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. 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
  2. DanaH
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Outstanding!
  3. tttttt
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Im Obsessed With This Show Already
  4. ReaP
    Jan 7, 2006
    7
    Overacted in the beginning, the characters finally settled into just a little larger than life as the community came together. Aidan and Ellen played their parts with finesse and appealing humanity. I found it good fun and entertaining. Just might breath some good humored life into the greater Episcopalian community. I wish ALL religious groups could have as much fun with their own Overacted in the beginning, the characters finally settled into just a little larger than life as the community came together. Aidan and Ellen played their parts with finesse and appealing humanity. I found it good fun and entertaining. Just might breath some good humored life into the greater Episcopalian community. I wish ALL religious groups could have as much fun with their own foibles. Jesus' part was played a little too light and fluffy for my taste for such a powerful and impactful man...but it was really courageous for writers to attempt a charicaturization of him that was bound to attract major dissention to begin with.… Expand
  5. KateC
    Jan 8, 2006
    0
    The Washington Post's Tom Shales said all there is to be said: I cannot recall a series in which a greater number of characters seemed so desperately detestable -- a series with a larger population of loathsome dolts. There ought to be a worse punishment than cancellation for a show that tries this hard to be offensive and, even at that crass task, manages to fail.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. mrnobody
    Jan 6, 2006
    0
    This show is striaght from hell.
  9. lsmith
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    Horrible- Do people realize that making a sexual advance to your sister is incest! It does not matter if you are adopted. Adoption is a legal process that makes siblings legally brother and sister. Is this 2006???
  10. LesterS
    Jan 7, 2006
    1
    Jesus appears to be naive and consenting and all the issues portrayed appear okay....but Jesus did say to an adulterous woman, "Go and sin no more" We condemn ourselves by the choices we make and that determines our future judgment by God Almighty,
  11. RichE
    Jan 7, 2006
    3
    How many sins were they trying to commit in the first show?
  12. CindiB
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    This was a funny show! Why does everyone have to take everything so seriously. Loosen up people!
  13. karenk
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    We loved it, it is like a 21st century SOAP
  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. 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
  16. PatriciaG
    Jan 7, 2006
    2
    Absolutely agree with Tom Shales of the Washington Post.
  17. charlenej
    Jan 7, 2006
    0
    found it offensive
  18. 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
  19. ShirleyJ
    Jan 7, 2006
    9
    Why not!!?? I liked it
  20. SuzanneE
    Jan 8, 2006
    8
    I thought the program was a real hoot. Loved the cast and thought the whole premise of the show refreshing.
  21. StevenD
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    Very good show if you look past the silly controversy.
  22. SandraM
    Jan 9, 2006
    10
    I'm as excited by this show as I was by DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES before they killed off Bree's husband. WASP families fascinate me. Having Jesus shown live is fine. I can't imagine that anyone other than a fanatic will object. My only problem with the show is that it's on opposite another favorite of mine: NUMB3RS, which I will now have to watch in rerun.
  23. ShannonW
    Jan 9, 2006
    0
    This show was a complete disappointment. The average American family is indeed dysfunctional but this is dysfunction has gone overboard. It isn't even entertainment... just filth. It is a mockery of the Christian faith and Jesus Christ. The Jesus character is nothing but a glorified "tell me what you think" therapist. Nobody would dare mock any other religion like this. It is This show was a complete disappointment. The average American family is indeed dysfunctional but this is dysfunction has gone overboard. It isn't even entertainment... just filth. It is a mockery of the Christian faith and Jesus Christ. The Jesus character is nothing but a glorified "tell me what you think" therapist. Nobody would dare mock any other religion like this. It is completely offensive and a wrong direction for NBC to be taking!!… Expand
  24. ernie
    Jan 9, 2006
    8
    Funny tv -people need to remember its for entertainmant
  25. deb
    Feb 4, 2006
    10
    I love the show! The sarcasm is great. you canm go on the nbc website and view the unaired episodes from the last few weeks. It is too bad that the network did not have enough courage to give the show a little longer to prove itself.
  26. KM
    Jan 11, 2006
    2
    By the end of the second episode, we seemed to have one of every cliche in the book, bunches of overdubs where I guess 'controversial' things were changed, and in general a large mess.
  27. CBeach
    Jan 11, 2006
    0
    There was not one redeeming feature in this show. Not that Christians don't have problems, or commit sins, but there was not one reference to asking God for help, not one reference to reading the Bible for guidance, Things which any truly Christian family with problems would do. It seemed that the purpose was to make Christians, and clergy out to be hopeless mean and nasty fools, and There was not one redeeming feature in this show. Not that Christians don't have problems, or commit sins, but there was not one reference to asking God for help, not one reference to reading the Bible for guidance, Things which any truly Christian family with problems would do. It seemed that the purpose was to make Christians, and clergy out to be hopeless mean and nasty fools, and to make fun of Christians in general. I don't know the religeous persuasion of the authors, but it would appear that they don't get very involved with the subject matter they are writing about.… Expand
  28. KimW
    Jan 13, 2006
    0
    What a sick world. But God will judge!
  29. JayW
    Jan 13, 2006
    0
    Thiis show is a very poor inturpetation of christainity and the book of daniel it self. I'm very disapointed in NBC producting such a show. This show totaly make light of a very serious subjects with in christainity. Every thing that seems to be acceptable in the show is totally against what the book of Daniel is really about.
  30. PRedstone
    Jan 14, 2006
    10
    Like the stained glass station breaks, the writing is colorful with harsh outlines. That's what black comedy is supposed to be like. The style captures the outrageous in the mundane. I love it. Keep it up. Good work!!! Great cast! Susanna Thompson is fabulous!
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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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