Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, wholesome drama about faith and charity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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God Friended Me
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say the show is appreciated for its positive messages and family-friendly content, with many viewers praising its diverse representation and exploration of faith, although some episodes sparked debate about political correctness and inclusivity. Overall, while it receives high marks for its heartwarming approach, a segment of the audience expresses disappointment due to perceived forced narratives, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ content and the portrayal of traditional values.
- positive family show
- diverse representation
- mixed reception
- faith exploration
- forced narratives
- wholesome content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 9 kid reviews
What's the Story?
GOD FRIENDED ME centers on minister's son Miles Finer, a podcaster and outspoken proponent of atheism whose life is irrevocably changed when he gets an unusual friend request on social media. "God" keeps sending Miles the names of total strangers who, it turns out, each need his help in some way, including struggling online journalist Cara Bloom (Violett Beane). With his worldview shaken, and new messages arriving regularly from the "God Account," Miles and Cara resolve to accept the job that's come their way: reaching out to help their fellow humans, one at a time.
Is It Any Good?
If you can handle the corny Touched by an Angel needy-soul-of-the-week setup, this earnest and sweet drama might wind up growing on you. The idea of an omniscient Presence who pings a guy when a stranger needs help -- a stranger who podcasts about atheism, yet -- is really pretty dumb. But somehow God Friended Me makes it work. It helps that Brandon Micheal Hall is so good he makes even the most hilariously cheesy lines work.
Yes, he says a lot of goofy things -- things no real human would say -- but it's emblematic of this show: ridiculous, but with a core of sweetness that puts it over. Storytelling has the power to shock, to entertain, to alarm, to educate -- and to inspire. God Friended Me's magic is that it does have that inspirational power, that undefinable something that elevates a premise you've seen before and characters you've just met into something that touches your emotions. With the dramatic possibilities inherent in a "case of the week" setup and the likability of its characters, God Friended Me is the type of show that goes down very easily.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about spirituality and how it's portrayed on God Friended Me. What are your family's religious beliefs? How do other religions differ in faith and practice? What other ways have religion and faith been portrayed on TV? How does the media treat religion and faith in general?
Do you think it's important to try to help others? Does this show agree with your viewpoint? What do you think about fate, purpose, and interconnection?
How do the characters on God Friended Me demonstrate empathy and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 30, 2018
- Cast : Brandon Micheal Hall , Joe Morton , Violett Beane
- Network : CBS
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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