The Book of Daniel

:

Season 1
  • Network: NBC
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 6, 2006
User Score
5.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 181 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 90 out of 181
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 181
  3. Negative: 88 out of 181

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User Reviews

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  1. DawnA
    Jan 7, 2006
    3
    I wasn't really impressed with this show. I love Aidan Quinn, but the story just didn't flow, I would probably like it much better without him talking to Jesus. I guess it really just didn't keep my attention.
  2. ShirleyJ
    Jan 7, 2006
    9
    Why not!!?? I liked it
  3. AndyB
    Jan 7, 2006
    1
    Just once, if prime time TV wanted to produce a show that has anything to do with Christianity or the church, it would be nice if they'd get writers who actually knew something about it. There was essentially no Christian content or character displayed by anyone. Hard to imagine that, unless the objective was just to slam everything that's sacred, which this show certainly does. Just once, if prime time TV wanted to produce a show that has anything to do with Christianity or the church, it would be nice if they'd get writers who actually knew something about it. There was essentially no Christian content or character displayed by anyone. Hard to imagine that, unless the objective was just to slam everything that's sacred, which this show certainly does. It's not just offensive; it's sad--sad that anyone would think this is entertaining.… Expand
  4. CarolynK.G
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    This show is an insullt to the Episcopal Church. I hope it is taken off the air as soon as possible (like yesterday.)
  5. JustinY
    Jan 7, 2006
    1
    Total Garbage.
  6. AnonYMouse
    Jan 7, 2006
    1
    Watched both episodes - found only one even remotely likable character (Christ) - and even that character rang false. Daniel's family is dysfunctional on a catastrophic level, and if all Episcopalian ministers are as loose as he is with interpreting Christ's message, it's no wonder the denomination's losing numbers to more authentically Christian groups. It was hard Watched both episodes - found only one even remotely likable character (Christ) - and even that character rang false. Daniel's family is dysfunctional on a catastrophic level, and if all Episcopalian ministers are as loose as he is with interpreting Christ's message, it's no wonder the denomination's losing numbers to more authentically Christian groups. It was hard for me to judge the acting, since the writing was so over-the-top that I couldn't tell if the actors were hamming, vamping, or underplaying their roles. The bad news is that NBC obviously thought this show was a good idea. The good news is that it probably won't have enough of an audience to last much past January.… Expand
  7. charlenej
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    found it offensive
  8. ChazS
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    no comment...just disgusting.....
  9. BillW
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    Something lower than Whale Poop
  10. PatriciaG
    Jan 7, 2006
    2
    Absolutely agree with Tom Shales of the Washington Post.
  11. DickD
    Jan 7, 2006
    8
    Can't see where the religious controvery comes in. The show's depiction of Jesus is correct as our Lord gives no easy answers, shows love and concern, gently lets Daniel know when he has vered off the path, and has a great sense of humor. The show falters inthat the characters are all too one dimensional - troubled. You need some stability to contrast with the chaotic. I'll Can't see where the religious controvery comes in. The show's depiction of Jesus is correct as our Lord gives no easy answers, shows love and concern, gently lets Daniel know when he has vered off the path, and has a great sense of humor. The show falters inthat the characters are all too one dimensional - troubled. You need some stability to contrast with the chaotic. I'll watch it certaining a cut above "housewives and Sex in the City.… Expand
  12. bobk
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    an attack on christians and the christ that is real truly left wing trash tv at its worst no more of this network for me till this trash is removed
  13. EdwinW
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    What next, kiddie porn and murder? Trash!
  14. JWalsh
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    Another perfect example of how mainstream television is driven to perversion, in this case the message of the Bilble. For me, it was like watching part a train wreck then to have critic's point out they eloquent sybolism hidden in the tragedy. I couldn't watch the whole thing. In my opinion, it wasn't funny, it was down right hateful. I
  15. krisw
    Jan 7, 2006
    1
    poor taste and little entertainment value
  16. LorettaC
    Jan 7, 2006
    1
    I'm sorry I think this show was really bad. I kept hoping I could find some redeaming quality but when the 2 bishops had sex that slamed the book shut. I like many of the actors in it the writing was horrid! BRING NACK JOAN OF ARCADIA! Good writing and good acting!
