In a moment of short-sightedness, NBC has removed The Book of Daniel from the lineup.
Although the network stopped short of saying the low-rated show was canceled, a spokeswoman said Tuesday it has been dropped from the schedule.
It cites low ratings (5.8 million viewers for its fourth episode - down from 6.9 million the first night it aired) as the reason behind the move. Pressure from watchdog groups likely hasn't helped. Even before the television show aired, it sparked controversy from Christian groups that claimed Christ was depicted as "tolerant of sin".
Despite the fact that the show tackled homosexuality, premarital sex, drug addiction, and a cleric's struggle with faith with grace and dignity, various groups felt the show mocked religion and amounted to little more than anti-Christian bigotry.
Reverend Daniel Webster, played by Aidan Quinn, attempts to balance his earthly duties as a family man and his responsibility to serve as a moral compass for his Episcopal congregation. Reverend Webster tends to both "families" with the same level of concern and compassion after seeking advice from Jesus.
The removal of the show from NBC's schedule will be seen as a victory for the American Family Association and Focus on Family. It's a hollow victory, at best. Smart writing, realistic situations, and compassionate characters addressing the issues of the day in a manner befitting Christ's teachings are far from anti-Christian. If anything, the show depicted all that Christianity is supposed to be.
NBC has not announced a replacement for The Book of Daniel's Friday night (10 p.m.) timeslot.
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Article comments
1 - Doug
Wow. The response here from the Christian Right on this can only be described as "knee-jerk". I can understand the things that got them upset about this show, but to target a primetime show that dealt so positively with the effect of faith and religion on a modern family seems short-sighted at best.
2 - Aaman
I want to start a sign-up campaign to bring the show back, possibly to HBO
3 - Victor Lana
Good idea, Aaman.
The problem with the show is advertising (at least that's what I hear on NYC radio). NBC cannot get "national" advertisers. One NBC exec quipped, "We're lucky if we can get 1-800 anything." (Again, I heard this on a radio report).
Obviously, the advertisers are nervous based on what Joan has written in this post. Once again, quality TV is sacrificed because of the few who seem to wield such power.
In the meantime, we must suffer with the likes of brain dead shows, reality crap, and reruns even during the so-called "season" for new episodes.
No wonder cable TV is taking over. Here's to the show moving to HBO and becoming a big hit!!
4 - DJRadiohead
Before we feed any Christians to the lions... those ratings are bad. ABC just cancelled a show with Heather Graham after 1 show for poor ratings and a feeling it would get worse, not better. All that after ABC promoted the hell out of the show.
I know there were some advocacy groups who were quite vocal in their concerns about what they believed the show would be but it's not like Christian activists convinced NBC to cut a hit. The last place network (NBC) cut a show that was near the bottom of the ratings.
5 - Susan Reno-Gilliland
The networks 'bottom-line' is definitely ratings. Regardless of activists, groups, protests, etc., ratings talk louder than anything else. The time-slot did not help the show's ratings, either. I'm not usually home at that time, but I do have a duel DVR on my satellite. The problem is, I already have two other shows that I record that is on during that time-slot. Even if I wanted to watch, I'm not giving up my other two shows (that I've watched for more than one season already) to try out a newcomer.
NBC is third in the network rankings already and a lot of people are just looking for someone to blame and, in this case, Christians are getting the brunt of the blame for poor network planning and placement (imo). The show isn't really any worse than issues that have already been visited by several other shows already.
6 - Mark Saleski
i'm kind of disgusted at the extreme short-sightedness of the networks.
think of all of the shows from that past that wouldn't have existed if this approach was taken:
MASH
Seinfeld
All In The Family
none of 'em had great numbers at the start.
7 - DJRadiohead
I agree, Mark, the networks are shortsighted. So are record labels and other media companies. Think of how many great artists would have been dropped after their debut if today's strategy was employed 30-40 years ago.
I am not sure TBOD has the makings of another Seinfeld.
8 - Mark Saleski
maybe not (i didn't get to see it). but the same goes for Emily's Reasons....which they cancelled after one 'effin show.
i kinda liked it...which is usually the death warning for shows.
shit, i like love monkey....
9 - DJRadiohead
So you're dooming "Love Monkey," too?
10 - Mark Saleski
apparently, i am.
you seen the show?
loved the opening last night. on the voiceover he's saying how while some people need coffee to get them going in the morning, he needs a record...and you see a hand flipping through a stack of vinyl.
he pulls out: Kiss Alive.
(of course, then they go on the play the studio version of Rock & Roll All Night...but that's just picking nits from a music nerd)
11 - DJRadiohead
I am a music nerd and I would have noticed that, too. =)
I haven't seen the show. I might give it a whirl now that you have doomed it.
12 - Mark Saleski
you might like it. it's even got crank godfather eric begosian in the cast.
13 - Screen Rant
"Smart writing, realistic situations..."
Wow...
Vic
14 - Chris Evans
I'm very disappointed. I really liked this show, and I hope somehow it gets back on the air, even if on another network.
15 - Steve S
it's sad that such censorship doesn't get more of an outcry from the general public. I guess the Religious Right gets to determine what we all watch now.
I haven't verified but I just saw on another blog that nbc.com is allowing you to download and watch all remaining shows. If you are interested you better do it quickly, once the Religious Right finds out about it, I'm sure they will try to stop it on your behalf.
Perhaps NBC can fill the available time with Little House on the Prairie or Touched By An Angel reruns. If that's okay with the religious community, that is. Maybe we should ask first.
16 - Steve S
R13: very realistic situations per my world, except the whole mob part.
17 - Steve S
and, in this case, Christians are getting the brunt of the blame for poor network planning and placement (imo).
Actually, they are taking credit for shutting it down.
http://www.renewamerica.us/news/060125adams.htm
18 - Dave Nalle
Sorry, this show just wasn't that good. The only reason I can think of not to cancel it is to annoy the fundies by thumbing their nose at them. It's like 7th Heaven with a sarcastic Jesus - whoopee.
Dave