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. 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
  2. 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

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.
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