  17. DorianM
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    This show in no way represents the real Episcpal Church that I love and have served for 20 years as a priest. Aside from the poor taste and the inclusion of every social problem imaginable, the acting is uninspiring. This show needs to be taken off the air as soon as possible.
  18. JayD
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    Blasphemy.
  19. DanH
    Jan 6, 2006
    9
    Intriguing. Characters are a little overblown, but I like the interactions.
  20. AP
    Jan 6, 2006
    9
    I thought the program shows lots of promise. Yes there are a lot of dysfunctional people, but this provide lots of room for an honest look at problems we all face.
  21. ColetteL
    Jan 6, 2006
    0
    can't believe I wasted my time
  22. DanaH
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Outstanding!
  23. LoriK
    Jan 6, 2006
    2
    I'm really disappointed in your depiction of an Epicopal priest. I'm am not of that particular faith, but I'm sure they will be very upset as to what you made this out to be. He takes the Lords name in vain, he says G.D. and Da*ns his own wife. I don't think that's very funny. His sister curses at her husband's funeral. Jesus is shown as someone other than I'm really disappointed in your depiction of an Epicopal priest. I'm am not of that particular faith, but I'm sure they will be very upset as to what you made this out to be. He takes the Lords name in vain, he says G.D. and Da*ns his own wife. I don't think that's very funny. His sister curses at her husband's funeral. Jesus is shown as someone other than what the Bible shows him to be....kind, loving, and strong. Another mockery .....trying to make a comedy out of something Holy.… Expand
  24. StanM
    Jan 6, 2006
    1
    Where do I start? Yes, conservative Christians have every reason to be concerned about this show. And No, there's not one empathetic, likable character in the whole show other than Jesus, who is portrayed more like a buddy or a school counselor than a Savior. With all of the immorality in this show, and not one single remark in the whole show condemning sin, there is no way I can Where do I start? Yes, conservative Christians have every reason to be concerned about this show. And No, there's not one empathetic, likable character in the whole show other than Jesus, who is portrayed more like a buddy or a school counselor than a Savior. With all of the immorality in this show, and not one single remark in the whole show condemning sin, there is no way I can recommend this show to anyone. I was very offended by their portrayal of the minister as a drug(Vicodin)-addicted priest who obviously has no control over his family, who curses often (even taking God's name in vain once), and who excuses sin. We definitely don't need more negative stereotypes of ministers and churchgoers. (I hesitate to call anyone in this show Christian!) Stay far away from this one!… Expand
  25. [Anonymous]
    Jan 6, 2006
    0
    It sucks
  26. DaveL
    Jan 6, 2006
    9
    Won't last because it is too intelligent for most viewers and when you piss off the Christian right with a sensitive, compassionate Jesus who is your best friend you better watch out. Watch it until the Christain right drives it off of the air.
  27. tttttt
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Im Obsessed With This Show Already
  28. MikeM
    Jan 6, 2006
    8
    It has potential. Don't give up on it yet.
  29. CL
    Jan 6, 2006
    2
    Poorly written, unlikable characters, all the dysfunction of life thrown into one family. And I don't know any clergy who live in houses like that!
  30. Phototiger
    Jan 6, 2006
    3
    Too much contrived drama and two homosexual characters. Also, the Jesus character has nothing to do in this but show up from time to time and dispense platitudes. This show isn't controversial as it is boring.
  31. DaylinF
    Jan 6, 2006
    0
    This is why the world is the way that it is. But they only continue to destroy christianity and the world continues to get worse. They say there has always been crime and wars. But the more they destroy christianity the more crime we have and it seems that the war isn't over, it's just beginning. Believe what you will but be careful.
  32. DEDEAN
    Jan 6, 2006
    2
    Disjointed and disappointing. I LOVED Joan of Arcadia. In that series viewers were given time to let characters develop. In this jerky first episode, they all sucked! And what's with the plastic smile on Jesus? I won't be tuning in again!
