Living Biblically

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 26, 2018
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 7 out of 20

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User Reviews

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  1. bluepeaceok
    May 14, 2018
    9
    luv this show a fun look into how we can see the world from a good place. it makes me happy inside
  2. JamesBradford
    Mar 10, 2018
    0
    "Living Biblically" fails on all levels. It is nothing more than an extremely milquetoast formulaic sitcom. It wants you to think that the concept of a man struggling to consolidate his Christian faith with his everyday life is edgy and insightful, and perhaps in better hands it could be. But here the depth only goes as far as a man trying not to wear mixed fabrics, or destroying his phone"Living Biblically" fails on all levels. It is nothing more than an extremely milquetoast formulaic sitcom. It wants you to think that the concept of a man struggling to consolidate his Christian faith with his everyday life is edgy and insightful, and perhaps in better hands it could be. But here the depth only goes as far as a man trying not to wear mixed fabrics, or destroying his phone because it constitutes a "false idol".

    The cast is absolutely all-star. Everyone here has done exceptional work. I can't imagine how pained they must be doing promotion for this show, talking about how great the experience is and how they believe in the product, because there's no way they could be oblivious to how bad it actually is.

    The characters are straight out of the "our lead is a straight white guy and everyone else exists to support his existence" handbook. There's the supportive wife, the black friend, the butch aggressive lesbian boss, the wacky for no reason other than to be wacky co-worker. They're all as one note as it gets.

    The writing is where things really fail. Aside from the paper thin premises of the first two episodes, the actual jokes are legitimately bad. In episode one we get jokes about how bad the Twilight movies are - so fresh, so timely! This is the caliber of material throughout the series.

    This sitcom is destined to fade away, and fast, with viewership incredibly low and reviews in the toilet. It's a must skip.    … Expand
  3. Ziggysprints
    Mar 21, 2018
    1
    It becomes exhausting watching these abrasive characters delivering rapid-fire material that mostly fails. The priest-rabbi thing doesn't work.
  4. NotchFilter
    Mar 1, 2018
    6
    I used to wait until I watched a few episodes before I wrote a review. But now, for some reason, I prefer to dive right in and update later on if something changes my opinion. So here goes... based upon the pilot only...

    The show is still on my DVR's "to be recorded" list. The premise of the show, to live completely by the Bible, is a challenging one. The show has two directions    I used to wait until I watched a few episodes before I wrote a review. But now, for some reason, I prefer to dive right in and update later on if something changes my opinion. So here goes... based upon the pilot only...

    The show is still on my DVR's "to be recorded" list.

    The premise of the show, to live completely by the Bible, is a challenging one. The show has two directions to go in... show the foolishness of living by the Bible, in literal sense. Or go with the "this is what it really means" interpretation.

    Either way, the show has an uphill battle, it has chosen a battle in which it can only lose.

    But I hope it succeeds.

    There is mush to be learned from the Bible. And there is much in the Bible that should be, ummm, taken less seriously. For example, as the pilot showed (though not as intense as the Bible describes), stoning a person.

    I guess what I'm saying is that this show is walking in delicate territory. I wish it the best. But when the Bible is involved, all bets are off.    … Expand
  5. Ededed
    Apr 22, 2018
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There were a few honest laughs in this pilot episode and the writing was clever in spots, however there was enough typical sitcom garbage to give this show a mediocre rating.

    The premise stretches credulity at the outset as the main character dismisses expert advice not to try to live to each and every specific statement in the Bible, but rather to use it as a general guide.

    This blind adherence to a flawed premise creates many cringe worthy moments, including the actual stoning of the office adulterer.

    Enjoyed the sometimes smart writing and the performances of several gifted veteran actors. The priest and the rabbi characters are smart and funny. The boss at the paper is tolerable. The rest of the cast, not so much. The main character, I fear, is woefully miscast. That one mistake has doomed this show to mediocrity. Not only do I not believe the main character would have landed that tv wife (so out of her league), I also don’t believe he has what it takes to write for a major metropolitan newspaper.

    If they can find a way to keep this smart and funny while avoiding the cringe worthy moments, then this show might turn into something. If they cannot, then this sitcom is destined for a short run.

    Addendum: Short run, it is! Gone. This was way better than 9JKL and Superior Donuts and at least as good as Kevin (shouldn’t Wait) and Mom, but we don’t get to see the 5 remaining episodes. How about a Saturday night or summer showing of the rest?    … Expand
  6. Iamcritical86
    Mar 3, 2018
    8
    I've only seen the first episode and I rather enjoyed it. I actually laughed out loud a couple times, which I don't normally do with today's modern sitcoms. Sara Gilbert's appearance was a pleasant surprise. The comedic timing in this show seems to be just right. Not really liking the wife's character yet (I don't even remember her name!) I think physically, she just doesn't look rightI've only seen the first episode and I rather enjoyed it. I actually laughed out loud a couple times, which I don't normally do with today's modern sitcoms. Sara Gilbert's appearance was a pleasant surprise. The comedic timing in this show seems to be just right. Not really liking the wife's character yet (I don't even remember her name!) I think physically, she just doesn't look right for the part.

    I'm seeing some modest and even some poor reviews on here about Living Biblically, but I hope the viewers give this show a chance to shine. It's a million times funnier than L.A. To Vegas and 9JKL.    … Expand
  7. Linkinnshadow
    Aug 1, 2018
    8
    Didn't expect much from the series after reading some reviews, but it really impressed me how it made me feel, It felt good watching the season. It's not full terrifically fun but it gives really nice enjoyable moment and laughs.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
47

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Feb 27, 2018
    58
    This is an amiable enough little comedy series that doesn’t use religion as a punching bag.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Daniel Fienberg
    Feb 26, 2018
    40
    It isn't really much like the A.J. Jacobs book it's allegedly based on, so don't go looking for Jacobs' quirky and obsessive look at religion and the Bible. It is, however, a mediocre-yet-well-meaning look at how religion, specifically Catholicism, can sometimes help people in times of trouble. It's less specific and pointed and more generic and well-meaning.
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  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Chris Barton
    Feb 26, 2018
    30
    Even setting aside the show's lack of interest in the complexity of faith, it's greatest sin is simply not being funny enough. The characters are too thin and familiar to generate laughs on their own, and some jokes rely too heavily on references while others just don't make sense.
    Read full review
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