with the worst additive to sit coms invented - the laugh track. The show is not awful, but doesn't work as the subject isn't fit for light relief - it needed to be sharp and witty and clever - a la Curb Your Enthusiasm, or a documentary - a Tim Allen style sit-com simply does not work, oh and did I mention? Its 2017 and it has a laugh track!!! A laugh track which drives you mad! I can't think A J Jacobs would be happy with this - as affable and easy going as he seems. I'm going to stick with it though - maybe they will iron out the negatives as it goes along - hopefully starting with getting rid of the laugh track!!

Unfortunately this show is getting dumped on from all sides. Christians are offended because it makes light of their religion (it doesn't). Anti-religious are annoyed simply because it's about religion. Big Bang Theory haters are annoyed because it's a very similar style of humor produced by and featuring Big Bang alumni.

First off I'll just say that this is NOT a vulgar comedy, at all. At least the first episode (which is all I've seen). This isn't 2 Broke Girls... this isn't even BBT-level crassness. If anything it's almost wholesome, a 90's broadcast sitcom throwback.

Judging by the pilot alone: It is very simple "canned-laughter" style sitcom that seems to be starting slow while laying the foundation of it's promising premise.

If you like standard sitcom-style humor, and aren't offended by the mere presence of religion in a comedy I'd say give this one a try. If you're a devout, easily offended Christian and/or hater of canned laughter... I'd say give this one a miss.

Personally? I want to see which direction they go once they get up to speed with the story. Until then I'm not ready to jump off.