When it comes to faith-based TV, the phrase “worth the watch” doesn’t always spring to mind. Let’s be honest — many of these shows are more sermon than story, with production quality that’s closer to your cousin’s wedding video than prestige TV. But times are a-changing, and some faith-centered series are proving they can compete with the big hitters. These four shows — each unique in their storytelling, production value and sheer entertainment factor — might just restore your faith in faith-based TV.
1. Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints
When Martin Scorsese lends his name to a project, you pay attention. The Saints, a new lush miniseries about historical and modern-day figures of faith, is basically The Crown for theology nerds. Each episode will tell a different saint’s story, but this isn’t your grandma’s bedtime devotional. It’s gritty, raw and unapologetically human.
Based on the first episode, which premiered over the weekend, Scorsese’s signature touch is all over it — sweeping visuals, moral complexity and a refusal to sugarcoat the messy lives of its subjects. Each episode thinking about grace and sacrifice, but also wondering how it took this long for faith and prestige TV to collide so beautifully.
Watch if you like: The Crown, Breaking Bad (but with way less meth), or the idea of saints who feel more like flawed people than distant statues.
2. The Chosen
Okay, The Chosen might already be on your radar, but if it isn’t, you’re missing out on the cultural phenomenon in faith-based media. This crowdfunded series reimagines the life of Jesus and His disciples, not as static icons but as living, breathing humans navigating a complicated world.
What sets The Chosen apart is its writing. It’s not cheesy. (Seriously, the dialogue doesn’t make you cringe — hallelujah!) Instead, it’s funny, emotional and surprisingly modern. Even the production is more well-done than the typical Hallmark cheesy cinematography. This is a well-done show that is well-worth your time.
Watch if you like: Game of Thrones (minus the dragons and violence), deep character development or crying in the best way possible.
3. The Baxters
This Karen Kingsbury adaptation follows the Baxter family as they navigate love, loss and a whole lot of family drama. Sure, the faith angle is front and center, but it never feels forced — it’s just part of who these characters are.
Amazon Prime spared no expense on production, making The Baxters look just as good as its mainstream counterparts. Plus, the show dives into tough topics like addiction and betrayal without offering trite, easy answers. It’s real, it’s raw and it might just make you call your mom after watching.
Watch if you like: This Is Us, Parenthood, or messy-yet-loving family dynamics.
4. Testaments: The Story of Moses
Netflix’s Testament: The Story of Moses is not your typical Bible epic. This cinematic retelling of the Exodus story is packed with high-stakes drama, jaw-dropping visuals and interviews with experts that bring a new level to Moses’ story. So it’s no wonder it was the No. 1 show on Netflix when it premiered.
The show leans into Moses’ inner conflict, making him less Charlton Heston and more tortured antihero. Think The Last Kingdom with a lot more plagues. The story stays true to its biblical roots, but it’s not afraid to fill in the gaps, giving us a Moses who feels relatable — even when he’s parting the Red Sea. Plus, the inside expertise enriches the viewing experience tenfold.
Watch if you like: The Witcher (minus the R-rated moments, of course), epic battles, or the idea of Pharaoh as the ultimate villain.
Faith-based TV doesn’t have to be cheesy or feel like you’re doing homework. Whether you’re a believer or just someone who loves a good story, we promise, there’s something here for you. So go ahead, add these to your queue. Just don’t blame us if you end up binge-watching all weekend.
Title: Four Faith-Based TV Shows That Are Worth the Watch
URL: https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/tv/four-faith-based-tv-shows-that-are-worth-the-watch/
Source: REL ::: RELEVANT
Source URL: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/rss/relevantmagazine.xml
Date: November 18, 2024 at 07:37PM
Feedly Board(s): Religion