Fall TV show premieres are happening NOW and within the next few weeks we will be seeing even more new shows hit the airwaves. Although it remains to be seen which shows will be hits and which will be misses, there are some coming up that parents concerned with faith should know about. These are shows that could spark great conversations about faith and family with your kids or with you’d like to talk about Christ with. Here are just a few.
Splitting Up Together (ABC)
This family sitcom stars Jenna Fischer (who we all loved as Pam on The Office) and Oliver Hudson as a couple who is divorcing, but still sharing a house and parenting duties. As they split up, they start to realize how much they need each other, and their marriage re-ignites.
Why it matters: Marriage is seen as rather disposable these days, and it’s rare for couples to REALLY try and patch things up either before OR after they call it quits. From the show’s trailer, I am not sure that the rest of the show’s content is going to be something I’d watch with my kids, but I love the premise and I think it’s great to talk about the importance of working on your marriage.
By the Book (CBS)
Based on the book “A Year of Living Biblically,” this show centers around a regular Joe who decides to start living by the rules of the Bible after the death of his best friend. But he decides to observe EVERY single rule, even the obscure Old Testament ones, and starts not just living biblically, but living WEIRDLY.
Why it matters: Well, the Bible will be a serious focus of the show, and having people focusing on God’s Word is ALWAYS good. I’m just hoping that the show has respect for God’s Word as well as a sense of humor. In any case, it will be a great way to discuss faith with non-Christian friends.
The Good Place (CBS)
The Good Place is not actually new, it just started its second season. (I actually watched it last year excitedly because I LOVE Kristen Bell.) When bad girl Eleanor Shellstrop (Bell) wakes up in a strange place, she’s told she’s dead and in “The Good Place” because she was SUCH a good person while alive. But Eleanor immediately knows she’s NOT supposed to be there, and embarks on an adventure to keep her secret and keep herself safe in “The Good Place” and OUT of “The Bad Place.”
Why it matters: The show has LOTS to say on being a “good” or “bad” person, ethics, morals, and of course, heaven and hell. It’s hilarious to boot, and will open up TONS of opportunities for you to discuss Christ with someone who needs to hear about a real depiction of eternity.
13 Reasons Why, Season 2 (Netflix)
Much has been written about 13 Reasons Why season 1, which premiered earlier this year on Netflix. Based on the book of the same name, it covers the reasons for the main character’s suicide – which she’s left behind on recordings for her best friend.
Why it matters: I was pretty bummed to see a season 2 of this series, because season 1, though rated “MA” was watched ad nauseum by teens (it’s about teens, after all.) The series includes upsetting, graphic rape scenes and a glorification of suicide which can be dangerous for any teens struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental illness. Though I’ve heard some parents say it’s good to watch WITH your teens to discuss these issues, I’ve heard other parents, including the father of one who took her life, so to steer clear. Whatever you decide, discussing suicide with your teens, asking them if they’ve ever had suicidal thoughts, and talking about how Christ can help them in their brokenness are things I’d always recommend.
Young Sheldon (CBS)
This Big Bang Theory spin-off imagines the early life of genius scientist Sheldon Cooper, who is the odd one out growing up in the sports-obsessed Bible Belt in Texas.
Why it matters: Much has been made of the atheist Sheldon’s Christian upbringing on Big Bang, and so no doubt Young Sheldon will surely contain lots of Jesus talk. Once again, a great opportunity for Christians to talk to their non-Christian friends about faith. Also, Young Sheldon appears to have a pretty strong family unit and structure, which is nice to see in a family comedy.
Kevin (Probably) Saves the World (ABC)
This comedy stars Jason Ritter (you know, Lauren Graham’s younger boyfriend on Parenthood!) as a down on his luck dude who starts getting visits from an angel, Yvette, who says God has tasked HIM with saving the world. The show’s site says, “Kevin Finn is not a good person. He’s not terrible, but he’s selfish, and clueless, and values material wealth and status over all else. And he’s beginning to realize that those things aren’t making him happy—in fact, he’s fairly miserable. Just when things seem to be at their worst, he finds himself tasked with an unbelievable mission… saving the world. ”
Why it matters: I’ve heard from people who watched the premiere this week that this show is excellent for starting convos with kids or non-Christian friends about faith, WHY we do “good” deeds, and God’s purposes for our lives.
Those are some of the shows that, in my opinion, Christians (especially parents) should have on their radar this fall—what are some of yours?