  33. mrnobody
    Jan 6, 2006
    0
    This show is striaght from hell.
  34. clook
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    I find it odd to vote on a show before I have seen it. Noone can speak for GOD, but this show has caused many to explore problems and issues that have been considered taboo. If this Jesus is compassionate and understands "turn thy other cheek", then no worries.
  35. KirtK
    Jan 5, 2006
    10
    Bravo
  36. CarS
    Jan 5, 2006
    0
    shame on the man that wrote this, and shame on the networks that show it! It is the most outrageous program ever placed on television, that totally puts Jesus in a lie, placing him as if He were any other guy, that sins, and that is the biggest sin, and it is an attack on the Bible itself. Is that not enough for you guys to want to take the show off, or do you like tearing down the famiy shame on the man that wrote this, and shame on the networks that show it! It is the most outrageous program ever placed on television, that totally puts Jesus in a lie, placing him as if He were any other guy, that sins, and that is the biggest sin, and it is an attack on the Bible itself. Is that not enough for you guys to want to take the show off, or do you like tearing down the famiy and believers of faith in Christ or in Priests? Come on, don't say you don't understand. Tell it like it is, He is watching and listening right? Stand up and be counted for doing the right thing.… Expand
  37. DarwinD
    Jan 5, 2006
    0
    Not fit to be seen. Why not present a film based on the scriptural text and story of the Biblical Daniel as it relates the persons who have a true sense of following a life that is exemplary and one to be modeled.
  38. TomD
    Jan 5, 2006
    0
    What a stupid premise for a show!!!! Golly, drugs, alcohol, gays, and sex.. didn't we get enough of that on 7th Heaven???
  39. Danielle
    Jan 5, 2006
    0
    Entertainment value lacks due to obvious agenda. Story line and characters are the extremes of extreme and meant to flush out Jack Kenny's beef with the Catholic faith. This aggression should be displayed else where instead of eating up what could potentially be great programming.
  40. LoniC
    Jan 5, 2006
    1
    This is offensive to Christians...We do care.
  41. RusstyS
    Jan 5, 2006
    0
    What if the show was about a Muslim imam with the same problems? It would never see the light of day because it would be deemed "insensitive" and "offensive." Big thumbs down to NBC.
  42. KevinR
    Jan 5, 2006
    3
    I was dubiously honored to view a pre-screening of the pilot episode several days ago. I wanted to let it all 'sink in' before making a final determination. In short, the pilot doesn't even put the 'fun' in dysfunctional. Apparently, Jack Kenny couldn't have an original thought for a series, so he threw together as many controversial and conflicting aspects I was dubiously honored to view a pre-screening of the pilot episode several days ago. I wanted to let it all 'sink in' before making a final determination. In short, the pilot doesn't even put the 'fun' in dysfunctional. Apparently, Jack Kenny couldn't have an original thought for a series, so he threw together as many controversial and conflicting aspects of other shows as he could. The result is a hodgepodge of lifeless outcasts... a priest addicted to pain killers, a priest's wife who drinks, an oldest son who is gay, an adopted son who is a philanderer, and a daughter who sells drugs. It was humorous in spots; I'll give it that. There is an underlying message that "we're all human, after all", I'll give it that. Unfortunately, the entire premise is too contrived; I haven't seen families this dysfunctional on Jerry Springer. The actors, though top-notch, just don't have much to work with and it shows. The subject matter; while admirable wars to wage, would have been better waged on cable. I give it a 'B' for intent, a 'C' for effort, and a regrettable 'F' in execution. It would seem the success of this show was hinged upon generating controversy, not producing a quality, believable product.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best TV Season of 2006
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
62
#62 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 23
  3. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Barry Garron
    60
    A well-intentioned drama with a few comedic quirks but without depth or greater purpose.
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  2. Orlando Sentinel
    Reviewed by: Hal Boedeker
    60
    The cast is heavenly in The Book of Daniel; the writing isn't.
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  3. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    60
    You may feel the faith-and-family themes could be handled better on cable--mainly because they have been.
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