Living Biblically

Lore & Background

The series chronicles Chip Curry, a married, lapsed Catholic film critic and expectant father who decides to improve his life by living according to the Bible, literally, after the death of his best friend. Though his wife and coworkers are confused and skeptical, Chip receives support from priest Father Gene, who nonetheless warns him of the potential consequences of trying to live by literal Biblical principles in modern times. The main cast includes Jay R. Ferguson as Chip Curry, Lindsey Kraft as his wife Leslie, Ian Gomez as Father Gene, David Krumholtz as Rabbi Gil Ableman, Tony Rock as Vince Williams, Camryn Manheim as Ms. Meadows, and Sara Gilbert as Cheryl.

Reader's Guide

Living Biblically was notable for its unusual premise—a man attempting to follow the Bible literally in contemporary life—but received largely negative reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 18% based on 17 reviews, with the critical consensus stating it 'commits the cardinal TV sin of wasting the outline of a refreshingly unusual premise on broad, hammy acting and stock sitcom laughs.' On Metacritic, the series has a weighted average score of 47 out of 100, indicating 'mixed or average reviews.' The show was canceled after one season, with only eight of its thirteen episodes airing initially before the remaining five were broadcast in July 2018. Its legacy is as a short-lived sitcom that failed to capitalize on its source material's potential.

Did You Know?

• The series was originally ordered under the title By the Book.
• Every episode was directed by Andy Ackerman except episode 11, directed by Katy Garretson.
• The final five episodes aired over a three-week period from July 7 to July 21, 2018.