Living Biblically

Living Biblically is a half-hour comedy series aired on CBS in 2018, featuring an ensemble cast of notable actors. Leading the pack is Jay R. Ferguson, prominent for his role on the TV series Mad Men. His co-stars include Ian Gomez (Cougar Town), David Krumholtz (Numb3rs), and Camryn Manheim (The Practice). The show is based on the bestselling book by A.J. Jacobs, "The Year of Living Biblically," which unfolds the amusing adventure of the author as he attempts to live his life fully according to the Bible.

Living Biblically revolves around the life of the New Yorker film reviewer Chip Curry (Jay R. Ferguson). In scrutinizing life's bigger picture, after losing his best friend and finding out that he's about to become a father, Chip decides to adopt a new approach to his life - living strictly by the Holy Scriptures. With the Bible as his guiding light, Chip embarks on a spirited and humorous journey of literal Biblical interpretation, creating many comedic situations.

Supported by his loving and understanding wife Leslie, played by Lindsey Kraft, Chip's resolve on this newfound lifestyle enhances the underlying spirit of the plot. Leslie is a nonbeliever, and this adds additional layers to the storyline, driving interesting discussions and comical takes on the differences in their beliefs.

Ian Gomez plays the role of Father Gene, a clergyman and a close friend to Chip. He serves as a humorous source of wisdom and skepticism towards Chip’s endeavor. He, along with Rabbi Gil (David Krumholtz), provide Chip with spiritual guidance and interpretation of the Bible's teachings. Their teamwork results in an enjoyable dynamic of humor and friendship, laying down the foundation for discussions on faith, morality, and the complexities of life.

Camryn Manheim plays Ms. Meadows, Chip's boss who doesn't share his religious beliefs but supports him nevertheless, often offering candid advice and adding to the show's comedic element with her dry sense of humor.

Living Biblically provides a balanced perspective towards faith, being neither preachy nor disrespectful. It seeks to explore the struggles and challenges of living in a way that might seem old-fashioned or out-of-sync with today's fast-paced, modern lifestyle, yet imparts lessons that are timelessly insightful and valuable. The show uses comedy as a device to converse about the complexities surrounding religion, faith, and personal beliefs in a light-hearted, approachable manner.

Sharply written dialogues, charming performances from the ensemble cast, and an original premise set Living Biblically apart in the landscape of contemporary sitcoms. It is a show that does not shy away from addressing profound questions hidden beneath the surface of daily routines and life circumstances, and it accomplishes this with an uplifting spirit of humor.

Set in New York City and making the most of this backdrop, Living Biblically draws upon the challenges of trying to adhere strictly to ancient Biblical rules in the hustle and bustle of modern urban living. This intersection of ancient teachings and contemporary life forms the core of the series' humor and uniquely positions it within the realm of television comedies.

Living Biblically also navigates the inherent gap between the literal understanding of religious texts riddled with figurative and contextual language and its practical application in today's world, which contributes to the charm and humor of the series, allowing it to resonate with a diverse audience.

The show is an effort to thoughtfully, yet humorously, explore the role and interpretation of faith in everyday life, through the lens of a man who suddenly decides to live each moment of his existence in complete accordance with the Bible. By virtue of its narrative, the dynamics of its characters, and the complexities of faith explored, Living Biblically presents a unique sitcom experience with a heartwarming message about living better lives and being better people, regardless of religious beliefs. All while maintaining a lighthearted comedic tone, making it an enjoyable watch for anyone.