The Book of Daniel

This is one of the best premieres since "Desperate Housewives". Edgy as an HBO show, spiritual as 7th Heaven, and as beautifully dysfunctional as Six Feet Under. Aiden Quinn brings an offbeat rudder to this ship of wonderfully happy dysfunctional family. A talented cast of familiar faces play straight men to the priest and his tribe. A spiritual adviser offers well placed advice which, I'm sure, puts the Christian right on edge. Ellen Bursten is rediscovered as the pill popping Bishop while the acceptance of the gay son is the first truly poignant integration of a true gay role in a true family.

The closest drama to a true reality show on television. Welcome back NBC

I enjoyed watching the 2 hour premiere of this show. It was light-hearted and I thought the character development was great! The issues of the characters were real situations that probably exist more than you would think in families. Aiden Quinn is fantastic as Daniel. The person who plays his wife is funny as well. The adopted son was a little obnoxious at first but I think that was just part of developing the character. I really liked the scenes when Daniel talks to Jesus. Again is mostly light-hearted. It shows the close relationship he has with Jesus and how he always looks to him for guidance. I hope they develop the Nanny lady's character more in the future. I felt they kind of left us hanging when it came to her. I think she will be an important part of the plot line of the show. This show makes me want to start going to church again! I hope this show has a long shelf life. I recommend it totally!

Finally---a realistic look at "church" in America: an often unholy sometimes ungodly mix of church politics, dysfunction and human frailty. A few fundamentalist preachers will rant, aghast, from the pulpit tomorrow (Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006) about this premiere and bandy about such terms as heresy and blasphemy without a notion of their true meaning, or diplomas from accredited institutions of higher learning. But a majority of thinking Christians (and Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, atheists and agnostics) will recognize a story about people easy to care about, who remind us that life isn't about halos and wings and covered dish suppers--it's about struggle, addiction, suffering, disappointment, redemption, and love.

Presented in a genius blend of outrageous fortune and unexpected moments of grace, The Book of Daniel is a reason to stay home on Friday nights.

I am a female, Christian, southern, moderate and I love this show. Anyone who rails against it just doesn't know what they are talking about & probably hasn't even seen it. It is intelligently written, has a great story line,is not anti-Christian and the actors are great. I especially love Aiden Quinn. He makes the perfect priest, caring, sensitive to his parishioners needs. He is not supposed to be perfect. Who is? For anyone that doesn't like the show, they should just turn it off. They don't have to watch. Why spoil it for those who enjoy watching the show. Life is not perfect so why should it be depicted that way? I was shocked and extremely disappointed when I saw the news that this week's episode had been replaced. I was so looking forward to the next chapter.

I have avoided network television (except sports, news and weather) for years due to steady stream of mind numbing "reality shows" and the worst writing since television first became a staple in the American home.

Finally a well written, creative and well cast show that dares to bring comedy back by poking fun at religion. Plus, it does this within the constraints of Network censors.

It still needs some work with timing and character development, but given a chance it could become the most original and best comedy since SOAP.

Somebody learned for Susan Harris.

Great Show.