Parents' Guide to

Living Biblically

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Book adaptation disappoints but brings faith to forefront.

TV CBS Comedy 2018
Living Biblically Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 14+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Mitchell L.
Mitchell L. Adult
April 9, 2018
age 14+

Annoyingly Preachy

Living Biblically follows a man that seeks to live 100% biblically. The show is, in my opinion, poorly thought out and executed. The show doesn’t really make sense and most of the jokes fall flat. The representation of non-religious people in this show isn’t great. Neither is the representation of non-Abrahamic religions. But the biggest issue that I have with the show is that it isn’t funny. It’s annoying and not funny.
TVshopper
TVshopper Adult
April 3, 2018
age 18+

Disappointed

The more I watch, the more disappointed I am. Great concept, but poor execution. Many jokes fall flat. I don't see the humor in a rabbi and a priest playing drinking games with Chip and his co-worker, nor in the bartender lamenting because her dog ate her weed. Because they make references to drugs and alcohol as a form of humor and many scenes are in a bar and there are sex references (one episode centered around the noisy neighbors), I'm reluctant to recommend for younger audiences.

This title has:

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
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What's the Story?

In LIVING BIBLICALLY, when Chip's (Jay R. Ferguson) best friend passes away unexpectedly and his wife announces she's pregnant, he searches for guidance and rediscovers his long-dormant faith. Well, what he really discovers is the Bible, and not one to do something halfway, he vows to use it as the roadmap to a new and better existence. With the help of his "God Squad" -- Father Gene (Ian Gomez) and Rabbi Gil (David Krumholtz) -- and the support of his skeptical wife, Leslie (Lindsey Kraft), Chip embarks on a quest to find illumination.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (3):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Taking its lead from a book that is insightful, funny, and impressively balanced, this sitcom falls far short of what Jacobs' readers will expect. The humor is mediocre, not clever, and the content barely scratches the surface of what's possible with Jacobs' book and the Bible leading the way. Most of what's laughable concerns Leslie's forced tolerance of Chip's new obsessions and the way it interferes with conveniences and indulgences of modern life like cell phones and mismatched clothing fibers.

That said, Living Biblically does a good job presenting the idea of faith in refreshingly relatable ways. Chip's effort to balance his newfound biblical inspiration with the demands of his everyday life exemplifies (albeit in exaggerated form) a struggle many faithful feel. What's more, the exchanges between Father Gene and Rabbi Gil -- easily the most charming of the show's humor -- are good reminders that relationships can and should bridge ideological and religious differences.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about faith and organized religion in Living Biblically. Are the two different? If so, how? Can you have faith in a higher power without following a specific religion? Does faith play a role in your life? Why is it important to have a values set that helps direct you?

  • Where do you turn when you need guidance through a difficult decision or station of life? Who do you consider mentors? What characteristics are important to you in someone you admire?

  • If you've read Living Biblically, compare and contrast it with this series. Would the depth of the book's content lend itself to a sitcom, or is it better suited to a movie? Did you learn anything about religion and the Bible from either the book or this series?

TV Details

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